Examkin

Question

Difficulty: HardEvaluating Relevance for Adding or Deleting Content

[1] Restoring centuries-old oil paintings requires removing layers of accumulated dirt and discolored varnish without damaging the delicate paint underneath. [2] Historically, conservators relied on chemical solvents, which were difficult to control and could permanently dissolve the original pigment. [3] Today, many restoration experts are turning to laser ablation, a technique that uses short pulses of light to vaporize surface grime. [4] This method is highly precise; by adjusting the laser's wavelength, conservators can target specific foreign substances while leaving the paint intact. [5] The chemical composition of historical oil paints varied significantly depending on the region and the decade in which the artist worked. [6] Consequently, this advanced technology allows masterpieces to be cleaned with unprecedented safety, preserving the artist's original vision.

The writer is considering deleting Sentence 5 from the passage. Should the sentence be kept or deleted?

  1. A
    Keep, because it explains why adjusting the laser's wavelength is necessary to protect the original paint.
  2. B
    Keep, because it provides essential context regarding the historical value of the paintings being restored.
  3. Delete, because it interrupts the paragraph's focus on the mechanics and safety of laser restoration technology.Answer
  4. D
    Delete, because it contradicts the assertion in Sentence 2 that chemical solvents were difficult for conservators to control.

Answer

Delete, because it interrupts the paragraph's focus on the mechanics and safety of laser restoration technology.
The correct option is the one stating that the sentence should be deleted because it interrupts the paragraph's focus on the mechanics and safety of laser restoration technology. The paragraph focuses on how restoration methods have evolved, specifically comparing the risks of chemical solvents with the benefits of laser ablation. Sentence 5, which discusses variations in paint composition, is a digression that interrupts the logical flow from Sentence 4 (the precision of the laser) to Sentence 6 (the conclusion that this technology allows for safer cleaning).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the primary focus of the paragraph.
The paragraph discusses the methods used to restore historical oil paintings, contrasting the lack of control associated with traditional chemical solvents (Sentence 2) with the precision and safety of modern laser ablation technology (Sentences 3, 4, and 6).
Establishing the main topic is necessary to evaluate if Sentence 5 is relevant or if it digresses from the main argument.
2
Examine the content of Sentence 5 and determine its relationship to the surrounding sentences.
Sentence 5 discusses how the chemical composition of oil paints varied by region and decade. While it contains related keywords (paint, artist), it does not explain how this variation affects laser restoration, nor does it support the argument about the safety and precision of the technology.
This helps identify whether Sentence 5 contributes to the logical development of the paragraph or acts as a distraction.
3
Evaluate the transition between Sentence 4 and Sentence 6 without Sentence 5.
Sentence 4 explains how adjusting the wavelength makes the laser precise, and Sentence 6 concludes that 'Consequently, this advanced technology allows masterpieces to be cleaned with unprecedented safety.' Sentence 6 directly follows the logic of Sentence 4. Inserting Sentence 5 between them disrupts this transition.
Confirming the flow demonstrates that deleting the sentence improves paragraph unity and cohesion.

Key Concept

Evaluating Relevance for Adding or Deleting Content
Rate this question

Topics

Evaluating Relevance for Adding or Deleting Content

More questions from this topic