Since the 1950s, the hypothesis of continental drift (originally propo

Question

Since the 1950s, the hypothesis of continental drift (originally proposed by the meteorologist Alfred Wegener in 1915) has been refined into the theory of "plate tectonics," first elaborated by Canadian geologist J. Tuzo Wilson. This theory holds that the lithosphere (the rigid outer layer of the earth) consists of about seven major and numerous minor plates in which the continents are embedded. These plates move over an underlayer of semiplastic rock, the asthenosphere. This constant shifting of plates results in faulting and the uplifting of the earth's crust into folded mountain chains. The precise cause of plate movement is unknown, though it is thought to be related to convective heat currents in the upper portion of the earth's mantle.

Plate tectonics, while more widely credited than its more rudimentary forerunner , has yet to achieve universal acceptance. Although the positions of earthquake lines and mountain chains support the theory, V.V. Beloussov in the Soviet Union and Sir Harold Jeffreys in Britain are just two of the many scientists who have raised serious objections to it. As yet, however, no competing hypothesis has shown enough explanatory power to seriously challenge it.    1 
 1. The author would most probably describe the theory of plate tectonics as:

A. a proven geological fact
B. a hypothesis that fails to explain relevant data
C. a useful theory supported by strong evidence
D. a fruitful, though inexact, hypothesis
E. a scientific conjecture by an imaginative layman

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

I. The continents rest on a rigid layer called the asthenosphere.
II. The cause of plate movement has not yet been fully explained.
III. Mountain chains may result from collisions of the moving plates of the earth's outer layer.

A. I only
B. II only
C. III only
D. I and II only
E. II and III only

3 
 3. The "more rudimentary forerunner" of plate tectonics mentioned in the second paragraph is the theory

A. originally propounded by J. Tuzo Wilson
B. supported by Beloussov and Jeffreys
C. of heat flow in the upper mantle
D. of mountain chain formation
E. proposed by Alfred Wegener

4 
 4. The author's primary purpose is to:

A. debunk the theory of plate tectonics
B. advocate the theory of continental drift over that of plate tectonics
C. explain in detail the challenges to the theory of plate tectonics
D. offer new evidence that explains the precise cause of plate movement
E. describe the theory of plate tectonics and its acceptance in the scientific community

NawalDwivedi · Answer

1-C by POE. Though I am not confident about it because the language is too strong, but I cannot find any other promising option.
2-E (The info in this option cannot be true, as the first para states that the plates are rigid over which continents rest and asthenosphere is a semi plastic layer. Clearly E cannot be true.)
3-E (First line of P1 mentions that Plate tectonics(PT) is a refined form continental drift theory(CDT), hence PT's rudimentary forerunner would be CDT, which was proposed by Alfred Wegener.
4-E (P1 describes the concept of plate tectonics and the P2 describes about its acceptance in the scientific community)

Waiting for an expert's reply.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

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

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.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

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

officiisnobis · Answer

Notes - 
P1 - TP refined version of CD 
Explanation of TP 
P2 - TP credited than CP but some scientists do not accept it. 
Evidence support the theory 
No better competing theory

Q1 The author would most probably describe the theory of plate tectonics as:

A. a proven geological fact - NO it is not proven
B. a hypothesis that fails to explain relevant data - NO there are some evidence
C. a useful theory supported by strong evidence - YES
D. a fruitful, though inexact, hypothesis - NO, inexact is not mentioned in passage
E. a scientific conjecture by an imaginative layman - NO

Since the 1950s, the hypothesis of continental drift (originally propo

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GMAT Reading Comprehension (RC) Questions

Since the 1950s, the hypothesis of continental drift (originally propo

Prep Toolkit

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

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