The striking similarities between Greek temples and subsequent Roman v

OFFICIAL EXPLANATION:

General Description: This question asks you to draw a logical inference from the information given in the passage.

A. Incorrect. While this statement may be true, the passage provides no support for it. On the contrary, the passage is about great architects, who (according to the passage) do not exhibit "a slavish lack of originality."

B. Incorrect. If anything, the passage supports the opposite conclusion, in saying that "building according to formulas does not make good buildings."

C. Incorrect. The passage does not address the potential results of following unfamiliar forms in creating buildings.

D. Correct. The passage says that the similarities between Roman villas and earlier Greek temples show that great architects can be inspired by other architects. Thus, the passage implies that some Roman architects were great. Then the passage says that a great architect "creates fresh architectural compositions out of familiar forms." So it follows that some Roman architecture-the architecture created by the great Roman architects--exemplifies the creation of fresh architectural compositions out of familiar forms.

E. Incorrect. The architectural features of Greek temples are not discussed in the passage; neither is the source of Greek architectural inspiration discussed.

Difficulty Level: Easy

Tips and Pitfalls: Read questions carefully. If a question asks which statement is supported by the passage, do not choose a response just because it seems on independent grounds to be plausible or likely you must pick a response based on the information given in the passage.