PrepTest 152, Section 3, Question 22
Physicists posit that at first our universe was(435 more words not shown)
The author’s stance toward Carroll(10 more words not shown)
- Aan ardent(1 more words not shown)
- Ba dismissive(1 more words not shown)
- Ca disinterested(1 more words not shown)
- Da sympathetic(1 more words not shown)
- Ea zealous(1 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
What does the writer do with Carroll and Chen's theory? We get their motivating question, the puzzle about the initial state, and an explanation of how their proposal addresses it. Calling their move an “innovation” suggests a receptive attitude. But phrases such as “According to” and “On this view” keep the claims attached to the scientists' account.
What we’re looking for
That points toward favorable reporting. Whether we personally find the theory convincing is a separate question from the writer's stance.
Working the answers
- A
An ardent adversary would strongly oppose the theory. No such attack appears here.
- B
A dismissive critic would brush the theory aside as unworthy or mistaken. The writer instead takes its reasoning seriously enough to explain it.
- C
Disinterested can sound neutral, but skeptic still adds doubt. The writer doesn't raise skeptical objections. Not declaring a theory conclusively proved is different from expressing disbelief in it.
- DCorrect
Reporter captures the central job: explaining what Carroll and Chen propose and why. Sympathetic fits the receptive treatment of their innovation as a way to address a real puzzle. The writer can present the theory favorably without insisting that it must be true.
- E
A zealous proponent would advocate the theory with much greater enthusiasm or commitment. This explanation of its rationale does not amount to that kind of campaigning.
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