Question

Writers of detective fiction often include an incompetent detective as a foil for the brilliant investigator-protagonist as they follow different paths in trying to solve the crime. In the individual accounts, the incompetent detective is frequently distracted by the culprit's careful plans, while the competent investigator solves the case after a final confrontation. Analysts of such fiction believe that the authors select this story-telling technique to provide readers with more complexities in the form of misleading clues, while figuring out the crime.
Which of the following statements most logically follows from the passage above?

• A. A detective story is considered well-written if the brilliant investigator is accompanied by an incompetent detective.
• B. Writers of detective fiction use the contrast of an incompetent detective to mainly show how complex the investigation is.
• C. Writers of detective fiction never write stories where the incompetent detective solves the case.
• D. Writers of detective fiction use two investigative accounts to make it difficult for the reader to figure out the outcome.

Hint:

In detective fiction, contrast between characters often highlights the complexity of the investigation and misleads the reader.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Analyze the Passage.
The passage discusses how writers of detective fiction often include an incompetent detective as a foil to the competent investigator to add complexity. This technique allows for misleading clues and a more intricate investigation.
Step 2: Evaluate the Options.
- (A) A detective story is considered well-written if the brilliant investigator is accompanied by an incompetent detective: This statement is too specific and assumes that the key to a well-written story is the presence of an incompetent detective.
- (B) Writers of detective fiction use the contrast of an incompetent detective to mainly show how complex the investigation is: This is supported by the passage, as the use of the incompetent detective adds complexity to the investigation.
- (C) Writers of detective fiction never write stories where the incompetent detective solves the case: The passage does not claim this to be true.
- (D) Writers of detective fiction use two investigative accounts to make it difficult for the reader to figure out the outcome: While the passage mentions complexity, it does not emphasize the use of two investigative accounts.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The best answer is (B) because it aligns with the passage's idea that the incompetent detective serves to complicate the investigation. Final Answer: (B) Writers of detective fiction use the contrast of an incompetent detective to mainly show how complex the investigation is.