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GMAT Exam  >  GMAT Questions  >  Which of the following best states the author... Start Learning for Free
Which of the following best states the author's main point?​
  • a)
    Pessen's study has overturned the previously established view of the social and economic structure of early nineteenth-century America.
  • b)
    Tocqueville's analysis of the United States in the Jacksonian era remains the definitive account of this period.
  • c)
    Pessen's study is valuable primarily because it shows the continuity of the social system in the United States throughout the nineteenth century.  
  • d)
    The social patterns and political power of the extremely wealthy in the United States between 1825 and 1850 are well documented.
  • e)
    Pessen challenges a view of the social and economic system in the United States from 1825 to 1850, but he draws conclusions that are incorrect. 
Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?
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Verified Answer
Which of the following best states the author's main point?​...
This question asks you to identify the main point that the author of the passage makes. To do this, you must separate the author’s description of Pessen’s work and views from the author’s evaluation of Pessen’s work.. E is the correct answer. According to the first paragraph, Pessen challenges Tocqueville’s view. According to the first paragraph, Pessen challenges Tocquevile’s view. According to the second paragraph, Pessen’s conclusions are incorrect.  
Directions: For each question. select the best of the answer choices given. (Critical Reasoning) 
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Most Upvoted Answer
Which of the following best states the author's main point?​...
Introduction:
The main point of the author can be identified by analyzing the information provided in the given options. In this case, option E is the best choice as it accurately captures the main point of the author's argument.

Explanation:
Option A: This option states that Pessen's study has overturned the previously established view of the social and economic structure of early nineteenth-century America. However, this is not the main point of the author's argument. While Pessen's study may challenge the established view, the main point is not focused solely on the overturning of this view.

Option B: This option suggests that Tocqueville's analysis remains the definitive account of the Jacksonian era. However, this is not the main point of the author's argument. The author is discussing Pessen's study, not Tocqueville's analysis.

Option C: This option claims that Pessen's study is valuable because it shows the continuity of the social system in the United States throughout the nineteenth century. While this may be a point mentioned in the author's argument, it is not the main point. The main point is focused on Pessen's challenge to a specific view of the social and economic system between 1825 and 1850.

Option D: This option states that the social patterns and political power of the extremely wealthy in the United States between 1825 and 1850 are well documented. While this may be true, it is not the main point of the author's argument. The main point is focused on Pessen's challenge to a specific view of the social and economic system during this time period.

Option E: This option correctly captures the main point of the author's argument. Pessen challenges a view of the social and economic system in the United States from 1825 to 1850, but he draws conclusions that are incorrect. This statement accurately reflects the main point of the author's argument, which is to highlight the incorrect conclusions drawn by Pessen based on his study.

Conclusion:
The best statement that represents the main point of the author's argument is option E, as it accurately captures the main focus on Pessen challenging a specific view of the social and economic system between 1825 and 1850, while also highlighting the incorrect conclusions drawn by Pessen.
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In April 1841, medical missionary Reverend Peter Parker, M.D., addressed an enthusiastic audience gathered at a special meeting of the Boston Medical Association. His subject was “the condition and prospects of the hospitals of China.” He described his own work at the hospital he had established in the foreign factory district outside the city walls of Canton where he offered free treatment for both rich and poor. At P’u Ai I Yuan (Hospital of Universal Love, as it was known in Chines e) Parker and his colleagues used western surgical techniques as a means to facilitate religious conversion. Medicine, Parker believed, could be the “handmaid of religious truth,” and he held regular religious services for his patients.While he had, at best, modest success attracting converts to Christianity, the hospital had fostered tremendous goodwill among the Chinese. It was a bright spot amid the gloomy period of Western-Chinese tension that led to the outbreak of the Opium Wars between Great Britain and China. Forced to flee Canton because of these rising hostilities, Parker returned to the United States to raise money and interest in his operations. In the spring of 1841, he spoke to many religious societies, a few medical bodies, and even the United States Congress, where he preached to members of the House and Senate and lobbied legislators on the need for diplomatic relations with China.In his talks, Parker described the state of medical and surgical knowledge—or, rather, scientific ignorance—in China. Despite the surgical feats of legendary ancient doctors such as Hua T’o of the third century A.D., surgery did not develop to any great extent in China. Some accounts attribute this to Confucian precepts about the integrity of the body and proscriptions against any form of mutilation or dismemberment; others emphasize the pharmacological tendencies within traditional Chinese medicine and a preference for moxas and other caustic plasters.Whatever the cause, it was undoubtedly the case that Parker’s surgical practice tapped into a huge unmet need.Almost as soon as he opened his Ophthalmic Hospital in Canton, as it was known in English, he acquired a reputation as a surgeon of such skill that the hospital quickly became a general hospital. Parker and his small staff handled thousands of cases each year, treating more than fifty thousand cases by the 1850s. His hospital became the model for other medical missions, and Parker and his British colleagues formed the Medical Missionary Society of China to coordinate the efforts of all the western hospitals springing up in the trading ports of Asia. Parker earned his reputation performing operations to remove tumors and cataracts—forms of surgery with relatively good odds of success and ones that could be accomplished quickly, important in an era without anesthetics. Because of the absence of surgery in China, a large number of patients were afflicted with mature tumors (typically five to thirty-five years ol d) of a size seldom seen in Europe or the United States. Parker was able to help these patients in ways previously thought impossible in China. He has thus been credited with bringing Western medicine to the most populous country on Earth.Q.The primary purpose of the passage is to

