Over the past century, the United States population has continued to

Question

Over the past century, the United States population has continued to grow and so has the amount of hurricane activity along the Gulf and Atlantic coastlines. For meteorologists, a better understanding of storm frequency and characteristics can assist in hurricane forecasts, which in turn guides infrastructure planning and even insurance rates. Unfortunately, fewer than 200 years of historical weather records exist in the U.S., and in that time only a handful of category 5 hurricane—the most destructive tropical cyclones—have made landfall. This paucity of data presents a challenge in accurately predicting the likelihood of future devastating storms. Consequently, some researchers have turned to a relatively new field, paleotempestology, which examines geologic evidence of prehistoric hurricane landfalls to better understand the frequency with which they occur.

In one early study, Liu and Fearn extracted sediment samples from a lake in Louisiana that was isolated from the Gulf of Mexico by a narrow barrier beach: only a storm could cause water and materials to flow from the ocean to the lake. By analyzing the overwash layers, the layers of coarse beach sediment observable on the bottom of the lake, the scientists were able to produce a rough storm history for the region, dating back several thousand years. Some have questioned this method, however, as it does not conclusively verify the sediments’ provenance.

Another paleotempestological strategy relies on offshore-indicative foraminifera, single-celled organisms that are similarly thought to have arrived in a body of water via storm surges. Unlike sediments, which may be of unknown origin, if a species of foraminifera is native to the sea, its presence in a body of water adjacent to a barrier beach provides more compelling evidence as to the necessity of a historic storm. Nonetheless, Hippensteel’s and Martin’s method, too, must be qualified: scientists disagree about precisely which taxa are considered “offshore-indicative,” and dating methods used on foraminifera fossils merely demonstrate the age of the fossils, not necessarily when a hurricane might have occurred.

Although scientists have produced estimates of hurricane recurrence rates, the limitations of paleotempestological research temper the reliability of such predictions. Moreover, longterm changes in weather and climate affect the frequency of tropical storms, which further casts doubt on the field’s ability to relate past storm data to the potential for future hurricanes.    1 
 1. Which of the following best describes the organization of the passage?

A. After introducing an area of research, the author outlines its history and then casts doubt on its credibility.
B. The author describes a problem, evaluates two approaches to the problem, and then questions the usefulness of a field of study.
C. The author explains the origins of a scientific field and refutes potential criticisms to the field.
D. After comparing two methodologies, the author demonstrates why one is superior to the other.
E. After illustrating a scientific dilemma, the author explores differing perspectives on the dilemma and then reconciles the viewpoints.

2 
 2. According to the passage, which of the following is a potential drawback to the sediment analysis method mentioned in the second paragraph?

A. Scientists’ inability to easily access overwash layers deep below a lake
B. The difficulty in proving precisely where the sediments came from
C. Incomplete knowledge regarding what types of sediments might have oceanic origins
D. Disagreement among researchers as to the validity of fossil evidence
E. The lack of reliability in current methods for dating sediments

3 
 3. It can be inferred from the passage that the two research methods described in the passage have which of the following in common?

A. They involved bodies of water that were not connected to oceans.
B. They were conducted in Louisiana. 
C. They did not provide useful paleotempestological data.
D. They used historical records in conjunction with ecological data to construct storm timelines.
E. Their validity has been rejected by most meteorologists.

4 
 4. Each of the following is mentioned as a potential benefit of paleotempestological research EXCEPT

A. the ability to predict hurricanes 
B. accurate regional insurance rates
C. planning of structural facilities 
D. a greater understanding of hurricane patterns
E. preventing destructive hurricanes

sanjitscorps18 · Answer

1. Which of the following best describes the organization of the passage?

A. After introducing an area of research, the author outlines its history and then casts doubt on its credibility.
--> Reflects the organization of the passage

2. According to the passage, which of the following is a potential drawback to the sediment analysis method mentioned in the second paragraph?

B. The difficulty in proving precisely where the sediments came from
--> Indicates the issues with provenance

3. It can be inferred from the passage that the two research methods described in the passage have which of the following in common?

A. They involved bodies of water that were not connected to oceans.
--> The premise of both the research was to find a water body that is separated from the main ocean

4. Each of the following is mentioned as a potential benefit of paleotempestological research EXCEPT
E. preventing destructive hurricanes
--> preventing hurricanes is not the intended benefit of the research
although Option B comes very close because it states accurately define insurance rates, while the passage suggests it would guide.

