Question

Select the option that best explains how the two statements below are related.
(1) The fiction novel, Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn, was very popular.
(2) It was on several bestseller lists in the US for over 34 weeks in 2012, and later made into a movie.

• A. The first sentence contradicts the second.
• B. The first sentence explains the meaning of the second.
• C. The second sentence explains why the book is popular.
• D. The second sentence provides evidence for the first.

Hint:

To decide between “explains why” and “gives evidence,” try reversing the arrow: if sentence 2 naturally follows from sentence 1 (popularity $⇒$ bestseller lists, movie), it’s evidence, not a causal explanation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Classifying Sentences by Function:
Sentence (1) is a claim/conclusion: “Gone Girl was very popular.”
Sentence (2) reports verifiable facts: long appearance on bestseller lists and a subsequent film adaptation.

Testing Each Relationship Type:
Contradiction? (A) No. A contradiction would assert the opposite (e.g., “was not popular”). Sentence (2) does not oppose (1); it is compatible with high popularity.

Definition/Explanation of meaning? (B) No. An explanation of meaning would paraphrase or define terms in (2). Here, (1) does not define the terms in (2); instead, (2) adds new, measurable information (weeks on lists; a movie).

Causal reason for popularity? (C) No. A why answer would give causes (e.g., “clever plot, strong marketing, word-of-mouth”). Bestseller tenure and adaptation are typically consequences/indicators of popularity, not root causes. The book is not popular because it was on lists; rather, it is on lists because it was popular.

Evidence supporting the claim? (D) Yes. Bestseller longevity and a film adaptation are standard evidences of popularity: they are observable outcomes that support (1). Thus the logical relation is claim supported by evidence $⇒$ (D).