GRE Exam  >  GRE Questions  >   Directions: Answer the questions based on fo... Start Learning for Free
Directions: Answer the questions based on following reading passage.
At a certain period in Earth’s history, its atmosphere contained almost no oxygen, although plants were producing vast quantities of oxygen. As a way of reconciling these two facts, scientists have hypothesized that nearly all of the oxygen being produced was taken up by iron on Earth’s surface. Clearly, however, this explanation is inadequate. New studies show that the amount of iron on Earth’s surface was not sufficient to absorb anywhere near as much oxygen as was being produced. Therefore, something in addition to the iron on Earth’s surface must have absorbed much of the oxygen produced by plant life.
Q. In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following
roles?
  • a)
    The first is a claim made by the argument in support of a certain position; the second is that position.
  • b)
    The first is a judgment made by the argument about a certain explanation; the second is that explanation.
  • c)
    The first expresses the argument’s dismissal of an objection to the position it seeks to establish; the second is that position.
  • d)
    The first sums up the argument’s position with regard to a certain hypothesis; the second provides grounds for that position.
  • e)
    The first is a concession by the argument that its initial formulation of the position it seeks to establish requires modification; the second presents that position in a modified form.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Directions: Answer the questions based on following reading passage.A...
Understanding the Argument Structure
The argument presented discusses the relationship between oxygen production by plants and the absorption capability of iron on Earth’s surface. The boldface portions highlight critical components of the argument's reasoning.
The Role of the First Boldface Portion
- The first boldface portion states, "the amount of iron on Earth’s surface was not sufficient to absorb anywhere near as much oxygen as was being produced."
- This statement serves as a summary of the argument's position regarding the inadequacy of the initial hypothesis that iron alone accounted for the oxygen absorption.
The Role of the Second Boldface Portion
- The second boldface portion asserts, "something in addition to the iron on Earth’s surface must have absorbed much of the oxygen produced by plant life."
- This portion presents the modified position of the argument, suggesting that there are other factors at play in the absorption of oxygen, beyond just the iron available on Earth’s surface.
Conclusion: Why Option D is Correct
- Option D accurately encapsulates the relationship between the two boldface portions: the first summarizes the argument's position regarding the inadequacy of the initial explanation, while the second proposes a revised stance that includes additional factors responsible for oxygen absorption.
- In contrast, other options do not effectively describe the dynamic between the two portions, as they misinterpret the nature of the claims and judgments being made.
Thus, option D is the most fitting choice as it captures the essence of the argument's progression from an initial hypothesis to a revised understanding of the situation.
Free Test
Community Answer
Directions: Answer the questions based on following reading passage.A...
The passage presents an argument and the question asks you to identify the role the portions highlighted in boldface play in that argument. The first step in responding is to read through the passage quickly to get an understanding of what is being said. Then it is possible to go back and assess how the parts of the passage fit together into an argument.
In this passage the first sentence presents two pieces of information that seem to be in conflict—the atmosphere contained almost no oxygen even though plants were producing so much of it. The second sentence presents a hypothetical explanation that has been proposed for reconciling the discrepancy — that oxygen was absorbed by iron. The next sentence calls this hypothetical explanation inadequate and the following sentence gives a reason for that judgment — that there was insufficient iron for the proposed explanation to work. Finally, the last sentence draws the conclusion that there must have been something in addition to iron to absorb the oxygen.
Since the highlighted portions in the passage represent the main content of the third and fourth sentences, the task in this question is to find the answer choice whose two parts fit those sentences’ roles. It can be seen that answer Choice D fits the requirement: the third sentence does sum up the argument’s position about a hypothesis, and the fourth sentence gives grounds for the third. Therefore Choice D is the correct answer.
Attention GRE Students!
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed GRE study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in GRE.
Explore Courses for GRE exam

Similar GRE Doubts

Directions: Answer the questions based on following reading passage.Nineteenth-century architect Eugène-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc contended that Paris’s Notre-Dame cathedral, built primarily in the late twelfth century, was supported from the very beginning by a system of flying buttresses—a series of exterior arches (flyers) and their supports (buttresses)—which permitted the construction of taller vaulted buildings with slimmer walls and interior supports than had been possible previously. Other commentators insist, however, that Notre-Dame did not have flying buttresses until the thirteenth or fourteenth century, when they were added to update the building aesthetically and correct its structural flaws. Although post-twelfth-century modifications and renovations complicate efforts to resolve this controversy—all pre fifteenth-century flyers have been replaced, and the buttresses have been rebuilt and/or resurfaced—it is nevertheless possible to tell that both the nave and the choir, the church’s two major parts, have always had flying buttresses. It is clear, now that nineteenth-century paint and plaster have been removed, that the nave’s lower buttresses date from the twelfth century. Moreover, the choir’s lower flyers have chevron (zigzag) decoration. Chevron decoration, which was characteristic of the second half of the twelfth century and was out of favor by the fourteenth century, is entirely absent from modifications to the building that can be dated with confidence to the thirteenth century.Q. The claim of the “other commentators” (line 6) suggests that they believe which of the following about Notre-Dame?