Key - ABAE

Archit3110 · Answer

1. Which of the following best describes the organization of the passage?

A. After introducing an area of research, the author outlines its history and then casts doubt on its credibility.
 B. The author describes a problem, evaluates two approaches to the problem, and then questions the usefulness of a field of study. 
C. The author explains the origins of a scientific field and refutes potential criticisms to the field.
D. After comparing two methodologies, the author demonstrates why one is superior to the other.
E. After illustrating a scientific dilemma, the author explores differing perspectives on the dilemma and then reconciles the viewpoints.

2. According to the passage, which of the following is a potential drawback to the sediment analysis method mentioned in the second paragraph?

A. Scientists’ inability to easily access overwash layers deep below a lake
 B. The difficulty in proving precisely where the sediments came from 
C. Incomplete knowledge regarding what types of sediments might have oceanic origins
D. Disagreement among researchers as to the validity of fossil evidence
E. The lack of reliability in current methods for dating sediments

3. It can be inferred from the passage that the two research methods described in the passage have which of the following in common?

A. They involved bodies of water that were not connected to oceans.
B. They were conducted in Louisiana. 
C. They did not provide useful paleotempestological data.
 D. They used historical records in conjunction with ecological data to construct storm timelines. 
E. Their validity has been rejected by most meteorologists.

4. Each of the following is mentioned as a potential benefit of paleotempestological research EXCEPT

A. the ability to predict hurricanes 
 B. accurate regional insurance rates 
C. planning of structural facilities 
D. a greater understanding of hurricane patterns
E. preventing destructive hurricanes

Ritax · Answer

really good passage. Main idea : This passage is talking about new field to predicting the likelihood of future storm, which is paleotempestology (examines geologic evidence).The author provided 2 strategy example under this field, sediment sample P2 and offshore-indicative foraminifera P3.Inconclusion the author still not fully accept such field because the paleotempestological still have limitations which leads to reliability of predictions.The author also included new indicators, also affect the frequency of tropical storms, that need to be considered.

Deleted Q1 Q3 Q4 explanation because incorrect answer Q2 According to the passage, which of the following is a potential drawback to the sediment analysis method mentioned in the second paragraph? Prethink: The example of sediment analysis is provided in P2. "however, as it does not conclusively verify the sediments provenance" provinance means origin A. Scientists’ inability to easily access overwash layers deep below a lake X they can access deep layer B. The difficulty in proving precisely where the sediments came from ✓ Yes, match our prethinking, the origin of sediments C. Incomplete knowledge regarding what types of sediments might have oceanic origins X focus more on origins of sediments themself no oceanic origins in sediments D. Disagreement among researchers as to the validity of fossil evidence X Things that leads to disagreement among researchers might be the limitations of paleotempestological, A whole filed not only this part of the field E. The lack of reliability in current methods for dating sediments X dating sediments is precise m "dating back several thousand years."

zyt · Answer

para 1 : introduces a problem
para 2: example of a study
para 3: example of another study
para 4: limitations

1. Which of the following best describes the organization of the passage?

A. After introducing an area of research, the author outlines its history and then casts doubt on its credibility.
incorrect, no history is outlined, paleotempestology and its limitations are explained
 
 B. The author describes a problem, evaluates two approaches to the problem, and then questions the usefulness of a field of study.
CORRECT, problem of predicting hurricanes, meteorological approach, paleotempestological approach and limitations of paleotempestology

C. The author explains the origins of a scientific field and refutes potential criticisms to the field.
incorrect, authors does not refute any criticism, he delineates both positive and negatives

D. After comparing two methodologies, the author demonstrates why one is superior to the other.
incorrect, NO superiority demonstrated

E. After illustrating a scientific dilemma, the author explores differing perspectives on the dilemma and then reconciles the viewpoints.
incorrect. no dilemma discussed, no reconciliation

2. According to the passage, which of the following is a potential drawback to the sediment analysis method mentioned in the second paragraph?

A. Scientists’ inability to easily access over wash layers deep below a lake
incorrect, the scientists were able to access sediments dating back to thousands of years

B. The difficulty in proving precisely where the sediments came from
CORRECT, it's mentioned in the last line that the provenance of sediments was doubted

C. Incomplete knowledge regarding what types of sediments might have oceanic origins
incorrect, not mentioned about types of sediments

D. Disagreement among researchers as to the validity of fossil evidence
incorrect, only some researchers question, moreover, the fossil evidence is valid but it origin is doubted

E. The lack of reliability in current methods for dating sediments
incorrect, nothing about dating methods reliability is mentioned

3. It can be inferred from the passage that the two research methods described in the passage have which of the following in common?

