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Craft and StructureMediumPurpose of a parenthetical aside

Craft and Structure practice question

The lighthouse was automated in 1987 (the last keeper, by then in his seventies, had asked to stay on unpaid and was refused), and its cottages were sold to a hotel chain.

Which choice best describes the function of the text in parentheses?

  1. A. It adds a human detail that colours the otherwise administrative account of the automation.Correct
  2. B. It explains the technology used to automate the lighthouse.
  3. C. It gives the reason the cottages were sold.
  4. D. It argues that automation was a mistake.

Answer: A. It adds a human detail that colours the otherwise administrative account of the automation.

The keeper's refused request is a personal note inside a sentence of dates and sales.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. It explains the technology used to automate the lighthouse.
No technology is described.
C. It gives the reason the cottages were sold.
The sale is a separate fact, not explained by the keeper.
D. It argues that automation was a mistake.
The sentence reports; it doesn't argue.

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