Which of the following best characterizes the function of the underlined and boldfaced partial sentence in lines 7-8 of the passage?
It suggests that the benefits of a particular strategy have been overestimated.
Step 1: Understand the context of the question.
The question asks about the purpose of a specific sentence in the passage. We must analyze the role that sentence plays. Based on the context, it seems to summarize a viewpoint that is later disagreed with.
Step 2: Analyze the options.
- (A): A restatement would not necessarily be followed by disagreement.
- (B): The sentence is not providing direct evidence for a theory.
- (C): It's not applying a principle, but discussing a justification.
- (D): This is likely correct if the sentence presents a justification the author later refutes.
- (E): Overestimating benefits is a plausible interpretation but doesn’t fit the structure of disagreement.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (D) as the sentence likely presents a justification the author rejects.
The word “exceed” appears underlined and boldfaced in line 10 of the passage. In the context in which it appears, “exceed” most nearly means:
supplant
Step 1: Examine the word in context.
The word “exceed” refers to something surpassing or going beyond a limit. The word must imply surpassing in amount, value, or degree.
Step 2: Analyze the options.
- (A) Outstrip = to surpass or go beyond, which fits the context.
- (B) Magnify = to increase in size, which doesn’t fit with “exceed.”
- (C) Delimit = to define boundaries, opposite of exceeding.
- (D) Offset = to counterbalance, unrelated.
- (E) Supplant = to replace, not the same as exceeding.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, the correct word is (A) outstrip, meaning to surpass.