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Craft and StructureMediumOne text refining another's claim

Craft and Structure practice question

Text 1 Learning to play a musical instrument improves children's mathematics, argues educator Ravi Sen, citing higher maths scores among pupils who take lessons. Text 2 The scores are real, but pupils who take lessons tend to come from homes with more books, more money, and more help with homework. Once those are allowed for, the musical advantage in maths shrinks to almost nothing.

Which choice best describes the relationship between the two texts?

  1. A. Text 2 accepts Sen's data but argues that other differences between the pupils explain most of the effect.Correct
  2. B. Text 2 denies that any pupils take music lessons.
  3. C. Text 2 argues that music lessons harm maths.
  4. D. Text 2 reports stronger evidence for Sen's claim.

Answer: A. Text 2 accepts Sen's data but argues that other differences between the pupils explain most of the effect.

'The scores are real, but' — home advantages explain them.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Text 2 denies that any pupils take music lessons.
Text 2 discusses pupils who take lessons.
C. Text 2 argues that music lessons harm maths.
Not claimed.
D. Text 2 reports stronger evidence for Sen's claim.
Text 2 weakens the claim.

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