PrepTest 132, Section 1, Question 1
To study centuries-old earthquakes and the geologic faults(444 more words not shown)
Which one of the following(9 more words not shown)
- ALichenometry is a(12 more words not shown)
- BDespite its limitations,(19 more words not shown)
- CMost seismologists today(17 more words not shown)
- DTwo geologists have(18 more words not shown)
- ERadiocarbon dating, an(17 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
We've already predicted the main idea: lichenometry is a promising new way to date earthquakes, though using it properly requires care. Look for its advantages without turning that qualified assessment into a claim that it solves every dating problem.
Working the answers
- ACorrect
This captures the introduction of the method and the comparison that follows. It doesn't list every qualification in our prediction, but “has advantages” fits the more precise dates Bull and Brandon claim and leaves room for the limitations discussed at the end.
- B
We compare lichenometry with radiocarbon dating, not every possible method. Nothing establishes that it has been proven best of all.
- C
We aren't told that most seismologists have rejected one method and embraced the other. Introducing a promising technique doesn't show that most researchers have adopted it.
- D
Neither a revolution in the field nor easy application is established. The final paragraph stresses careful site selection and calibration, which D leaves out.
- E
The account identifies problems with radiocarbon dating, but it never recommends abandoning it. Lichenometry's advantages don't establish that the older method has no remaining use.
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