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Difficulty: EasyEvaluating Relevance for Adding or Deleting Content

In 1840, Great Britain introduced the Penny Black, the world's first adhesive postage stamp. Prior to its release, postage was paid by the recipient rather than the sender, and the rate was calculated based on the distance the letter traveled. The Penny Black simplified this system by establishing a flat rate of one penny, regardless of distance, as long as the letter weighed under half an ounce.

The writer is considering adding the following sentence to the end of the passage:

"Stamps are now collected by millions of people worldwide as a popular hobby called philately."

Should the writer make this addition?

  1. A
    Yes, because it details how the introduction of the Penny Black led to a global interest in stamp collecting.
  2. B
    Yes, because it provides important modern context about the monetary value of early postage stamps.
  3. No, because it shifts the focus of the passage from the historical reform of the postal system to a general discussion of modern hobbies.Answer
  4. D
    No, because it contradicts the passage's description of the Penny Black as a simple and affordable invention.

Answer

No, because it shifts the focus of the passage from the historical reform of the postal system to a general discussion of modern hobbies.
The correct answer is the option indicating that the writer should not add the sentence because it shifts the focus of the passage from the historical reform of the postal system to a general discussion of modern hobbies. The paragraph strictly discusses the creation and simplifying function of the Penny Black stamp in 1840. The proposed sentence introduces a modern-day hobby, which is a digression from the historical narrative.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the main focus of the existing paragraph.
The paragraph is focused on the historical introduction of the Penny Black in 1840 and how it reformed and simplified the British postal system.
To determine relevance, we must first establish the specific topic and scope of the passage.
2
Evaluate the relevance of the proposed sentence.
The proposed sentence discusses modern stamp collecting (philately) as a popular global hobby.
We must compare the content of the proposed sentence with the established focus of the passage.
3
Determine whether to add or delete the sentence based on its relevance.
The sentence should not be added because it introduces an irrelevant shift from historical reform to modern hobbies. This aligns with the option explaining that it shifts the focus of the passage.
An addition is only appropriate if it supports or expands upon the main topic without creating a distraction.

Key Concept

Evaluating Relevance for Adding or Deleting Content
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Evaluating Relevance for Adding or Deleting Content

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