16Hit1600
Craft and StructureVery hardFunction of a sentence that pre-empts an objection

Craft and Structure practice question

The proposal to close the road to cars will, its critics say, simply push the traffic onto neighbouring streets. That is what happened in the first month. By the third month, however, counts on the neighbouring streets had fallen back to their previous levels, and total traffic in the district was down by a fifth.

Which choice best describes the function of the second sentence?

  1. A. It concedes that the critics' prediction came true at first, before the later data are presented.Correct
  2. B. It rejects the critics' claim outright.
  3. C. It describes the neighbouring streets.
  4. D. It states the author's conclusion.

Answer: A. It concedes that the critics' prediction came true at first, before the later data are presented.

A concession that sets up the "however".

Why the other answers are wrong

B. It rejects the critics' claim outright.
It admits the prediction held briefly.
C. It describes the neighbouring streets.
No description.
D. It states the author's conclusion.
The conclusion comes in the final sentence.

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