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

Question

Text 1
Maps from 1800 show the coast has retreated 200 metres since then; the sea is eroding the cliffs faster than ever.

Text 2
The 1800 maps were drawn at a scale where 200 metres is the width of a pen line. The retreat may be far smaller, or larger, than they suggest.

Accepted Answer

A. By questioning whether the old maps are precise enough to support the figure in Text 1.. A pen line 200 metres wide.

Answer

B. By agreeing that the coast has retreated exactly 200 metres. — Text 2 doubts the figure.

Answer

C. By arguing that the cliffs are not eroding at all. — Text 2 says the retreat may even be larger.

Answer

D. By claiming that the maps were drawn later than 1800. — The date is not disputed.

Craft and Structure practice question