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Craft and StructureMediumStructure: a general rule and an exception

Craft and Structure practice question

Most birds sing to hold a territory or to attract a mate, and they fall silent once the breeding season ends. The robin is the exception. It sings all winter, because in winter it holds a feeding territory that it defends as fiercely as a nest, and its thin, wistful autumn song is that defence.

Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

  1. A. It states a general rule about birdsong and then describes and explains an exception.Correct
  2. B. It lists several birds that sing in winter.
  3. C. It argues that robins sing better than other birds.
  4. D. It describes the robin's nest.

Answer: A. It states a general rule about birdsong and then describes and explains an exception.

Rule, exception, reason.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. It lists several birds that sing in winter.
Only the robin is named.
C. It argues that robins sing better than other birds.
No judgement of quality.
D. It describes the robin's nest.
No nest.

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