What is the purpose of the second paragraph in this passage?
Show Hint
- To argue on behalf of an increase in the number of language exams from their current number
- To disagree with the methods of examining often proposed by students
- To condemn the laziness of those students who dislike graduate school language examinations
- To remark on the marvels of language and the enlightenment that it affords
- To present the author's argument that the language exams in question are, in fact, reasonable
The Correct Option is
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question asks for the specific function of the second paragraph. We need to identify its role in the overall structure of the author's argument, especially in relation to the first paragraph.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The second paragraph begins with a crucial transition: "Although these frustrations are understandable..." This signals a shift from acknowledging the problem to presenting a counterpoint. The paragraph then lays out the central justification for the language requirement: its necessity for research. It argues that "adequate research can only be done" with foreign language skills and that without them, a student's research would suffer a "great loss." The author is essentially saying that despite the difficulties, there is a very good reason for the exams.
Let's evaluate the options:
- (A), (B), and (D) are not discussed in the paragraph.
- (C) The author explicitly states the frustrations are "understandable," which is the opposite of condemning students as lazy.
- (E) This option perfectly captures the paragraph's function. After acknowledging the frustrations, the author presents their core argument to show that the exams are not arbitrary but are a "reasonable" and "important component" of graduate education because of their direct link to research quality.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The purpose of the second paragraph is to provide the justification for the language exam system, thereby arguing for its reasonableness. Option (E) is the best description of this purpose.
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