LPN wrote:
E, C, E for me.
The primary purpose of the passage is to
A. reevaluate a controversial theory
no controversy is discussed in the passage
B. identify the flaws in a study
author provides his opinion as against opinion of the author of 'American Genesis'
C. propose a new method of historical research
no proposal is made
D. compare two contrasting analyses
same as B. no comparisons being made.
E. provide a fresh perspective
yes. The author's opinion if novel "This comparative neglect of Westinghouse is consistent with other recent historians’ works"
According to the passage, Edison’s chief concern as an inventor was the
A. availability of a commercial market
B. costs of developing a prototype
C. originality of his inventions
"yes. For Edison as an inventor, novelty was always paramount"
D. maintenance of high standards throughout production
E. generation of enough profits to pay for continued marketing
The author of the passage implies that the shift away from the views of Westinghouse’s contemporaries should be regarded as
A. a natural outgrowth of the recent revival of interest in Edison
B. a result of scholarship based on previously unknown documents
C. reflective of modern neglect of the views of previous generations
no. this option is too generic and broad to be correct answer.
D. inevitable, given the changing trends in historical interpretations
E. surprising, given the stature that Westinghouse once had
yes. "it marks an intriguing departure from the prevailing view during the inventors’ lifetimes"
Responding to a pm:
Question 1. 1) The primary purpose of the passage is to
(A) reevaluate a controversial theory
(B) identify the flaws in a study
(C) propose a new method of historical research
(D) compare two contrasting analyses
(E) provide a fresh perspectiveParagraph 1: Hughes ignores Edison's famous contemporary George Westinghouse. The same is done by other recent historians'. But during the inventors' lifetimes (and for decades afterward) Edison and Westinghouse were called the two "pioneer innovators" of the electrical industry.
Paragraph 2: My recent reevaluation of Westinghouse suggests that while Westinghouse and Edison shared important traits as inventors, they differed markedly in their approach. For Edison as an inventor, novelty was always paramount. For Westinghouse, product development, standardization, system, and order were top priorities. Westinghouse thus better exemplifies the systematic approach to technological development that would become a hallmark of modern corporate research and development.
The author's objective is to give a fresh perspective on Westinghouse. He says that usually recent historians ignore him, but during their lifetimes, he was considered a contemporary and that his methods exemplify systematic approach to technological development.
Hence option (E) makes sense.
(A) reevaluate a controversial theoryThere is no controversy being discussed.
(B) identify the flaws in a studyNo study has been introduced. He talks about a book and recent historians. He does not discuss the studies they conducted or methods etc.
(C) propose a new method of historical researchHe doesn't propose any new method of historical research. He offers his perspective on a facet of history regarding an individual.
(D) compare two contrasting analysesAgain, he gives his own analysis only. He doesn't give a contrasting analysis. He says that historians ignore Westinghouse. He doesn't give their contrasting analysis on Westinghouse.
Answer (E)