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Difficulty: MediumEvaluating Relevance for Adding or Deleting Content

The writer is considering deleting the underlined sentence from the following paragraph:

In 1951, computer scientist Grace Hopper developed the A-0 compiler, a revolutionary program that translated mathematical code into machine-readable instructions. Prior to Hopper’s breakthrough, programming required writing tedious sequences of binary numbers by hand. By allowing programmers to use English-like commands instead, the compiler made software development accessible to a much broader range of people. Hopper, who earned a PhD in mathematics from Yale University, also served in the United States Navy Reserve. Ultimately, Hopper's innovation laid the foundation for modern programming languages and transformed the future of computing.

Should the writer make this deletion?

  1. Yes, because the sentence interrupts the paragraph's focus on the development and impact of the compiler by introducing unrelated biographical details.Answer
  2. B
    Yes, because the sentence repeats information about Hopper's mathematical background that is established earlier in the paragraph.
  3. C
    No, because the sentence provides essential context that explains why Hopper was motivated to develop the A-0 compiler.
  4. D
    No, because the sentence establishes Hopper’s credentials, which helps explain why her colleagues supported her work.

Answer

Yes, because the sentence interrupts the paragraph's focus on the development and impact of the compiler by introducing unrelated biographical details.
The correct answer is the option that advocates deleting the sentence because it interrupts the paragraph's focus on the development and impact of the compiler by introducing unrelated biographical details. The passage focuses on the technical breakthrough of the A-0 compiler and how it simplified programming. Biographical details about Hopper's PhD and Navy service are not relevant to this discussion.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the main focus of the paragraph.
The paragraph focuses on Grace Hopper's development of the A-0 compiler, how it changed programming from binary to English-like commands, and its impact on the field of computing.
Understanding the paragraph's main focus is essential to determine whether any sentence is relevant or irrelevant.
2
Analyze the underlined sentence to see if it supports the main focus.
The underlined sentence discusses Hopper's PhD from Yale and her service in the U.S. Navy Reserve. While interesting, these details do not help explain how the compiler works, why it was developed, or what its impact was.
Evaluating the relationship between the sentence and the paragraph's core topic determines if the sentence belongs in the passage.
3
Evaluate the decisions and reasons given in the options to select the correct choice.
The correct decision is to delete the sentence (Yes to deletion) because it introduces irrelevant biographical details that interrupt the main narrative. This matches the option highlighting the interruption of the paragraph's focus.
Matching the correct decision with the accurate reason avoids common distractors that use incorrect justifications.

Key Concept

Evaluating Relevance for Adding or Deleting Content
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Topics

Evaluating Relevance for Adding or Deleting Content

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