16Hit1600
Craft and StructureVery hardStructure of an argument by elimination

Craft and Structure practice question

Three explanations have been offered for the tower's lean. Poor foundations can be ruled out: the ground beneath is solid bedrock. Earthquake damage can be ruled out too: no quake has struck the region in recorded history. That leaves the third, that the lean was built in deliberately — and the surviving plans, drawn with a three-degree tilt, confirm it.

Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

  1. A. It dismisses two explanations in turn and then supports the remaining one with evidence.Correct
  2. B. It presents three explanations as equally likely.
  3. C. It describes the tower's construction step by step.
  4. D. It argues that the tower's lean cannot be explained.

Answer: A. It dismisses two explanations in turn and then supports the remaining one with evidence.

Two eliminations, then the survivor confirmed by the plans.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. It presents three explanations as equally likely.
Two of the three are ruled out.
C. It describes the tower's construction step by step.
No construction steps are given.
D. It argues that the tower's lean cannot be explained.
The text ends with a confirmed explanation.

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