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Question

Difficulty: MediumDistinguishing Claims from Evidence

Passage

For years, agricultural historians debated the primary driver behind the rapid population growth in medieval Europe between the tenth and thirteenth centuries. Traditional accounts attributed this demographic surge entirely to the adoption of the three-field crop rotation system. Proponents of this view argued that dividing arable land into three parts—with one planted in autumn, one in spring, and one left fallow—increased crop yields by 30%30\% compared to the older two-field system. However, recent archaeological and paleoclimatic data suggest that this agricultural shift was a secondary effect rather than the primary cause. Climate records show that Europe experienced a prolonged warming period, known as the Medieval Warm Period, which extended growing seasons and allowed cultivation at higher altitudes. Furthermore, soil samples from across northern Europe reveal that early three-field systems were often implemented inconsistently, with many regions maintaining traditional methods well into the twelfth century. Thus, while the three-field system undoubtedly improved food security in specific locales, it was the regional rise in temperature that initiated the broader agricultural surplus, creating the conditions necessary for the system's eventual widespread adoption.

Based on the passage, which of the following statements represents a piece of evidence used by the author to support the claim that early three-field crop rotation was not adopted uniformly?

  1. A
    The assertion that three-field systems were implemented inconsistently across northern Europe.
  2. B
    Climate data showing a prolonged warming period that extended growing seasons.
  3. Soil samples showing that many regions in northern Europe continued to use traditional agricultural methods in the twelfth century.Answer
  4. D
    The argument that dividing arable land into three parts increased crop yields by 30%30\%.

Answer

Soil samples showing that many regions in northern Europe continued to use traditional agricultural methods in the twelfth century.
The author supports the claim that the three-field system was implemented inconsistently by citing physical evidence: soil samples from across northern Europe showing that traditional farming methods were maintained well into the twelfth century. This represents the empirical evidence supporting the claim of early inconsistency.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target claim in the passage.
The target claim is that early three-field crop rotation was not adopted uniformly (expressed in the text as early three-field systems being 'often implemented inconsistently').
To find the supporting evidence, we must first locate where the claim is made in the text.
2
Locate the evidence that the author provides directly adjacent to or in support of this claim.
The passage states that 'soil samples from across northern Europe reveal' that 'many regions [maintained] traditional methods well into the twelfth century.'
Evidence consists of the factual data, findings, or observations (like soil samples showing traditional methods) used to establish the truth of the claim.
3
Distinguish between statements of claims and statements of evidence among the choices.
The statement about soil samples is evidence supporting the non-uniformity claim. The assertion of inconsistency is the claim itself. The climate data is evidence, but it supports a different claim. The 30%30\% crop yield argument is a claim of the traditional view.
Ensures that the selected option is indeed evidence and matches the specific claim targeted by the question.

Key Concept

Distinguishing Claims from Evidence
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Distinguishing Claims from Evidence

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