16Hit1600
Craft and StructureVery hardTwo views on a battle's decisive moment

Craft and Structure practice question

Text 1 The battle turned when the cavalry charged at three o'clock and broke the enemy's left. Text 2 The enemy's left was already giving way before the charge: their commander's dispatch, timed at half past two, orders a withdrawal because the ammunition had run out. The cavalry rode into a line that was leaving.

How would the author of Text 2 most likely respond to Text 1's account?

  1. A. By arguing that the enemy's left was collapsing for its own reasons before the cavalry arrived, so the charge did not turn the battle.Correct
  2. B. By agreeing that the charge broke the enemy's left.
  3. C. By denying that a charge took place.
  4. D. By claiming the battle was lost.

Answer: A. By arguing that the enemy's left was collapsing for its own reasons before the cavalry arrived, so the charge did not turn the battle.

A withdrawal ordered at half past two.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. By agreeing that the charge broke the enemy's left.
Text 2 says the line was already leaving.
C. By denying that a charge took place.
The charge is accepted.
D. By claiming the battle was lost.
The outcome is not disputed.

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