Information and IdeasEasy–MediumInference about Roman concrete
Information and Ideas practice question
Modern concrete exposed to seawater typically cracks and erodes within decades. Ancient Roman harbor concrete, by contrast, has survived two thousand years of waves — and analysis shows that seawater reacting with its volcanic ash actually grew new interlocking crystals in the cracks, strengthening the material over time. Engineers studying the Roman mix hope to ____
Which choice most logically completes the text?
- A. learn from a material that repairs itself in conditions that destroy modern concrete.Correct
- B. prove that Roman engineering was superior in every respect.
- C. replace all modern concrete with the Roman formula.
- D. show that modern harbors do not need concrete at all.
Answer: A. learn from a material that repairs itself in conditions that destroy modern concrete.
Modern marine concrete erodes while the Roman mix grew stronger in seawater — exactly the self-reinforcing behavior engineers would want to understand and borrow.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. prove that Roman engineering was superior in every respect.
- One impressive material does not support a claim about every respect of Roman engineering.
- C. replace all modern concrete with the Roman formula.
- The text says researchers study the reaction, not that they propose wholesale replacement.
- D. show that modern harbors do not need concrete at all.
- The interest is in better concrete for harbors, not in eliminating concrete.
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