PrepTest 133, Section 4, Question 25
Passage A Central to the historian's profession and(481 more words not shown)
Passage A(193 more words not shown)
Passage B(296 more words not shown)
Which one of the following(11 more words not shown)
- AObjectivity is a(8 more words not shown)
- BObjectivity is essential(6 more words not shown)
- CObjectivity cannot be(7 more words not shown)
- DHistorians are not(6 more words not shown)
- EHistorians who value(5 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
Both accounts treat objectivity positively. We shouldn't mistake B's rejection of neutrality for rejection of objectivity itself. The question asks for their shared attitude, so the political-commitment disagreement won't be our answer.
Working the answers
- A
Neither tells us how many historians achieve objectivity. Describing a demanding ideal doesn't show that only a few meet it.
- BCorrect
A places objectivity at the center of historical scholarship. B says scholarship distinct from propaganda requires the discipline to reject wishful thinking and unsupported interpretations, then explains its own ideal of objective thought. Both treat objectivity as essential, even though they disagree about neutrality.
- C
This is the disputed requirement, not the shared attitude. A demands insulation from political loyalties; B allows strong political commitment.
- D
We aren't given a judgment about historians' ability to assess their own objectivity. Wanting them to examine their views carefully doesn't establish that they are poor judges of themselves.
- E
No decline in the number of historians who value objectivity is described. A discussion of changing interpretations isn't evidence of that trend.
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