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Difficulty: MediumEvaluating Relevance for Adding or Deleting Content

Early motion pictures were recorded on cellulose nitrate film, a highly flammable material prone to rapid decay. Over time, these silent films deteriorate into a sticky, acidic goo or a highly combustible powder. [1] Consequently, archivists at film preservation centers work tirelessly to copy surviving silent films onto safer, modern polyester stock. However, the process is painstakingly slow and expensive, meaning many historical films are lost forever before they can be saved.

The writer is considering adding the following sentence at Point [1]:

"Cellulose nitrate was also commonly used to manufacture everyday household items, such as combs, toys, and photographic negatives."

Should the writer make this addition?

  1. A
    Yes, because it provides relevant historical context regarding the widespread commercial availability of early plastics.
  2. B
    Yes, because it helps explain the chemical properties that make cellulose nitrate film decay so rapidly.
  3. No, because it introduces details about other products that divert the paragraph's focus from the decay and preservation of silent films.Answer
  4. D
    No, because it repeats information about photographic negatives that was already introduced earlier in the paragraph.

Answer

No, because it introduces details about other products that divert the paragraph's focus from the decay and preservation of silent films.
The correct option is the one stating that the sentence should not be added because it diverts the focus to other products. The paragraph is strictly focused on the decomposition and preservation efforts of silent films. Adding information about household items like combs and toys introduces irrelevant details that disrupt the narrative flow.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the main focus of the paragraph.
The paragraph discusses the decay of silent films recorded on cellulose nitrate and the efforts of archivists to copy and preserve them.
Understanding the paragraph's central theme is necessary to evaluate if the proposed sentence contributes to or detracts from that theme.
2
Evaluate the content of the proposed sentence.
The proposed sentence mentions other household products (combs, toys, and photographic negatives) made from cellulose nitrate.
Analyzing the proposed sentence determines whether its content directly supports or shifts the focus away from the main topic.
3
Determine relevance and choose the correct option.
The proposed sentence shifts the focus to general applications of cellulose nitrate, which is irrelevant to the specific preservation efforts of silent films. Therefore, it should not be added because it diverts the focus from the main topic.
Evaluating relevance based on paragraph focus rather than surface keywords allows us to identify the correct decision and justification.

Key Concept

Evaluating Relevance for Adding or Deleting Content
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Evaluating Relevance for Adding or Deleting Content

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