Bunuel wrote:
In early civilizations, the development of the first calendar system often coincided with the advancement of mathematics and astronomy. Granted, the practice of studying celestial bodies also gave rise to astrology and religion, which often had the effect of slowing the progress of the former two areas. Nevertheless, it's by no means impossible that these partly contradictory human pursuits had a common cause, or at least a common contributing cause. Therefore, in all likelihood, the advancement of agrarian science, which motivated the development of measuring seasons and time, led to improved understanding of mathematics and astronomy in early civilizations.
In the argument given, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?
Break it down: Calendar System/Agrarian Science -> Math/Astronomy Improved
Something to note is that the
general tone of the passage is neutral. (I.E no back and forth argumentation)
A. The first is a claim that the argument disputes; the second is a conclusion that has been based on that claim.The first isn't being disputed, it's stating facts, which are not being argued.
B. The first is a claim that has been used to support a conclusion that the argument accepts; the second is that conclusion.Looks good.C. The first is evidence that has been used to support a conclusion for which the argument provides further evidence; the second is the main conclusion of the argument.Runner-up
The argument doesn't provide
further evidence.. It's kinda providing more info/context, but remains neutral.
D. The first is a finding whose implications are at issue in the argument; the second is a claim presented in order to argue against deriving certain implications from that finding.There isn't really any issue being discussed, just facts.. Furthermore, there is no arguing going on here..
E. The first is a finding whose accuracy is evaluated in the argument; the second is evidence presented to establish that the finding is accurate.Accuracy is irrelevant and is not being evaluated