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Craft and StructureMediumStructure: problem, failed fix, working fix

Craft and Structure practice question

The old town hall clock ran slow every winter. The council first tried oiling its gears, which changed nothing. A clockmaker then found that the cold was shortening the pendulum's metal rod, and fitted a rod of a different alloy that barely contracts. The clock has kept time since.

Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

  1. A. A problem is described, an unsuccessful remedy is noted, and then the successful remedy is explained.Correct
  2. B. Two competing explanations for a problem are weighed against each other.
  3. C. A general principle is stated and then illustrated with an example.
  4. D. A series of unrelated repairs to a building is listed.

Answer: A. A problem is described, an unsuccessful remedy is noted, and then the successful remedy is explained.

Problem (slow clock), failed attempt (oiling), diagnosis and fix (the alloy rod), result (keeps time).

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Two competing explanations for a problem are weighed against each other.
Only one explanation is given — the cold shortening the rod. Oiling was an attempt, not an explanation.
C. A general principle is stated and then illustrated with an example.
There is no general principle; the text tells one specific story.
D. A series of unrelated repairs to a building is listed.
The repairs are all aimed at the same problem, in sequence.

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