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Craft and StructureHardStructure: a question, a common answer, and a correction

Craft and Structure practice question

Why do onions make us cry? The usual answer is that they release a gas that stings the eyes. That is half right: the gas forms only when the onion's cells are broken, which is why a whole onion does nothing and a chopped one does, and why a very sharp knife, which crushes fewer cells, brings fewer tears.

Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

  1. A. It asks a question, gives the common answer, and then refines it with an explanation that accounts for more of the facts.Correct
  2. B. It lists ways to avoid crying.
  3. C. It compares onions with other vegetables.
  4. D. It argues that onions should be eaten raw.

Answer: A. It asks a question, gives the common answer, and then refines it with an explanation that accounts for more of the facts.

Question, half-right answer, the fuller account.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. It lists ways to avoid crying.
The sharp knife is an aside, not a list.
C. It compares onions with other vegetables.
No other vegetables.
D. It argues that onions should be eaten raw.
No argument about eating.

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