16Hit1600
Craft and StructureEasy–MediumPurpose of a quoted figure in a passage

Craft and Structure practice question

The new tram line was expected to carry 8,000 passengers a day. In its first month it averaged 19,000. City planners, who had argued for a smaller line, have since stopped calling the project 'ambitious'.

Which choice best describes the function of the second sentence?

  1. A. It gives a figure that shows the expectation in the first sentence was far too low.Correct
  2. B. It explains how the passengers were counted.
  3. C. It repeats the first sentence's estimate.
  4. D. It argues that the tram line should be shortened.

Answer: A. It gives a figure that shows the expectation in the first sentence was far too low.

8,000 expected, 19,000 delivered: the second sentence's number overturns the first's.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. It explains how the passengers were counted.
No counting method is described.
C. It repeats the first sentence's estimate.
19,000 is a different figure from 8,000.
D. It argues that the tram line should be shortened.
The passage points the other way — the planners were wrong to want it smaller.

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