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Official Explanation

1. The author would most probably describe the theory of plate tectonics as:

Difficulty Level: 700

Analyze the Question Stem:

The words "would probably describe"signal that this is an Inference question.

Research the Relevant Text:

The question stem does not offer any clues to narrow down the possible inferences, so no research is possible at this point.

Make a Prediction:

With a broad Inference question, making a prediction is virtually impossible. Proceed to evaluate each answer choice.

Evaluate the Answer Choices:

(A) is incorrect, as the passage deals with theories which are not universally accepted, not facts. The author herself does not take an absolute stance in the passage; she merely reports on the theories, some evidence, and the fact that there are two sides.

(B) is incorrect, as paragraph two states that "the positions of earthquake lines and mountain chains support the theory."

(C) is supported by the passage, and is correct. The passage makes clear that plate tectonics effectively explains a number of geological facts, specifically the positions of earthquake lines and mountain chains.

(D) is incorrect because exactitude is never raised as an issue in the passage.

(E) is incorrect since the passage attributes the development of the theory to scientists, not laymen.

Answer: C

TAKEAWAY: Do not use valuable time trying to make a prediction for broad, open-ended Inference questions.
kop18
I understand that this passage is stating that the theory even though is not quite accurate but is still useful. Can someone please explain why the answer to the first question is C and not D?
A little confused here.
Sajjad1994, please could you help?
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in 1 st question , How is it strong evidence ? when we speak evidence its more about exact data and proper facts it isnt mentioned in passage .

in 2 nd question how can third also be right mountains are formed by sliding of plates not collision of plates
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rmahe11
in 1 st question , How is it strong evidence ? when we speak evidence its more about exact data and proper facts it isnt mentioned in passage .

in 2 nd question how can third also be right mountains are formed by sliding of plates not collision of plates
Hi rmahe11

Try not to find a perfect answer while solving GMAT questions; instead, find and select the best available among the five answer choices. Complete explanation of the first question is available here.

Official Explanation

­2. Which of the following statements is (are) consistent with the theory of plate tectonics, as described in the passage?

Explanation


Analyze the question stem

This is an Inference question. Because of the word EXCEPT, the correct answer is the one that is not supported by the passage. Eliminate the four choices
that are supported.

Research

According to the passage map, most of the discussion of Courbet takes place in paragraph 2; Courbet is also mentioned again toward the end of the last paragraph. Review the key details noted in the map and be prepared to research those sections of the text to confirm the wrong answers to this EXCEPT question.

Make a prediction

While no exact prediction can be made here—you can't possible predict all the things that the passage doesn't say about Courbet—the correct answer will likely stand in contrast to Courbet's controversial art, his emphasis on photographic-esque realism, the societal changes around him, or his role in the movement away from eighteenth-century painting. Keep these ideas in mind when reviewing the answer choices.

Evaluate the answer choices

Review each answer choice, eliminating one by one. (E) is not supported; while Nochlin says Courbet's art wasn't a completely clean break with tradition, the artist did diverge from previous styles and subject matter, such as those of the eighteenth century.

(A), (C), and (D) are all supported by the second paragraph and are incorrect.

Answer: E
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Bit 2 (iii) says " Mountain chains may result from collisions of the moving plates of the Earth's outer layer."
In the passage, the line says" The constant shifting of plates results in faulting and the uplifting of Earth's Crust into folded mountain chains"
Here, I don't see the line "Earth's outer layer."
That is the only reason i went for the option B.
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hi, can someone explain why I. is incorrect, and III. is correct? for Q-2?
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hi, can someone explain why I. is incorrect, and III. is correct? for Q-2?
Sajjad1994 GMATNinja
Hey!

I. is incorrect because the first para "These plates move over an underlayer of semiplastic rock, the asthenosphere." the word underlayer means to place something under...so the plates are under the asthenosphere and not resting over/ on top of it.

III is correct because the first para says "This constant shifting of plates results in faulting and the uplifting of the earth's crust into folded mountain chains" although I get why you might be confused....yes this option isnt the perfect replica/ interpretation of what is mentioned in the para, but still, a little inference can help us reach the conclusion given in option III.
Constant shifting of plates have to collide in some manner or the other in order for the earth to be uplifted from within and hence create mountains.
Sometimes the options given are not the perfect answer and hence we shouldn't always look for one...rather look for the one best fitting the information given in the RC...this is what GMAT is testing...our inference.

Hope this helps!
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Hey, I got 4 correct in 5 minutes.
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