Directions: Answer the questions based on following reading passage.Nineteenth-century architect Eugène-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc contended that Paris’s Notre-Dame cathedral, built primarily in the late twelfth century, was supported from the very beginning by a system of flying buttresses—a series of exterior arches (flyers) and their supports (buttresses)—which permitted the construction of taller vaulted buildings with slimmer walls and interior supports than had been possible previously. Other commentators insist, however, that Notre-Dame did not have flying buttresses until the thirteenth or fourteenth century, when they were added to update the building aesthetically and correct its structural flaws. Although post-twelfth-century modifications and renovations complicate efforts to resolve this controversy—all pre fifteenth-century flyers have been replaced, and the buttresses have been rebuilt and/or resurfaced—it is nevertheless possible to tell that both the nave and the choir, the church’s two major parts, have always had flying buttresses. It is clear, now that nineteenth-century paint and plaster have been removed, that the nave’s lower buttresses date from the twelfth century. Moreover, the choir’s lower flyers have chevron (zigzag) decoration. Chevron decoration, which was characteristic of the second half of the twelfth century and was out of favor by the fourteenth century, is entirely absent from modifications to the building that can be dated with confidence to the thirteenth century.Q. The passage is primarily concerned with

Directions: Answer the questions based on following reading passage.Nineteenth-century architect Eugène-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc contended that Paris’s Notre-Dame cathedral, built primarily in the late twelfth century, was supported from the very beginning by a system of flying buttresses—a series of exterior arches (flyers) and their supports (buttresses)—which permitted the construction of taller vaulted buildings with slimmer walls and interior supports than had been possible previously. Other commentators insist, however, that Notre-Dame did not have flying buttresses until the thirteenth or fourteenth century, when they were added to update the building aesthetically and correct its structural flaws. Although post-twelfth-century modifications and renovations complicate efforts to resolve this controversy—all pre-fifteenth-century flyers have been replaced, and the buttresses have been rebuilt and/or resurfaced—it is nevertheless possible to tell that both the nave and the choir, the church’s two major parts, have always had flying buttresses. It is clear, now that nineteenth-century paint and plaster have been removed, that the nave’s lower buttresses date from the twelfth century. Moreover, the choir’s lower flyers have chevron (zigzag) decoration. Chevron decoration, which was characteristic of the second half of the twelfth century and was out of favor by the fourteenth century, is entirely absent from modifications to the building that can be dated with confidence to the thirteenth century.Q. The author’s argument concerning Notre-Dame’s flying buttresses depends on which of the following assumptions about the choir’s lower flyers?

