16Hit1600
Craft and StructureMediumFunction of an opening question

Craft and Structure practice question

Why do so many bridges from the 1930s still stand while some built in the 1970s have already been replaced? Part of the answer is steel: engineers of the earlier era, unable to calculate loads precisely, used far more of it than they needed.

Which choice best describes the function of the first sentence?

  1. A. It poses a puzzle that the rest of the text begins to answer.Correct
  2. B. It states the text's conclusion.
  3. C. It gives an example of a bridge that failed.
  4. D. It criticises engineers of the 1930s.

Answer: A. It poses a puzzle that the rest of the text begins to answer.

A question, then 'part of the answer': the opener sets up what follows.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. It states the text's conclusion.
The conclusion (extra steel) comes in the second sentence.
C. It gives an example of a bridge that failed.
No specific bridge is named.
D. It criticises engineers of the 1930s.
The 1930s engineers come out well — their bridges still stand.

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