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Craft and StructureMediumFunction of a sentence giving historical context

Craft and Structure practice question

The bridge's pillars are far thicker than they need to be. When it was built in 1820, engineers could not calculate loads precisely and so built in a margin of safety by instinct. The result has carried traffic its designers never imagined.

Which choice best describes the function of the second sentence?

  1. A. It explains the historical reason for the feature described in the first sentence.Correct
  2. B. It argues that the bridge should be rebuilt.
  3. C. It describes the traffic the bridge carries today.
  4. D. It criticises modern engineers.

Answer: A. It explains the historical reason for the feature described in the first sentence.

Thick pillars, then why: 1820 engineers built in a margin by instinct.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. It argues that the bridge should be rebuilt.
No such argument.
C. It describes the traffic the bridge carries today.
Today's traffic is in the third sentence.
D. It criticises modern engineers.
Modern engineers are not criticised.

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