Choose the option that best summarizes the passage given below.
Although almost all climate scientists agree that the earth is gradually warming,they have long been of two minds about the process of rapid climate shifts within larger periods of change.Some have speculated that the process works like a giant oven freezer,warming or cooling the whole planet at the same time.Others think that shifts occur on opposing schedules in the northern and southern hemispheres, like exaggerated seasons.recent research in Germany examining climate patterns in the southern hemisphere at the end of last ice age strengthens the idea that warming and cooling occurs at alternate times in the two hemispheres. A more definitive answer to this debate will allow scientists to better predict when and how quickly the next climate shift will happen.
Show Hint
- Scientists have been unsure whether rapid shifts in the Earths climate hapen all at once or on opposing schedules in different hemispheres; research will help find a definitive answer and better predict climate shifts in future
- Scientists have been unsure whether rapid shifts in the earths climate happen all at once or on opposing schedules in different hemispheres;finding a definitive answer will help them better predict climate shifts in future.
- Research in Germany will help scientists find a definitive answer about warming and cooling of the earth and predict climate shifts in the future in a better manner.
- More research rather then debates on warming or cooling of earth and exaggerated seasons in its hemispheres will help scientists in Germany predict climate better in future
- Because of the debates, the scientists have been unable to correctly conclude about climatic patterns
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
A good summary must capture the main components of a passage: the central problem or debate, the main points of view, any new developments, and the overall significance or conclusion.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let's break down the passage into its key parts:
1. The Central Debate: Scientists are "of two minds" about how rapid climate shifts occur.
2. Viewpoint 1: Shifts happen globally all at once ("giant oven freezer").
3. Viewpoint 2: Shifts happen on opposing schedules in the two hemispheres.
4. New Evidence: Recent German research supports Viewpoint 2.
5. Significance/Goal: Getting a "definitive answer" to this debate is important because it will "allow scientists to better predict" future climate shifts.
Now, let's evaluate the options to see which one captures these key parts most effectively.
(A) Scientists have been unsure whether rapid shifts in the Earths climate hapen all at once or on opposing schedules in different hemispheres; research will help find a definitive answer and better predict climate shifts in future
This option is an excellent summary. It correctly identifies the core uncertainty (the debate), mentions that research will help resolve it, and states the ultimate goal (better prediction). It covers all the essential elements.
(B) Scientists have been unsure whether rapid shifts in the earths climate happen all at once or on opposing schedules in different hemispheres;finding a definitive answer will help them better predict climate shifts in future.
This is very similar to (A) but grammatically less polished. The first part is a complete sentence and the second is a phrase, incorrectly joined with a semicolon. Option (A) is structured better.
(C) Research in Germany will help scientists find a definitive answer...
This is too narrow. It focuses only on the German research, which is just one piece of evidence mentioned, not the entire scope of the debate.
(D) More research rather then debates... will help scientists in Germany predict better...
This misinterprets the passage. The passage doesn't pit research against debates; it says research will help settle the debate. It also wrongly implies the goal is only to help German scientists.
(E) Because of the debates, the scientists have been unable to correctly conclude about climatic patterns
While true, this is an incomplete summary. It only states the problem (the debate and uncertainty) but leaves out the crucial part about how research is providing answers and the goal of future prediction.
Step 4: Final Answer:
Option (A) provides the most complete and accurate summary of the passage, capturing the central debate, the role of research, and the future implications.
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