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Craft and StructureMediumFunction of a sentence that limits a claim

Craft and Structure practice question

The species-counting rule gives a fair estimate for most hedges in the region. It fails, however, for hedges planted from mixed nursery stock in the last century, which may have five species from the start.

Which choice best describes the function of the second sentence?

  1. A. It identifies a case in which the rule described in the first sentence does not work.Correct
  2. B. It explains why the rule works.
  3. C. It gives an example of a five-hundred-year-old hedge.
  4. D. It argues that the rule should be abandoned.

Answer: A. It identifies a case in which the rule described in the first sentence does not work.

'It fails, however, for…': an exception to the rule.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. It explains why the rule works.
The mechanism is not explained.
C. It gives an example of a five-hundred-year-old hedge.
The example is of a young hedge that looks old.
D. It argues that the rule should be abandoned.
The rule still gives a 'fair estimate for most hedges'.

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