In April 1841, medical missionary Reverend Peter Parker, M.D., addressed an enthusiastic audience gathered at a special meeting of the Boston Medical Association. His subject was “the condition and prospects of the hospitals of China.” He described his own work at the hospital he had established in the foreign factory district outside the city walls of Canton where he offered free treatment for both rich and poor. At P’u Ai I Yuan (Hospital of Universal Love, as it was known in Chines e) Parker and his colleagues used western surgical techniques as a means to facilitate religious conversion. Medicine, Parker believed, could be the “handmaid of religious truth,” and he held regular religious services for his patients.While he had, at best, modest success attracting converts to Christianity, the hospital had fostered tremendous goodwill among the Chinese. It was a bright spot amid the gloomy period of Western-Chinese tension that led to the outbreak of the Opium Wars between Great Britain and China. Forced to flee Canton because of these rising hostilities, Parker returned to the United States to raise money and interest in his operations. In the spring of 1841, he spoke to many religious societies, a few medical bodies, and even the United States Congress, where he preached to members of the House and Senate and lobbied legislators on the need for diplomatic relations with China.In his talks, Parker described the state of medical and surgical knowledge—or, rather, scientific ignorance—in China. Despite the surgical feats of legendary ancient doctors such as Hua T’o of the third century A.D., surgery did not develop to any great extent in China. Some accounts attribute this to Confucian precepts about the integrity of the body and proscriptions against any form of mutilation or dismemberment; others emphasize the pharmacological tendencies within traditional Chinese medicine and a preference for moxas and other caustic plasters.Whatever the cause, it was undoubtedly the case that Parker’s surgical practice tapped into a huge unmet need.Almost as soon as he opened his Ophthalmic Hospital in Canton, as it was known in English, he acquired a reputation as a surgeon of such skill that the hospital quickly became a general hospital. Parker and his small staff handled thousands of cases each year, treating more than fifty thousand cases by the 1850s. His hospital became the model for other medical missions, and Parker and his British colleagues formed the Medical Missionary Society of China to coordinate the efforts of all the western hospitals springing up in the trading ports of Asia. Parker earned his reputation performing operations to remove tumors and cataracts—forms of surgery with relatively good odds of success and ones that could be accomplished quickly, important in an era without anesthetics. Because of the absence of surgery in China, a large number of patients were afflicted with mature tumors (typically five to thirty-five years ol d) of a size seldom seen in Europe or the United States. Parker was able to help these patients in ways previously thought impossible in China. He has thus been credited with bringing Western medicine to the most populous country on Earth.Q. The author mentions Hua T’o in the third paragraph most probably in order to

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Which of the following best states the author's main point?​a)Pessen's study has overturned the previously established view of the social and economic structure of early nineteenth-century America.b)Tocqueville's analysis of the United States in the Jacksonian era remains the definitive account of this period.c)Pessen's study is valuable primarily because it shows the continuity of the social system in the United States throughout the nineteenth century. d)The social patterns and political power of the extremely wealthy in the United States between 1825 and 1850 are well documented.e)Pessen challenges a view of the social and economic system in the United States from 1825 to 1850, but he draws conclusions that are incorrect.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?
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Which of the following best states the author's main point?​a)Pessen's study has overturned the previously established view of the social and economic structure of early nineteenth-century America.b)Tocqueville's analysis of the United States in the Jacksonian era remains the definitive account of this period.c)Pessen's study is valuable primarily because it shows the continuity of the social system in the United States throughout the nineteenth century. d)The social patterns and political power of the extremely wealthy in the United States between 1825 and 1850 are well documented.e)Pessen challenges a view of the social and economic system in the United States from 1825 to 1850, but he draws conclusions that are incorrect.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? for GMAT 2025 is part of GMAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the GMAT exam syllabus. Information about Which of the following best states the author's main point?​a)Pessen's study has overturned the previously established view of the social and economic structure of early nineteenth-century America.b)Tocqueville's analysis of the United States in the Jacksonian era remains the definitive account of this period.c)Pessen's study is valuable primarily because it shows the continuity of the social system in the United States throughout the nineteenth century. d)The social patterns and political power of the extremely wealthy in the United States between 1825 and 1850 are well documented.e)Pessen challenges a view of the social and economic system in the United States from 1825 to 1850, but he draws conclusions that are incorrect.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for GMAT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Which of the following best states the author's main point?​a)Pessen's study has overturned the previously established view of the social and economic structure of early nineteenth-century America.b)Tocqueville's analysis of the United States in the Jacksonian era remains the definitive account of this period.c)Pessen's study is valuable primarily because it shows the continuity of the social system in the United States throughout the nineteenth century. d)The social patterns and political power of the extremely wealthy in the United States between 1825 and 1850 are well documented.e)Pessen challenges a view of the social and economic system in the United States from 1825 to 1850, but he draws conclusions that are incorrect.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?.
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