NitishJain wrote:
Hi GMATNinja,
Could you please help in explaining the argument and how to arrive to correct answer for this argument.
To answer boldface questions, the best thing to do is to break down the structure of the passage (just like any other CR question).
First, the author (a historian) introduces a traditional viewpoint:
- "It has traditionally been thought that [Newton and Leibniz's discoveries of calculus] were independent."
Next, the historian explores the viewpoint of "several scholars," and explains how they arrived at this viewpoint:
- The scholars conclude that "it is virtually certain that the traditional view is false."
- The scholars support this conclusion with two pieces of evidence:
1) Leibniz read a book that "includes a presentation of Newton’s calculus concepts and techniques"
2) Leibniz' notes about Newton's book "were written before Leibniz’ own development of calculus concepts and techniques." (This is BF 1)
So far, we have a group of scholars who disagree with a traditional viewpoint. Specifically, the traditional view is that Newton and Leibniz discovered calculus independently. The scholars think they did NOT discover calculus independently, because Leibniz saw Newton's work before Leibniz wrote about calculus.
Now, the historian introduces ANOTHER viewpoint: his/her OWN thoughts on the matter.
- The historian concludes that "a more cautious conclusion than [the scholars' viewpoint] is called for."
- The author supports this conclusion by saying that "Leibniz’ notes are limited to early sections of Newton’s book, sections that precede the ones in which Newton’s calculus concepts and techniques are presented." (This is BF 2)
So, the author
disagrees with the scholars -- he/she thinks that the scholars went too far, because there's no proof that Leibniz read enough of Newton's book to get to the juicy calculus information.
The author's viewpoint is the main conclusion of the passage.
So, which answer choice fits with analysis above?
Quote:
(A) The first provides evidence in support of the overall position that the historian defends; the second is evidence that has been used to support an opposing position.
Nope, the first boldface is evidence to support the SCHOLARS' position, and the historian DISAGREES with that position. The second boldface supports the HISTORIAN'S viewpoint.
Eliminate (A).
Quote:
(B) The first provides evidence in support of the overall position that the historian defends; the second is that position.
Same issue as (A) for the first boldface -- that one supports a position with which the historian DISAGREES. The second boldface is evidence in support of the historian's position, not the position itself.
(B) is out.
Quote:
(C) The first provides evidence in support of an intermediate conclusion that is drawn to provide support for the overall position that the historian defends; the second provides evidence against that intermediate conclusion.
Hmm... the first boldface provides support for the scholars' conclusion, but does that conclusion "provide support for the overall position that the historian defends"?
No, it does not. Again, the historian DISAGREES with the scholars' conclusion when stating his/her position.
Cross out (C).
Quote:
(D) The first is evidence that has been used to support a conclusion that the historian criticizes; the second is evidence offered in support of the historian’s own position.
This one looks alright! The first boldface supports the scholars' conclusion, which the historian argues against. The second is evidence to support the historian's argument.
Keep (D), and let's look at (E):
Quote:
(E) The first is evidence that has been used to support a conclusion that the historian criticizes; the second is further information that substantiates that evidence.
The explanation of the first boldface is the same as in (D), so no issues there.
The problem is with the second boldface, which doesn't substantiate scholars' evidence at all. The second boldface supports an argument that GOES AGAINST the scholars' position.
(E) is out, and (D) is the correct answer.
I hope that helps!
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