PrepTest 136, Section 4, Question 9
Terrence Gurney suggests that because his books appeal(49 more words not shown)
Which one of the following(7 more words not shown)
- ATerrence Gurney is(23 more words not shown)
- BTerrence Gurney's books(5 more words not shown)
- CEven though Terrence(17 more words not shown)
- DTerrence Gurney has(18 more words not shown)
- ETerrence Gurney should(24 more words not shown)
Reading the argument
Is Gurney being overlooked because his books are popular, or because of the writing itself?
Gurney offers the first explanation. The author offers the second: the stories are interesting, but the writing is flat and leaves no lasting impression. That gives us a reason to question Gurney's account, although it does not settle every question about what his books deserve. Perhaps an interesting story could still be an achievement despite flat prose.
What we’re looking for
For the conclusion question, we do not have to resolve that debate ourselves. We need to see what the author uses the criticism of the writing to support. The answer is the short claim near the beginning: 'Surely he is mistaken.' The rest explains why the author thinks Gurney is wrong about the reason for his lack of recognition.
Working the answers
- ACorrect
This spells out what 'he is mistaken' means: Gurney is wrong to attribute the lack of due credit to his books' wide appeal. The criticism of his writing supplies an alternative explanation and supports this rejection of his account.
- B
This is a broader judgment about the literary worth of the books. The author criticizes the writing to explain the lack of praise, but does not expressly conclude that the books contain no significant literary achievement. The overall point is that Gurney has misidentified the reason for his treatment.
- C
This accurately states the author's description of the books, but it plays the role of evidence. Why does the author think Gurney's explanation is wrong? Because flat writing is likely the reason for the lack of praise. C gives the reason rather than the conclusion it supports.
- D
This is Gurney's explanation, the one the author rejects. Keeping the two voices separate is essential here. The passage introduces D so it can argue against it, not endorse it.
- E
The author never recommends giving Gurney some praise despite the flat writing. Interesting stories might be a reason someone else would offer for praising him, but the argument does not make that recommendation. It disputes his explanation of why praise has been lacking.
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