Top Courses for GRE

Directions: Answer the questions based on following reading passage.At a certain period in Earth’s history, its atmosphere contained almost no oxygen, although plants were producing vast quantities of oxygen. As a way of reconciling these two facts, scientists have hypothesized that nearly all of the oxygen being produced was taken up by iron on Earth’s surface. Clearly, however, this explanation is inadequate. New studies show that the amount of iron on Earth’s surface was not sufficient to absorb anywhere near as much oxygen as was being produced. Therefore, something in addition to the iron on Earth’s surface must have absorbed much of the oxygen produced by plant life.Q. In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the followingroles?a)The first is a claim made by the argument in support of a certain position; the second is that position.b)The first is a judgment made by the argument about a certain explanation; the second is that explanation.c)The first expresses the argument’s dismissal of an objection to the position it seeks to establish; the second is that position.d)The first sums up the argument’s position with regard to a certain hypothesis; the second provides grounds for that position.e)The first is a concession by the argument that its initial formulation of the position it seeks to establish requires modification; the second presents that position in a modified form.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
Directions: Answer the questions based on following reading passage.At a certain period in Earth’s history, its atmosphere contained almost no oxygen, although plants were producing vast quantities of oxygen. As a way of reconciling these two facts, scientists have hypothesized that nearly all of the oxygen being produced was taken up by iron on Earth’s surface. Clearly, however, this explanation is inadequate. New studies show that the amount of iron on Earth’s surface was not sufficient to absorb anywhere near as much oxygen as was being produced. Therefore, something in addition to the iron on Earth’s surface must have absorbed much of the oxygen produced by plant life.Q. In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the followingroles?a)The first is a claim made by the argument in support of a certain position; the second is that position.b)The first is a judgment made by the argument about a certain explanation; the second is that explanation.c)The first expresses the argument’s dismissal of an objection to the position it seeks to establish; the second is that position.d)The first sums up the argument’s position with regard to a certain hypothesis; the second provides grounds for that position.e)The first is a concession by the argument that its initial formulation of the position it seeks to establish requires modification; the second presents that position in a modified form.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? for GRE 2024 is part of GRE preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the GRE exam syllabus. Information about Directions: Answer the questions based on following reading passage.At a certain period in Earth’s history, its atmosphere contained almost no oxygen, although plants were producing vast quantities of oxygen. As a way of reconciling these two facts, scientists have hypothesized that nearly all of the oxygen being produced was taken up by iron on Earth’s surface. Clearly, however, this explanation is inadequate. New studies show that the amount of iron on Earth’s surface was not sufficient to absorb anywhere near as much oxygen as was being produced. Therefore, something in addition to the iron on Earth’s surface must have absorbed much of the oxygen produced by plant life.Q. In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the followingroles?a)The first is a claim made by the argument in support of a certain position; the second is that position.b)The first is a judgment made by the argument about a certain explanation; the second is that explanation.c)The first expresses the argument’s dismissal of an objection to the position it seeks to establish; the second is that position.d)The first sums up the argument’s position with regard to a certain hypothesis; the second provides grounds for that position.e)The first is a concession by the argument that its initial formulation of the position it seeks to establish requires modification; the second presents that position in a modified form.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for GRE 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Directions: Answer the questions based on following reading passage.At a certain period in Earth’s history, its atmosphere contained almost no oxygen, although plants were producing vast quantities of oxygen. As a way of reconciling these two facts, scientists have hypothesized that nearly all of the oxygen being produced was taken up by iron on Earth’s surface. Clearly, however, this explanation is inadequate. New studies show that the amount of iron on Earth’s surface was not sufficient to absorb anywhere near as much oxygen as was being produced. Therefore, something in addition to the iron on Earth’s surface must have absorbed much of the oxygen produced by plant life.Q. In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the followingroles?a)The first is a claim made by the argument in support of a certain position; the second is that position.b)The first is a judgment made by the argument about a certain explanation; the second is that explanation.c)The first expresses the argument’s dismissal of an objection to the position it seeks to establish; the second is that position.d)The first sums up the argument’s position with regard to a certain hypothesis; the second provides grounds for that position.e)The first is a concession by the argument that its initial formulation of the position it seeks to establish requires modification; the second presents that position in a modified form.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Directions: Answer the questions based on following reading passage.At a certain period in Earth’s history, its atmosphere contained almost no oxygen, although plants were producing vast quantities of oxygen. As a way of reconciling these two facts, scientists have hypothesized that nearly all of the oxygen being produced was taken up by iron on Earth’s surface. Clearly, however, this explanation is inadequate. New studies show that the amount of iron on Earth’s surface was not sufficient to absorb anywhere near as much oxygen as was being produced. Therefore, something in addition to the iron on Earth’s surface must have absorbed much of the oxygen produced by plant life.Q. In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the followingroles?a)The first is a claim made by the argument in support of a certain position; the second is that position.b)The first is a judgment made by the argument about a certain explanation; the second is that explanation.c)The first expresses the argument’s dismissal of an objection to the position it seeks to establish; the second is that position.d)The first sums up the argument’s position with regard to a certain hypothesis; the second provides grounds for that position.e)The first is a concession by the argument that its initial formulation of the position it seeks to establish requires modification; the second presents that position in a modified form.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for GRE. