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Craft and StructureVery hardStructure of a text about a book's slow success

Craft and Structure practice question

The first edition sold badly, the second worse. The publisher, who had printed the third before the second had failed, gave the copies away to schools, where the book was read by children who had no idea it had failed, and who grew up to buy it for their own children in an edition that has never gone out of print.

Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

  1. A. It traces a chain of events by which a commercial failure became a lasting success.Correct
  2. B. It compares three editions of a book.
  3. C. It argues that publishers should give books to schools.
  4. D. It explains why the first edition sold badly.

Answer: A. It traces a chain of events by which a commercial failure became a lasting success.

Failure, giveaway, a generation of readers, success.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. It compares three editions of a book.
The editions are steps, not the comparison.
C. It argues that publishers should give books to schools.
No general argument.
D. It explains why the first edition sold badly.
No reason is given for the poor sales.

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