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Question

Difficulty: MediumSelecting Concluding Sentences and Transitions

For decades, scholars of Maya hieroglyphs viewed the inscriptions as purely mystical, representing astronomical calendars and religious symbols rather than historical records. This perspective shifted in 1960 when art historian Tatiana Proskouriakoff published a groundbreaking study of the stelae—carved stone slabs—at the site of Piedras Negras. By arranging the monuments chronologically based on their carved dates, she noticed that the life spans of the figures depicted corresponded to average human lifespans, suggesting the carvings actually recorded the histories of rulers.

The writer wants to conclude the paragraph by reinforcing the impact of Proskouriakoff’s discovery on the scholarly understanding of Maya writing. Which choice best accomplishes this goal?

  1. A
    Consequently, her work at Piedras Negras also inspired her to sketch reconstructions of ancient temples, which she published in a book on Maya architecture.
  2. Ultimately, her findings proved that the glyphs were a historical writing system, permanently altering how researchers interpret Maya texts.Answer
  3. C
    Nevertheless, her discoveries demonstrated that the glyphs recorded actual history, this breakthrough discredited the long-standing belief that the writing was purely symbolic.
  4. D
    For instance, the breakthrough, that she achieved, allowed other scholars to read the detailed histories of ancient Maya dynasties.

Answer

Ultimately, her findings proved that the glyphs were a historical writing system, permanently altering how researchers interpret Maya texts.
The correct answer is the option starting with 'Ultimately' because it logically concludes the paragraph by highlighting how Proskouriakoff's findings proved the historical nature of the writing system, directly reinforcing the paragraph's focus on the shift in scholarly understanding. It is also grammatically correct and uses an appropriate transitional word.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the prompt to identify the specific writing goal.
The goal is to select a concluding sentence that reinforces the impact of Tatiana Proskouriakoff’s discovery on the scholarly understanding of Maya writing.
Identifying the precise rhetorical goal prevents choosing options that introduce irrelevant details.
2
Evaluate each option's relevance and alignment with the target goal.
The option discussing the proof of a historical writing system directly relates to the understanding of Maya writing, whereas the option about temple sketching introduces unrelated architectural details.
Evaluating content relevance ensures that the selected conclusion ties back to the paragraph's main thesis without introducing unsupported details.
3
Check the remaining options for correct logical transitions and grammatical accuracy.
The option using 'Nevertheless' is a comma splice, and the option using 'For instance' contains incorrect commas around a restrictive clause. The option beginning with 'Ultimately' is grammatically correct and uses a logical transitional word.
The ACT tests both style and grammar, meaning the correct option must be grammatically flawless and use appropriate transitions.

Key Concept

Selecting Concluding Sentences and Transitions
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Selecting Concluding Sentences and Transitions

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