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Difficulty: HardEstablishing Introductions and Thesis Statements

[1] __________________________________________________

[2] In 1964, radio astronomers Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson were employing an ultra-sensitive horn antenna at Bell Laboratories to analyze radio signals from the spaces between galaxies. However, their measurements were repeatedly disrupted by a persistent, low-frequency buzz that registered in their receiver. Despite washing the antenna, evicting a nesting pair of pigeons, and rebuilding the electrical components, the static remained completely unchanged. This mysterious hiss, which was eventually recognized as the cosmic microwave background radiation, provided the first concrete evidence of the Big Bang, transforming our understanding of the universe's origin.

Which choice most effectively introduces the passage by establishing its central focus on how a major cosmological breakthrough arose from an unexpected experimental obstacle?

  1. Science often progresses through accidental discoveries, where researchers searching for one phenomenon stumble upon another that reshapes our view of the cosmos.Answer
  2. B
    While searching for weak galactic radio signals, a persistent hum was encountered by Penzias and Wilson.
  3. C
    Bell Laboratories housed many advanced scientific instruments; which allowed researchers to make various discoveries in communication technology.
  4. D
    Astrophysicists have developed numerous complex models to describe the early stages of cosmic expansion following the Big Bang.

Answer

Science often progresses through accidental discoveries, where researchers searching for one phenomenon stumble upon another that reshapes our view of the cosmos.
The correct answer effectively introduces the passage by highlighting that scientific progress often occurs through accidental discoveries. This sets up the discussion of how Penzias and Wilson stumbled upon the cosmic microwave background radiation while attempting to troubleshoot an unexpected buzz in their equipment, perfectly aligning with the rhetorical goal of the prompt.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the prompt's rhetorical goal to identify the key elements required in the introduction.
The introduction must focus on a major cosmological breakthrough arising from an unexpected experimental obstacle.
Understanding the specific constraint in the prompt is crucial for selecting the correct choice.
2
Evaluate the options for grammatical correctness, eliminating any choices that contain sentence structure or punctuation errors.
The option starting with 'While searching' is eliminated due to a dangling modifier, and the option starting with 'Bell Laboratories' is eliminated due to a semicolon fragment.
ACT English questions require standard written English, so grammatically incorrect options must be eliminated.
3
Compare the remaining grammatically correct options against the rhetorical goal established in the first step.
The option discussing accidental discoveries aligns with the theme of an unexpected obstacle leading to a breakthrough, whereas the option discussing complex theoretical models is off-topic.
The correct choice must satisfy both grammatical standards and the specific rhetorical goal of the introduction.

Key Concept

Establishing Introductions and Thesis Statements
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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Topics

Establishing Introductions and Thesis Statements

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