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Mathematician Claude Shannon is widely regarded as a foundational figure in information theory. His most important paper, "A Mathematical Theory of Communication," published in 1948 when he was employed at Bell Labs, utilized a concept called a "binary digit" (shortened to "bit") to measure the amount of information in any signal and determine the fastest rate at which information could be transmitted while still being reliably decipherable. Robert Gallagher, one of Shannon's colleagues, said that the bit was "[Shannon's] discovery, and from it the whole communications revolution has sprung."
Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?
  • a)
    It introduces a respected researcher, describes an aspect of his work, and suggests why the work is historically significant.
  • b)
    It names the company where an important mathematician worked, details the mathematician's career at the company, and provides an example of the recognition he received there.
  • c)
    It mentions a paper, offers a summary of the paper's findings, and presents a researcher's commentary on the paper.
  • d)
    It presents a theoretical concept, illustrates how the name of the concept has changed, and shows how the name has entered common usage.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Mathematician Claude Shannon is widely regarded as a foundational figu...
Choice A. This is the best choice. The text starts with a general statement that introduces Shannon, then describes a specific contribution from one of his papers, then provides a quote that illustrates just how important this contribution was.
Choice B. This isn't the overall structure. Shannon's employment at Bell Labs is only mentioned once, very briefly: the text never goes into detail about his career there, and it never mentions any recognition he received there.
Choice C. This is too narrow. Overall, the text is about Shannon's importance in his field, not just this one paper of his.
Choice D. This isn't the overall structure. The text only mentions very briefly, in parentheses, that "binary digit" was shortened to "bit". It doesn't go into detail about this name change, and it doesn't discuss any "common usage" of the name at all.
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Most Upvoted Answer
Mathematician Claude Shannon is widely regarded as a foundational figu...
Introduction of Claude Shannon
The text introduces mathematician Claude Shannon and highlights his foundational role in information theory.

Description of Shannon's Work
It details Shannon's most important paper, "A Mathematical Theory of Communication," and his concept of the "bit" as a measure of information in signals.

Significance of Shannon's Work
The text explains why Shannon's work is historically significant, citing Robert Gallagher's statement that the bit was Shannon's discovery and the basis for the communications revolution.
Therefore, the overall structure of the text can best be described as introducing a respected researcher, describing an aspect of his work, and suggesting why the work is historically significant.
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Mathematician Claude Shannon is widely regarded as a foundational figure in information theory. His most important paper, "A Mathematical Theory of Communication," published in 1948 when he was employed at Bell Labs, utilized a concept called a "binary digit" (shortened to "bit") to measure the amount of information in any signal and determine the fastest rate at which information could be transmitted while still being reliably decipherable. Robert Gallagher, one of Shannons colleagues, said that the bit was "[Shannons] discovery, and from it the whole communications revolution has sprung."Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?a)It introduces a respected researcher, describes an aspect of his work, and suggests why the work is historically significant.b)It names the company where an important mathematician worked, details the mathematicians career at the company, and provides an example of the recognition he received there.c)It mentions a paper, offers a summary of the papers findings, and presents a researchers commentary on the paper.d)It presents a theoretical concept, illustrates how the name of the concept has changed, and shows how the name has entered common usage.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for SAT 2026 is part of SAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the SAT exam syllabus. Information about Mathematician Claude Shannon is widely regarded as a foundational figure in information theory. His most important paper, "A Mathematical Theory of Communication," published in 1948 when he was employed at Bell Labs, utilized a concept called a "binary digit" (shortened to "bit") to measure the amount of information in any signal and determine the fastest rate at which information could be transmitted while still being reliably decipherable. Robert Gallagher, one of Shannons colleagues, said that the bit was "[Shannons] discovery, and from it the whole communications revolution has sprung."Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?a)It introduces a respected researcher, describes an aspect of his work, and suggests why the work is historically significant.b)It names the company where an important mathematician worked, details the mathematicians career at the company, and provides an example of the recognition he received there.c)It mentions a paper, offers a summary of the papers findings, and presents a researchers commentary on the paper.d)It presents a theoretical concept, illustrates how the name of the concept has changed, and shows how the name has entered common usage.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for SAT 2026 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Mathematician Claude Shannon is widely regarded as a foundational figure in information theory. His most important paper, "A Mathematical Theory of Communication," published in 1948 when he was employed at Bell Labs, utilized a concept called a "binary digit" (shortened to "bit") to measure the amount of information in any signal and determine the fastest rate at which information could be transmitted while still being reliably decipherable. Robert Gallagher, one of Shannons colleagues, said that the bit was "[Shannons] discovery, and from it the whole communications revolution has sprung."Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?a)It introduces a respected researcher, describes an aspect of his work, and suggests why the work is historically significant.b)It names the company where an important mathematician worked, details the mathematicians career at the company, and provides an example of the recognition he received there.c)It mentions a paper, offers a summary of the papers findings, and presents a researchers commentary on the paper.d)It presents a theoretical concept, illustrates how the name of the concept has changed, and shows how the name has entered common usage.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Mathematician Claude Shannon is widely regarded as a foundational figure in information theory. His most important paper, "A Mathematical Theory of Communication," published in 1948 when he was employed at Bell Labs, utilized a concept called a "binary digit" (shortened to "bit") to measure the amount of information in any signal and determine the fastest rate at which information could be transmitted while still being reliably decipherable. Robert Gallagher, one of Shannons colleagues, said that the bit was "[Shannons] discovery, and from it the whole communications revolution has sprung."Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?a)It introduces a respected researcher, describes an aspect of his work, and suggests why the work is historically significant.b)It names the company where an important mathematician worked, details the mathematicians career at the company, and provides an example of the recognition he received there.c)It mentions a paper, offers a summary of the papers findings, and presents a researchers commentary on the paper.d)It presents a theoretical concept, illustrates how the name of the concept has changed, and shows how the name has entered common usage.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for SAT. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for SAT Exam by signing up for free.
