16Hit1600
Craft and StructureVery hardFunction of a sentence in an argument about statues

Craft and Structure practice question

Cities have begun to remove statues of figures whose deeds now cause shame. Some object that this erases history. But a statue is not history; it is an honour, and honours can be withdrawn without a single fact being lost. The history stays in the books, the archives, and the classrooms. What changes is only whom the city chooses to celebrate in its squares.

Which choice best describes the function of the sentence "But a statue is not history; it is an honour, and honours can be withdrawn without a single fact being lost" in the text as a whole?

  1. A. It answers the objection by drawing a distinction on which the rest of the argument rests.Correct
  2. B. It concedes that removing statues erases history.
  3. C. It gives an example of a statue that was removed.
  4. D. It summarises the views of those who object.

Answer: A. It answers the objection by drawing a distinction on which the rest of the argument rests.

Statue versus history: the pivot.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. It concedes that removing statues erases history.
It rejects the erasure claim.
C. It gives an example of a statue that was removed.
No example.
D. It summarises the views of those who object.
The objection is in the previous sentence.

More Craft and Structure questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.