A. They involved bodies of water that were not connected to oceans.
CORRECT: not connected to ocean and still having sediments or flora from the ocean is the common factor.

B. They were conducted in Louisiana.
only mentioned that study of para 2 was in Louisiana

C. They did not provide useful paleotempestological data.
the data was useful paleotempestologically, but how useful it is practically is questioned in the last paragraph.

D. They used historical records in conjunction with ecological data to construct storm timelines.
Incorrect only 200 years of storm data was available

E. Their validity has been rejected by most meteorologists.
Some not most have questioned the validity

4. Each of the following is mentioned as a potential benefit of paleotempestological research EXCEPT

A. the ability to predict hurricanes
yes, its one of the benefits

B. accurate regional insurance rates
yes, its a benefit of predicting hurricanes, as mentioned in first para

C. planning of structural facilities
yes, its a benefit of predicting hurricanes, as mentioned in first para

D. a greater understanding of hurricane patterns
yes, it could be a benefit 
 
E. preventing destructive hurricanes
CORRECT: not possible to predict amount of destruction

Elite097 · Answer

1. Which of the following best describes the organization of the passage?

A. After introducing an area of research, the author outlines its history and then casts doubt on its credibility.-- does not outline history of hurricanes which is the area of research
B. The author describes a problem, evaluates two approaches to the problem, and then questions the usefulness of a field of study.-- yes
C. The author explains the origins of a scientific field and refutes potential criticisms to the field.--- does not refute anything
D. After comparing two methodologies, the author demonstrates why one is superior to the other.-- no comparison done
E. After illustrating a scientific dilemma, the author explores differing perspectives on the dilemma and then reconciles the viewpoints.--no reconciliation
Ans B

2. According to the passage, which of the following is a potential drawback to the sediment analysis method mentioned in the second paragraph?

A. Scientists’ inability to easily access overwash layers deep below a lake---not mentioned
B. The difficulty in proving precisely where the sediments came from---yes as per passage they could not verify origin
C. Incomplete knowledge regarding what types of sediments might have oceanic origins-- not specifically this choice as we just know they could not determine origin. This is too specific
D. Disagreement among researchers as to the validity of fossil evidence-- not relevant for sediments
E. The lack of reliability in current methods for dating sediments-- not true for sediments
Ans B

3. It can be inferred from the passage that the two research methods described in the passage have which of the following in common?

A. They involved bodies of water that were not connected to oceans.-- they were separated by barrier beach hence yes
B. They were conducted in Louisiana.-- we do not know about the second research
C. They did not provide useful paleotempestological data.--- we cannot say anything about the data being useful as we know the methods were questioned and know nothing about the data
D. They used historical records in conjunction with ecological data to construct storm timelines.-- no info
E. Their validity has been rejected by most meteorologists--- we do not know whether "most' have rejected it

Ans A

4. Each of the following is mentioned as a potential benefit of paleotempestological research EXCEPT

A. the ability to predict hurricanes
B. accurate regional insurance rates
C. planning of structural facilities
D. a greater understanding of hurricane patterns
E. preventing destructive hurricanes

All the 4 cases have been mentioned n 1st para except choice D- Ans D

avinashiitp · Answer

Answer for the passage.
1.B
2.B
3.A
4.E

happypuppy · Answer

1. B
2. B
3. A
4. E

1. Which of the following best describes the organization of the passage?

A. After introducing an area of research, the author outlines its history and then casts doubt on its credibility.
- Wrong - "outlines its history" is not discussed. 
B. The author describes a problem, evaluates two approaches to the problem, and then questions the usefulness of a field of study.
- Correct - Best choice. Describes problem, two approches are discussed and last sentence as conclusion.
C. The author explains the origins of a scientific field and refutes potential criticisms to the field.
- Wrong - This is opposite.
D. After comparing two methodologies, the author demonstrates why one is superior to the other.
- Wrong - Author doesn't support any one.
E. After illustrating a scientific dilemma, the author explores differing perspectives on the dilemma and then reconciles the viewpoints.
- Wrong - He talks about two approaches not "differing perspectives on the dilemma"

Question 2
2. According to the passage, which of the following is a potential drawback to the sediment analysis method mentioned in the second paragraph?

