16Hit1600
Craft and StructureHardStructure: two explanations weighed

Craft and Structure practice question

Why did the medieval town wall have no gate on its northern side? One explanation is military: the north faced the border, and a wall without a gate is easier to defend. Another is commercial: the town's trade came by river from the south, and a northern gate would have served no one. The two explanations are not rivals; a council that feared the north and traded with the south would have reached the same decision for both reasons.

Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

  1. A. It poses a question, offers two explanations, and then argues that the explanations are compatible.Correct
  2. B. It poses a question and leaves it unanswered.
  3. C. It describes the construction of a wall in chronological order.
  4. D. It argues that the military explanation is wrong.

Answer: A. It poses a question, offers two explanations, and then argues that the explanations are compatible.

Question, two answers, reconciled.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. It poses a question and leaves it unanswered.
The answer is that both reasons apply.
C. It describes the construction of a wall in chronological order.
No chronology.
D. It argues that the military explanation is wrong.
Both explanations are accepted.

More Craft and Structure questions

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