PrepTest 150, Section 1, Question 5
The following passage was written in the mid-1990s.(446 more words not shown)
Which one of the following(16 more words not shown)
- Ato provide an(13 more words not shown)
- Bto argue that(15 more words not shown)
- Cto demonstrate the(13 more words not shown)
- Dto show that(16 more words not shown)
- Eto propose a(11 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
The models used to predict more warming than scientists observed. These two sentences explain the missing piece: sulfates reflect energy away, and including their historical levels brings the calculated temperatures into line with the measured ones.
What we’re looking for
What does that do for the argument? It answers the earlier objection. The author is saying, in effect, that the mismatch can be explained without abandoning the greenhouse theory. Look for a defense supported by additional information.
Working the answers
- A
We are not being given a successful prediction and then an observation that confirms it. The observations had exposed a mismatch; adding sulfate information helps correct the calculations. That repair is the point of the sentences.
- B
The author keeps the greenhouse explanation and includes an omitted influence. There is no proposal to formulate an entirely new theory.
- C
The earlier estimates did fail to match the temperatures, which makes this initially tempting. But the selected sentences explain how the difficulty is resolved. Their purpose is not to measure the degree of the theory's failure. Following the paragraph's movement—from objection to successful adjustment—shows why C points in the wrong direction.
- DCorrect
The theory had been questioned because its estimates were too high. The additional sulfate data explain why, and the revised calculations match observations. That is a concrete reason to defend an explanation that had been in doubt.
- E
The selected sentences are not proposing a way to settle a contest between two competing theories. They identify a neglected factor within the greenhouse calculation. The solar alternative is introduced only in the next paragraph.
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