Passage Excerpt:
In 1957, engineers Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes sealed two textured plastic sheets together, trapping pocketed air bubbles between them. The inventors initially hoped to market this novel material as a stylish, modern wallpaper. [1] It was not until 1960, when IBM began shipping its fragile new computers, that the material—rebranded as Bubble Wrap—found its true purpose as protective packaging.
Question:
The writer wants to add a sentence at Point [1] that highlights the contrast between the inventors' initial enthusiasm and the public's disappointing response to the wallpaper concept. Which choice best accomplishes this goal?
- Although they were convinced that homeowners would embrace the three-dimensional design, consumers found the plastic sheets strange and completely unappealing.Answer
- BThey worked tirelessly in their laboratory to perfect the manufacturing process, spending years trying to secure a patent for their invention.
- CThe wallpaper, which was made of vinyl, was relatively cheap to produce and could be manufactured in a variety of vibrant colors.
- DThey hoped homeowners would embrace the three-dimensional design, however, consumers found the plastic sheets strange and unappealing.
Answer
The correct option is the sentence stating that although the inventors were convinced homeowners would embrace the three-dimensional design, consumers found the plastic sheets strange and completely unappealing.
The option beginning with 'Although they were convinced' is correct because it is grammatically correct and directly contrasts the inventors' excitement ('convinced that homeowners would embrace') with the public's negative reception ('consumers found the plastic sheets strange and completely unappealing').
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Meeting Specific Rhetorical Goals