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for GRE Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Directions: Answer the questions based on following reading passage.At a certain period in Earth’s history, its atmosphere contained almost no oxygen, although plants were producing vast quantities of oxygen. As a way of reconciling these two facts, scientists have hypothesized that nearly all of the oxygen being produced was taken up by iron on Earth’s surface. Clearly, however, this explanation is inadequate. New studies show that the amount of iron on Earth’s surface was not sufficient to absorb anywhere near as much oxygen as was being produced. Therefore, something in addition to the iron on Earth’s surface must have absorbed much of the oxygen produced by plant life.Q. In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the followingroles?a)The first is a claim made by the argument in support of a certain position; the second is that position.b)The first is a judgment made by the argument about a certain explanation; the second is that explanation.c)The first expresses the argument’s dismissal of an objection to the position it seeks to establish; the second is that position.d)The first sums up the argument’s position with regard to a certain hypothesis; the second provides grounds for that position.e)The first is a concession by the argument that its initial formulation of the position it seeks to establish requires modification; the second presents that position in a modified form.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Directions: Answer the questions based on following reading passage.At a certain period in Earth’s history, its atmosphere contained almost no oxygen, although plants were producing vast quantities of oxygen. As a way of reconciling these two facts, scientists have hypothesized that nearly all of the oxygen being produced was taken up by iron on Earth’s surface. Clearly, however, this explanation is inadequate. New studies show that the amount of iron on Earth’s surface was not sufficient to absorb anywhere near as much oxygen as was being produced. Therefore, something in addition to the iron on Earth’s surface must have absorbed much of the oxygen produced by plant life.Q. In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the followingroles?a)The first is a claim made by the argument in support of a certain position; the second is that position.b)The first is a judgment made by the argument about a certain explanation; the second is that explanation.c)The first expresses the argument’s dismissal of an objection to the position it seeks to establish; the second is that position.d)The first sums up the argument’s position with regard to a certain hypothesis; the second provides grounds for that position.e)The first is a concession by the argument that its initial formulation of the position it seeks to establish requires modification; the second presents that position in a modified form.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Directions: Answer the questions based on following reading passage.At a certain period in Earth’s history, its atmosphere contained almost no oxygen, although plants were producing vast quantities of oxygen. As a way of reconciling these two facts, scientists have hypothesized that nearly all of the oxygen being produced was taken up by iron on Earth’s surface. Clearly, however, this explanation is inadequate. New studies show that the amount of iron on Earth’s surface was not sufficient to absorb anywhere near as much oxygen as was being produced. Therefore, something in addition to the iron on Earth’s surface must have absorbed much of the oxygen produced by plant life.Q. In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the followingroles?a)The first is a claim made by the argument in support of a certain position; the second is that position.b)The first is a judgment made by the argument about a certain explanation; the second is that explanation.c)The first expresses the argument’s dismissal of an objection to the position it seeks to establish; the second is that position.d)The first sums up the argument’s position with regard to a certain hypothesis; the second provides grounds for that position.e)The first is a concession by the argument that its initial formulation of the position it seeks to establish requires modification; the second presents that position in a modified form.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Directions: Answer the questions based on following reading passage.At a certain period in Earth’s history, its atmosphere contained almost no oxygen, although plants were producing vast quantities of oxygen. As a way of reconciling these two facts, scientists have hypothesized that nearly all of the oxygen being produced was taken up by iron on Earth’s surface. Clearly, however, this explanation is inadequate. New studies show that the amount of iron on Earth’s surface was not sufficient to absorb anywhere near as much oxygen as was being produced. Therefore, something in addition to the iron on Earth’s surface must have absorbed much of the oxygen produced by plant life.Q. In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the followingroles?a)The first is a claim made by the argument in support of a certain position; the second is that position.b)The first is a judgment made by the argument about a certain explanation; the second is that explanation.c)The first expresses the argument’s dismissal of an objection to the position it seeks to establish; the second is that position.d)The first sums up the argument’s position with regard to a certain hypothesis; the second provides grounds for that position.e)The first is a concession by the argument that its initial formulation of the position it seeks to establish requires modification; the second presents that position in a modified form.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Directions: Answer the questions based on following reading passage.At a certain period in Earth’s history, its atmosphere contained almost no oxygen, although plants were producing vast quantities of oxygen. As a way of reconciling these two facts, scientists have hypothesized that nearly all of the oxygen being produced was taken up by iron on Earth’s surface. Clearly, however, this explanation is inadequate. New studies show that the amount of iron on Earth’s surface was not sufficient to absorb anywhere near as much oxygen as was being produced. Therefore, something in addition to the iron on Earth’s surface must have absorbed much of the oxygen produced by plant life.Q. In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the followingroles?a)The first is a claim made by the argument in support of a certain position; the second is that position.b)The first is a judgment made by the argument about a certain explanation; the second is that explanation.c)The first expresses the argument’s dismissal of an objection to the position it seeks to establish; the second is that position.d)The first sums up the argument’s position with regard to a certain hypothesis; the second provides grounds for that position.e)The first is a concession by the argument that its initial formulation of the position it seeks to establish requires modification; the second presents that position in a modified form.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice GRE tests.
Explore Courses for GRE exam

Top Courses for GRE

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev