Question

Read the following paragraphs and answer the question that follows.
Paragraph 1: Here are some handy rules of thumb. Anyone who calls themselves a thought leader is to be avoided. A man who does not wear socks cannot be trusted. And a company that holds an employee-appreciation day does not appreciate its employees. 
Paragraph 2: It is not just that the message sent by acknowledging staff for one out of 260-odd working days is a bit of a giveaway (there isn’t a love-your-spouse day ... for the same reason). It is also that the ideas are usually so tragically unappreciative. You have worked hard all year so you get a slice of cold pizza or a rock stamped with the words “You rock”? 
Which of the following BEST describes the relationship of the first paragraph with the second paragraph?

• A. The first paragraph is redundant, in the presence of the second paragraph.
• B. The first paragraph is humorous, while the second paragraph is sarcastic.
• C. The second paragraph gives evidence to the claims made by the first paragraph
• D. Without the second paragraph the first paragraph is meaningless.
• E. The first paragraph evokes interest, the second paragraph elaborates.

Answer 1

Answer: (E)

The question presents two paragraphs and asks which option best describes the relationship between the two. Let's analyze each paragraph to understand their relationship:

1. First Paragraph Analysis: - This paragraph presents three general statements, each offering a rule of thumb or a guiding principle. - It asserts that self-proclaimed thought leaders, sockless men, and companies with employee-appreciation days should be viewed critically. - The tone is witty and engaging, meant to provoke interest and thought in the reader.
2. Second Paragraph Analysis: - This paragraph builds upon one of the statements made in the first paragraph, specifically concerning employee-appreciation days. - It provides reasoning and examples why such days might signify a lack of true appreciation for employees, illustrating with the example of trivial rewards like pizza or a stamped rock. - The tone is sarcastic, highlighting how the gestures can feel insincere or inadequate.

Examining the Options:

1. The first paragraph is redundant, in the presence of the second paragraph. - This is incorrect. The first paragraph is not redundant; it is essential in introducing the ideas that are elaborated upon in the second paragraph.
2. The first paragraph is humorous, while the second paragraph is sarcastic. - While this can be considered a partial truth in terms of tone, it does not fully capture the relationship between the two paragraphs.
3. The second paragraph gives evidence to the claims made by the first paragraph. - This is partially true as the second paragraph supports one aspect of the first paragraph. However, it does not fully encapsulate the general relationship.
4. Without the second paragraph, the first paragraph is meaningless. - This option is incorrect. The first paragraph stands on its own with its statements, independent of the elaboration in the second.
5. The first paragraph evokes interest, the second paragraph elaborates. - This is the correct answer. The first paragraph piques the reader's interest with intriguing statements, while the second paragraph extends upon those thoughts with detail and examples.

Therefore, the correct answer is: The first paragraph evokes interest, the second paragraph elaborates.

Answer 2

Step 1: Analyze the purpose of each paragraph.
- The first paragraph presents generalized observations in a humorous manner, setting the tone and evoking interest. - The second paragraph elaborates on one of the observations (employee appreciation day), providing detailed reasoning and examples in a sarcastic tone.
Step 2: Evaluate the options.
- Option 1: Incorrect. The first paragraph is not redundant; it sets the context for the second paragraph. 
- Option 2: Partially correct but misses the elaborative relationship between the two paragraphs. 
- Option 3: Incorrect. The second paragraph does not provide evidence for all claims made in the first paragraph. 
- Option 4: Incorrect. The first paragraph can stand independently, as it makes broad observations. 
- Option 5: Correct. The first paragraph piques curiosity, while the second expands on a specific example, illustrating the claim.
Final Answer: (5)