A. Scientists’ inability to easily access overwash layers deep below a lake
- Wrong - Not mentioned
B. The difficulty in proving precisely where the sediments came from
- Correct - Drawback given "as it does not conclusively verify the sediments’ provenance."
C. Incomplete knowledge regarding what types of sediments might have oceanic origins
- Wrong - Not said
D. Disagreement among researchers as to the validity of fossil evidence
- Wrong - Disagreement is not drawback
E. The lack of reliability in current methods for dating sediments
- Wrong - Dating is sorted, the issue is with origin as mentioned in B.

Question 3
3. It can be inferred from the passage that the two research methods described in the passage have which of the following in common?

A. They involved bodies of water that were not connected to oceans.
- Correct - 1st one is lake and 2nd one "offshore-indicative foraminifera" is also not connected to oceans
B. They were conducted in Louisiana.
- Wrong - Place of 2nd one is not mentioned.
C. They did not provide useful paleotempestological data.
- Wrong - They did provide data but have some limitations
D. They used historical records in conjunction with ecological data to construct storm timelines.
- Wrong - historical records are not directly involved in both
E. Their validity has been rejected by most meteorologists.
- Wrong - Not stated directly

Question 4
4. Each of the following is mentioned as a potential benefit of paleotempestological research EXCEPT

A. the ability to predict hurricanes
- Wrong - Given as purpose of paleotempestological method
B. accurate regional insurance rates
- Wrong - From "For meteorologists, a better understanding of storm frequency and characteristics can assist in hurricane forecasts, which in turn guides infrastructure planning and even insurance rates. "
C. planning of structural facilities
- Wrong - From "For meteorologists, a better understanding of storm frequency and characteristics can assist in hurricane forecasts, which in turn guides infrastructure planning and even insurance rates. "
D. a greater understanding of hurricane patterns
- Wrong - From "For meteorologists, a better understanding of storm frequency and characteristics can assist in hurricane forecasts, which in turn guides infrastructure planning and even insurance rates. "
E. preventing destructive hurricanes
- Correct - paleotempestological can't prevent but just predict and help with other benefits

pintukr · Answer

Paragraph 1 : Problems in forecasting frequency of hurricanes owing to data inadequacy; hence, the move towards paleotempestology
Paragraph 2 : Description of Technique-1 of paleotempestology --> sediment samples , and study of overwash layers in such sediment samples ; and, limitations therein.
Paragraph 3 : Description of Technique-2 of paleotempestology --> study of single-celled organisms' fossils to determine frequency of storms; and, limitations therein.
Paragraph 4 : Owing to inherent limitations outlined in paragraphs 2 and 3 above, and log term changes in climatic patterns limit the potential regarding future hurricane predictions.

1. Which of the following best describes the organization of the passage?

A. After introducing an area of research, the author outlines its history and then casts doubt on its credibility.
 No discussion pertaining to the history of the area of research

B. The author describes a problem, evaluates two approaches to the problem, and then questions the usefulness of a field of study.
 In line with the passage summary above..CORRECT answer

C. The author explains the origins of a scientific field and refutes potential criticisms to the field.
 Criticisms of the field of paleotempestology have been outlined, but not refuted

D. After comparing two methodologies, the author demonstrates why one is superior to the other.
 No comparisons drawn in respect of the two methodologies

E. After illustrating a scientific dilemma, the author explores differing perspectives on the dilemma and then reconciles the viewpoints.
 Two perspectives outlined, however no mention of reconciliation amongst two viewpoints

2. According to the passage, which of the following is a potential drawback to the sediment analysis method mentioned in the second paragraph?

A. Scientists’ inability to easily access overwash layers deep below a lake
 Difficulty in accessing the overwash layers of sediment samples not talked about

B. The difficulty in proving precisely where the sediments came from
 provenance (origin) of sediment samples has been projected as a limitation regarding Technique-1..CORRECT answer

C. Incomplete knowledge regarding what types of sediments might have oceanic origins
 Close, however it's not the incomplete knowledge that has been talked about, rather provenance of the sediment samples that has bben projected as a limitation

D. Disagreement among researchers as to the validity of fossil evidence
 No such disagreement among researchers talked about

E. The lack of reliability in current methods for dating sediments
 Reliability in dating methods has been talked about regarding Technique-2 ie, study of single-celled organisms' fossils

3. It can be inferred from the passage that the two research methods described in the passage have which of the following in common?

