Hi! Doubt in this question:
Here, I incorrectly picked (1) instead of (4)- logic being that since this is a primary purpose/ function question, and whole passage is about implications/ results of the supernova triggering described.
Can you please guide me on how to distinguish such cases- primary purpose vs. main idea- getting a little confused
Answer choice A which you picked is only the first paragraph. The second paragraph is about how this leads to a new theory and how it compares to the old theory.
The primary purpose you pick has to be relevant for around 80% of the passage at least.
Yep, that’s what I had in my mind too. But here, it was difficult to make a choice since there are 2 paragraphs, and therefore a 50-50% split in info between the 2 choices that I mentioned.
In such cases, what is best practice? To defer to the option which contains the “main idea” like the new theory one vs. just function?
Does choice number 4 only refer to the second paragraph?
The first sentence of the second paragraph tells us exactly what to make of that first paragraph when it starts with “This line of reasoning…”. It’s telling us to view the first paragraph as a “hook”, essentially—a way of getting us excited about this “exciting new theory”, before the passage then goes into the contrast with the older, “most widely accepted theory”.
Remember, primary purpose is about the why. The author describes the new theory for the purpose of contrasting it with the old theory. Choice 1 doesn’t mention this contrast at all, and instead presents a theory as established fact (“it describes what happens” is rather authoritative language to describe a paragraph with “if”s and “would”s).
Understood, this is extremely clear now.
Especially guidance on thinking of primary purpose questions as “WHY” is the author writing this? Thank you so much, I’ll keep this mental shift in mind
