16Hit1600
Expression of IdeasVery hardPresenting two explanations even-handedly

Expression of Ideas practice question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: - The entrance of the stone circle at Cairn Rigg aligns with the midwinter sunrise. - Some archaeologists argue that the alignment was a deliberate astronomical design. - Others argue that the entrance simply faces the lowest point on the ridge, the easiest approach. - No written records survive from the builders. The student wants to present both explanations of the alignment without endorsing either.

Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

  1. A. The circle's entrance faces the midwinter sunrise, which some archaeologists read as deliberate astronomical design and others attribute to the practical choice of the ridge's easiest approach.Correct
  2. B. The circle's entrance was clearly designed to face the midwinter sunrise.
  3. C. The circle's entrance faces the midwinter sunrise.
  4. D. No written records survive from the builders of the circle.

Answer: A. The circle's entrance faces the midwinter sunrise, which some archaeologists read as deliberate astronomical design and others attribute to the practical choice of the ridge's easiest approach.

Both readings, neither favoured.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The circle's entrance was clearly designed to face the midwinter sunrise.
Endorses one explanation.
C. The circle's entrance faces the midwinter sunrise.
States the fact without either explanation.
D. No written records survive from the builders of the circle.
Omits the alignment and the explanations.

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