A. They involved bodies of water that were not connected to oceans.
 True as per the passage, since the water bodies referred to in both Techniques 1 & 2 were adjacent to oceans but not connected..CORRECT answer

B. They were conducted in Louisiana.
 Only Tecnique-1 refers to Louisiana

C. They did not provide useful paleotempestological data.
 'Doubtful' nature of data's usefulness has been hinted at..therefore usefulness can't be ascertained

D. They used historical records in conjunction with ecological data to construct storm timelines.
 True only regarding Technique-2

E. Their validity has been rejected by most meteorologists.
 No such claims made regarding both the techniques

4. Each of the following is mentioned as a potential benefit of paleotempestological research EXCEPT

A. the ability to predict hurricanes
 Cited as a benefit of paleotempestological research

B. accurate regional insurance rates
 Cited as a benefit of paleotempestological research

C. planning of structural facilities
 Cited as a benefit of paleotempestological research

D. a greater understanding of hurricane patterns
 Cited as a benefit of paleotempestological research

E. preventing destructive hurricanes
 NOT hinted at as a benefit of either of the Techniques...only the ability to make future predictions..CORRECT answer

vrsthe1 · Answer

P1  --> amount of hurricane activity is growing in US. need to understand the frequency & characteristics of storms so as to better forecast hurricanes --> plan infra & insurance rates.
very less data is available and hence challenging to predict future hurricanes.
some scientists are looking at a new field, PTPT. (doesn't matter what it is, I really didn't understood and not necessary to understand/know these names in RC so...)

P2  --> eg. 1 - L&F used sediment samples, clearly brought by storms from ocean to lake.
study the sediment samples and create a rough storm history of the region..
Some have questioned the method, due to  sediments' provenance .. (now this provenance, I really don't have any idea what it is..)

P3  --> eg 2 - H&M uses OIF - single-celled organisms (similar to sediments, thought to be from oceans.).. unlike sediments which may be of unknown origins - OIF are native to sea.
this method also need to be qualified (proved) - as the dating method on OIF gives age of that fossil only.. not the history or date of a storm.

P4  -->  Although  -- above 2 methods produced estimates of hurricane reccurence, there are limitations to PTPT..
 Moreover  - due to longterm changes in weather and climate may affect the rates of storms.
 Which Further  - doubt the field's (of PTPT) to relate past storm data to the  potential  for future hurricanes..
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Main Point  --> issue in forecasting hurricanes --> alternate field, PTPT --> 2 methods of PTPT & flaws or limitations of them. --> conclude doubting the ablity to do the necessary job duty to limitations of the methods.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q1. Which of the following best describes the organization of the passage?

A. After introducing an area of research, the author outlines its history and then casts doubt on its credibility. 
 Not Correct  --> No history of PTPT is given.

B. The author describes a problem, evaluates two approaches to the problem, and then questions the usefulness of a field of study. 
 Correct  --> This is inline with the main point we arrived at. forecasting hurricane problem. L&F, H&M approaches.. doubt to limitations of the approaches.

C. The author explains the origins of a scientific field and refutes potential criticisms to the field. 
 Not Correct  -->no origins of PTPT were explained. and no criticism.

D. After comparing two methodologies, the author demonstrates why one is superior to the other. 
 Not Correct  --> There was no comparison between L&F and H&M methods..

E. After illustrating a scientific dilemma, the author explores differing perspectives on the dilemma and then reconciles the viewpoints. 
  Not Correct  --> there was no dilemma (to do this or that..), not perspectives (views) but methods.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q2. According to the passage, which of the following is a potential drawback to the sediment analysis method mentioned in the second paragraph?  
 This is really tricky, by mentioning 2nd paragraph in the question, our attention & focus is directed there, but the actual answer is found in 3rd paragraph.

A. Scientists’ inability to easily access overwash layers deep below a lake 
 Not Correct  --> Overwash layers were accessed and studied.

B. The difficulty in proving precisely where the sediments came from 
 Not Correct  --> the sediments came from oceans / sea.. thats confirmed.

C. Incomplete knowledge regarding what types of sediments might have oceanic origins 
 Correct  --> As stated in 3rd paragraph, "Unlike sediments, which may be of unknown origin"

D. Disagreement among researchers as to the validity of fossil evidence 
 Not Correct  --> no relation to validity of fossil evidence. though 3rd paragraph discuss dating of fossil.

E. The lack of reliability in current methods for dating sediments 
 Not Correct  --> This is no where discussed or inferred, as L&F has produced rough storm history.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q3. It can be inferred from the passage that the two research methods described in the passage have which of the following in common?

A. They involved bodies of water that were not connected to oceans. 
 Correct  --> 'bodies of water' not connected to ocean or sea, mentioned in both 2nd & 3rd paragraphs.

