16Hit1600
Expression of IdeasVery hardUsing a word's origin to favour a definition

Expression of Ideas practice question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: - Dictionary A defines "meander" as "to wander aimlessly". - Dictionary B defines it as "to follow a winding course, as a river does". - The word comes from the Maeander, a river in Turkey famous for its bends. - Both dictionaries were published in the last decade. The student wants to use the word's origin to argue that Dictionary B's definition is closer to the original sense.

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

  1. A. Because "meander" comes from the Maeander, a Turkish river famous for its bends, Dictionary B's definition, "to follow a winding course", is closer to the word's original sense.Correct
  2. B. Dictionary A defines "meander" as "to wander aimlessly".
  3. C. Both dictionaries were published in the last decade.
  4. D. The Maeander is a river in Turkey.

Answer: A. Because "meander" comes from the Maeander, a Turkish river famous for its bends, Dictionary B's definition, "to follow a winding course", is closer to the word's original sense.

Origin linked to the definition it supports.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Dictionary A defines "meander" as "to wander aimlessly".
The rival definition, with no argument.
C. Both dictionaries were published in the last decade.
Irrelevant to origin.
D. The Maeander is a river in Turkey.
The origin without the link to the definition.

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