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Robert Gallagher, one of Shannons colleagues, said that the bit was "[Shannons] discovery, and from it the whole communications revolution has sprung."Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?a)It introduces a respected researcher, describes an aspect of his work, and suggests why the work is historically significant.b)It names the company where an important mathematician worked, details the mathematicians career at the company, and provides an example of the recognition he received there.c)It mentions a paper, offers a summary of the papers findings, and presents a researchers commentary on the paper.d)It presents a theoretical concept, illustrates how the name of the concept has changed, and shows how the name has entered common usage.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Mathematician Claude Shannon is widely regarded as a foundational figure in information theory. His most important paper, "A Mathematical Theory of Communication," published in 1948 when he was employed at Bell Labs, utilized a concept called a "binary digit" (shortened to "bit") to measure the amount of information in any signal and determine the fastest rate at which information could be transmitted while still being reliably decipherable. Robert Gallagher, one of Shannons colleagues, said that the bit was "[Shannons] discovery, and from it the whole communications revolution has sprung."Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?a)It introduces a respected researcher, describes an aspect of his work, and suggests why the work is historically significant.b)It names the company where an important mathematician worked, details the mathematicians career at the company, and provides an example of the recognition he received there.c)It mentions a paper, offers a summary of the papers findings, and presents a researchers commentary on the paper.d)It presents a theoretical concept, illustrates how the name of the concept has changed, and shows how the name has entered common usage.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Mathematician Claude Shannon is widely regarded as a foundational figure in information theory. His most important paper, "A Mathematical Theory of Communication," published in 1948 when he was employed at Bell Labs, utilized a concept called a "binary digit" (shortened to "bit") to measure the amount of information in any signal and determine the fastest rate at which information could be transmitted while still being reliably decipherable. Robert Gallagher, one of Shannons colleagues, said that the bit was "[Shannons] discovery, and from it the whole communications revolution has sprung."Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?a)It introduces a respected researcher, describes an aspect of his work, and suggests why the work is historically significant.b)It names the company where an important mathematician worked, details the mathematicians career at the company, and provides an example of the recognition he received there.c)It mentions a paper, offers a summary of the papers findings, and presents a researchers commentary on the paper.d)It presents a theoretical concept, illustrates how the name of the concept has changed, and shows how the name has entered common usage.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Mathematician Claude Shannon is widely regarded as a foundational figure in information theory. His most important paper, "A Mathematical Theory of Communication," published in 1948 when he was employed at Bell Labs, utilized a concept called a "binary digit" (shortened to "bit") to measure the amount of information in any signal and determine the fastest rate at which information could be transmitted while still being reliably decipherable. Robert Gallagher, one of Shannons colleagues, said that the bit was "[Shannons] discovery, and from it the whole communications revolution has sprung."Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?a)It introduces a respected researcher, describes an aspect of his work, and suggests why the work is historically significant.b)It names the company where an important mathematician worked, details the mathematicians career at the company, and provides an example of the recognition he received there.c)It mentions a paper, offers a summary of the papers findings, and presents a researchers commentary on the paper.d)It presents a theoretical concept, illustrates how the name of the concept has changed, and shows how the name has entered common usage.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Mathematician Claude Shannon is widely regarded as a foundational figure in information theory. His most important paper, "A Mathematical Theory of Communication," published in 1948 when he was employed at Bell Labs, utilized a concept called a "binary digit" (shortened to "bit") to measure the amount of information in any signal and determine the fastest rate at which information could be transmitted while still being reliably decipherable. Robert Gallagher, one of Shannons colleagues, said that the bit was "[Shannons] discovery, and from it the whole communications revolution has sprung."Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?a)It introduces a respected researcher, describes an aspect of his work, and suggests why the work is historically significant.b)It names the company where an important mathematician worked, details the mathematicians career at the company, and provides an example of the recognition he received there.c)It mentions a paper, offers a summary of the papers findings, and presents a researchers commentary on the paper.d)It presents a theoretical concept, illustrates how the name of the concept has changed, and shows how the name has entered common usage.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice SAT tests.
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