B. They were conducted in Louisiana.  
 Not Correct  --> only in L&F case Louisiana is mentioned.

C. They did not provide useful paleotempestological data. 
 Not Correct  --> the method is of PTPT field. and data was valid. only the origins or inference doubted.

D. They used historical records in conjunction with ecological data to construct storm timelines. 
 Not Correct  --> what historical records, 1st paragraph says there were no historical records.

E. Their validity has been rejected by most meteorologists. 
 Not Correct  --> the "most" there is too polarizing. and clearly it is some or no mention of how many (either absolutely or relatively.).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q4. Each of the following is mentioned as a potential benefit of paleotempestological research EXCEPT

A. the ability to predict hurricanes 
 Not Correct  --> forecast - predict. 1st paragraph.

B. accurate regional insurance rates 
 Not Correct  --> guides even insurance rates. 1st paragraph.

C. planning of structural facilities  
 Not Correct  --> guide infrastructure planning. 1st paragraph.

D. a greater understanding of hurricane patterns 
 Not Correct  --> "Frequency & Characteristics" - patterns. 1st paragraph.

E. preventing destructive hurricanes 
 Correct  --> not preventing but forecasting. Hence this is not a benefit.

Snehaaaaa · Answer

Question 1
1. Which of the following best describes the organization of the passage?
A. After introducing an area of research, the author outlines its history and then casts doubt on its credibility.- description of problems is not mentioned here (limited in scope)
 B. The author describes a problem, evaluates two approaches to the problem, and then questions the usefulness of a field of study.- This covers the complete organization of passage. This is the correct answer 
C. The author explains the origins of a scientific field and refutes potential criticisms to the field.- Distorted and limited in scope
D. After comparing two methodologies, the author demonstrates why one is superior to the other.- No comparison of two methodologies is made here
E. After illustrating a scientific dilemma, the author explores differing perspectives on the dilemma and then reconciles the viewpoints.- Out of scope

Question 2
2. According to the passage, which of the following is a potential drawback to the sediment analysis method mentioned in the second paragraph?
A. Scientists’ inability to easily access overwash layers deep below a lake- scientists were able to access overwash layers deep below the lake. The passage does not mentions that accessing the overwash layers was easy or difficult
 B. The difficulty in proving precisely where the sediments came from- As the passage states, 'however, as it does not conclusively verify the sediments’ provenance', this is a potential drawback. This is the correct answer 
C. Incomplete knowledge regarding what types of sediments might have oceanic origins- Out of scope
D. Disagreement among researchers as to the validity of fossil evidence- This is related to paragraph 3
E. The lack of reliability in current methods for dating sediments- This is not stated in the passage

Question 3
3. It can be inferred from the passage that the two research methods described in the passage have which of the following in common?
 A. They involved bodies of water that were not connected to oceans.- Both the research involved bodies of water that were not connected to ocens. This is the correct answer 
B. They were conducted in Louisiana.- Only the first reseach was conducted in Louisiana
C. They did not provide useful paleotempestological data.- This cannot be inferred
D. They used historical records in conjunction with ecological data to construct storm timelines.- This is not mentioned in passage
E. Their validity has been rejected by most meteorologists.- The passage states that scientists doubt the methods, but it does not state that the doubts or rejection is done by 'most' meteorologists

Question 4
4. Each of the following is mentioned as a potential benefit of paleotempestological research EXCEPT
A. the ability to predict hurricanes- This is mentioned in passage
B. accurate regional insurance rates- This is mentioned in passage
C. planning of structural facilities- This is mentioned in passage
D. a greater understanding of hurricane patterns- This is mentioned in passage
 E. preventing destructive hurricanes- This is not mentioned in passage. Paleotempestological research can help take precautions and plan accordingy but it cannot prevent destructive hurricanes. This is the correct answer

av1901 · Answer

1. Which of the following best describes the organization of the passage?

A. After introducing an area of research, the author outlines its history and then casts doubt on its credibility.

The author is not outlining the history of paleotempestology and neither is he/she introducing it in the beginning (the author is instead describing a problem in the initial parts of the passage)

B. The author describes a problem, evaluates two approaches to the problem, and then questions the usefulness of a field of study.

