Existing optical lenses are not thin or flat enough to remove distortions, such as spherical aberration and astigmatism, which prevent the creation of a sharp image. Correction of those distortions requires complex solutions, such as multiple lenses that increase weight and take up space. To overcome these challenges, scientists have developed a new superthin, flat lens.
The surface of this lens is patterned with tiny metallic stripes which bend light differently as one moves away from the centre, causing the beam to sharply focus without distorting the images.
In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?
(A) The first states a problem with existing optical lenses and the second states the solution for this problem that has been developed by scientists
(B) The first is the main conclusion of the argument and the second provides support for this main conclusion
(C) The first is evidence the accuracy of which is questioned later in the argument; the second is a conclusion that the argument supports
(D) The first mentions a problem with existing optical lenses and the second describes the structure of a new type of lens that can solve that problem
(E) The first is a problem associated with one type of optical lens; the second advocates the use of an alternative lens
Official Answer: D
Explanation
The argument basically states that there is a problem associated with currently available optical
lenses and that scientists have developed a new type of lens that can resolve this problem. The
first bold part describes the problem and the second bold part describes the structure of the new
optical lens and how it works.
A. While this option looks good, notice that the second bold part does not actually state the
solution to this problem; it just provides a description of the new optical lens.
B. The first and second bold part are in fact stating opposite things so one cannot be providing
support for the other
C. The accuracy of the first bold part is never at question in the argument. The second is not
really a conclusion
D. The correct answer
E. The first bold part is correct but the second bold part incorrectly uses the term ‘advocate’. The
argument never advocates anything
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