CORRECT. Author describes the problem of meteorologists not being able to predict hurricanes causing a lot of problems, then discusses two different approaches to the same problem using paleotempestology and the drawbacks of both (thus evaluating) and then in the end questions the usefulness of paleotempestology because of it having some issues that hamper reliable and credible predictions and results

C. The author explains the origins of a scientific field and refutes potential criticisms to the field.

The author introduces the field and states two different practical applications performed using the same but does not refute any criticisms, in fact is not entirely in favour of the field as well

D. After comparing two methodologies, the author demonstrates why one is superior to the other.

The author does not, in any part of the passage, state that any is more or less superior than the other

E. After illustrating a scientific dilemma, the author explores differing perspectives on the dilemma and then reconciles the viewpoints

The author explores different experiments on how to solve the dilemma of predicting hurricanes, not perspectives and does not reconcile any viewpoints

==============================================================================

2. According to the passage, which of the following is a potential drawback to the sediment analysis method mentioned in the second paragraph?

A. Scientists’ inability to easily access overwash layers deep below a lake

No, this is not mentioned in the passage that the scientists had any issues with accessing the overwash layers deep below the lake

B. The difficulty in proving precisely where the sediments came from

CORRECT. Towards the end of the paragraph it is mentioned that the provenance (origin) of the sediments is not conclusively verified

C. Incomplete knowledge regarding what types of sediments might have oceanic origins

This has not been stated or implied by the author in any part of the passage

D. Disagreement among researchers as to the validity of fossil evidence

There is no mention or implication of disagreement among the researchers during the experiment

E. The lack of reliability in current methods for dating sediments

Again, not mentioned or even implied by the author in the passage

==============================================================================

3. It can be inferred from the passage that the two research methods described in the passage have which of the following in common?

A. They involved bodies of water that were not connected to oceans.

CORRECT. Both methods involved a body of water adjacent to a barrier beach, which seperates it from the ocean

B. They were conducted in Louisiana.

Although the first has been explicitly stated as being conducted in a lake in Louisiana, there is no place mentioned for the second of the two research methods

C. They did not provide useful paleotempestological data.

No, both methods provided useful data for the purpose they were done

D. They used historical records in conjunction with ecological data to construct storm timelines.

No, no reference or implication of historical records being used when conducting either of the two methods

E. Their validity has been rejected by most meteorologists.

Both methods were questioned by some meteorologist as per the passage, not most

==============================================================================

4. Each of the following is mentioned as a potential benefit of paleotempestological research EXCEPT

A. the ability to predict hurricanes

Yes, it is mentioned in the first paragraph that paleotempestology will help predict hurricanes

B. accurate regional insurance rates

Again, mentioned in the first paragraph as a follow on effect of paleotempestology helping in predicting hurricanes

C. planning of structural facilities

Again, mentioned in the first paragraph as a follow on effect of paleotempestology helping in predicting hurricanes

D. a greater understanding of hurricane patterns

Yes, similar to point A, that paleotempestology will help in understanding their patterns and predicting when they might occur next

E. preventing destructive hurricanes

CORRECT. Paleotempestology can help us analyze hurricane patterns and predict their next occurence but there is no mention and also it is not possible to prevent destructive hurricanes using it

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Hello Everyone!

This is a medium-level passage, the OAs are: BBAE

zyt   Roy867   pintukr   vrsthe1   av1901  all did a good job.

Ritax  I like your spirit. Don't get discouraged even if you are not getting questions correct, take each mistake as your learning opportunity. Read your fellow's explanations.

Cheers.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

1. Which of the following best describes the organization of the passage?

Difficulty Level:   600

Explanation

The subject of the question is the passage as a whole and the task of the question is referenced by the phrase describes the organization, so this is a structure question. Identify the key sentences in each paragraph. The first paragraph’s last two sentences are the key sentences. They state This paucity of data presents a challenge in accurately predicting the likelihood of future devastating storms. Consequently, some researchers have turned to a relatively new field, paleotempestology, which examines geologic evidence of prehistoric hurricane landfalls to better understand the frequency with which they occur. The second paragraph introduces one early study of paleotempestology that involved extracting sediment samples from a lake in Louisiana that was isolated from the Gulf of Mexico by a narrow barrier beach. The second paragraph’s key sentence is the last, which states Some have questioned this method, however, as it does not conclusively verify the sediments’ provenance. The third paragraph introduces another paleotempestological strategy. The passage mentions in the last sentence that this method is also called into question by scientists. The final paragraph concludes the limitations of paleotempestological research temper the reliability of such predictions. Evaluate the answer choices individually, looking for one that reflects the structure of the passage.

Choice (A)  can be eliminated because the passage does not begin by introducing an area of research.

Choice (B)  is a good outline of the organization of the passage. Keep (B).

Eliminate (C)  because it is a reversal of the information in the passage. The passage does not refute potential criticisms.

Choice (D)  is a no-such-comparison answer. The passage does not compare two methodologies and demonstrate why one is superior to the other. Eliminate (D).

Choice (E)  is incorrect because the passage does not reconcile different viewpoints. Eliminate (E).

The correct answer is (B).

2. According to the passage, which of the following is a potential drawback to the sediment analysis method mentioned in the second paragraph?

Difficulty Level:   550-600

Explanation

The subject of the question is the sediment analysis method, and the task is referenced by the phrase according to the passage. This is a retrieval question. The question asks about a potential drawback of the analysis, so look for the information in the second paragraph that mentions a drawback. The second paragraph states some have questioned this method, however, as it does not conclusively verify the sediments’ provenance. The word provenance means place of origin, so the potential drawback is that the analysis does not indicate where the sediment came from. Evaluate the answer choices individually, looking for one that reflects this idea.

Choice (A)  contains the recycled language overwash layers, but the claim that scientists were unable to easily access these layers is a reversal of the information in the passage. The passage does not give any indication of any issue accessing the overwash layers. Eliminate (A).

Choice (B)  is a good paraphrase of the information in the passage, so keep (B).

Choice (C)  contains a memory trap regarding oceans. While the paragraph does mention ocean sediment, it is not concerned with knowledge regarding the types of sediment. Eliminate (C).

Choice (D)  is a memory trap of the third paragraph. The third paragraph discusses fossils and the potential drawback cited in the third paragraph is the validity of fossil evidence. Eliminate (D).

Choice (E)  is a reversal of the information in the passage, which states that from sediment scientists were able to produce a rough storm history for the region, dating back several thousand years. Eliminate (E).

The correct answer is (B).

3. It can be inferred from the passage that the two research methods described in the passage have which of the following in common?

Difficulty Level:   700

Explanation

The subject of the question is the two research methods described in the passage and the task of the question is referenced by the word inferred, so this is an inference question. The question asks what the two research methods have in common, so determine what the passage says about each method. The first method involved sediment samples from a lake in Louisiana that was isolated from the Gulf of Mexico by a narrow barrier beach that resulted in the ability to produce a rough storm history for the region, dating back several thousand years. The first method also has a drawback noted in the passage. The second method involved offshore-indicative foraminifera, single-celled organisms that are similarly thought to have arrived in a body of water via storm surges and also contains a drawback outlined in the passage. Evaluate the answer choices individually, looking for one that describes something in common between the two methods.

Choice (A)  is true as both methods involved bodies of water that were not connected to oceans. Keep (A).

Choice (B)  uses the recycled language Louisiana. While the first method was conducted with samples from a lake in Louisiana, the second method does not mention a specific location. Eliminate (B).

Choice (C)  is a reversal of the information as the methods did produce useful data but there were questions about the methodology. Eliminate (C).

Choice (D)  is a memory trap. The first method was able to construct storm timelines but the second method was only able to demonstrate the age of the fossils, not necessarily when a hurricane might have occurred. Eliminate (D).

Eliminate (E)  as well as it contains the extreme language rejected. The validity was not rejected by any scientists. The scientists only raised questions about the data. Eliminate (E).

The correct answer is (A).

4. Each of the following is mentioned as a potential benefit of paleotempestological research EXCEPT

Difficulty Level:   600

Explanation

The subject of the question is a potential benefit of paleotempestological research, and the task of the question is referenced by the word mentioned. This is a retrieval question. Determine what the passage says about this research. The research was turned to in response to the challenge in accurately predicting the likelihood of future devastating storms. The passage describes the research as a relatively new field which examines geologic evidence of prehistoric hurricane landfalls to better understand the frequency with which they occur. It states that the limitations of paleotempestological research temper the reliability of such predictions and long-term changes in weather and climate affect the frequency of tropical storms, which further casts doubt on the field’s ability to relate past storm data to the potential for future hurricanes. This is an EXCEPT question, so the correct answer will not be mentioned in the passage.

Choice (A)  is a reversal of the information in the passage regarding the research. Eliminate (A).

Choices (B) and (C)  are both reversals of the same sentence in the passage, which states that a better understanding of storm frequency and characteristics can assist in hurricane forecasts, which in turn guides infrastructure planning and even insurance rates. Eliminate (B) and (C).

Choice (D)  is a reversal of the information in the passage that states the field examines geologic evidence of prehistoric hurricane landfalls to better understand the frequency with which they occur.

Choice (E)  is not mentioned as one of the potential benefits of the research, so keep it.

The correct answer is (E).

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