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Difficulty: HardAuthor's Primary Purpose

While high-energy lasers offer pinpoint accuracy against single aerial threats, their defensive utility degrades significantly in foggy or particulate-rich atmospheres where beam scattering occurs. Conversely, high-power microwave systems emit broad electromagnetic pulses capable of disabling multiple uncrewed aerial vehicles simultaneously regardless of obscurants, though they risk collateral damage to friendly communication networks and require substantial recharging intervals. Neither technology provides a standalone solution for airfield defense; rather, an integrated deployment that balances the precision targeting of optical beams with the wide-area disruption of microwave bursts is necessary to neutralize coordinated swarm tactics effectively.

What is the author's primary purpose in writing this passage?

  1. A
    to explain why atmospheric scattering makes high-energy lasers ineffective during inclement weather
  2. to argue for an integrated defense approach by analyzing the distinct advantages and limitations of two counter-drone technologiesAnswer
  3. C
    to persuade military planners to replace high-energy lasers entirely with high-power microwave pulses
  4. D
    to provide a comprehensive overview of all electronic warfare methods used to disable enemy communication networks

Answer

to argue for an integrated defense approach by analyzing the distinct advantages and limitations of two counter-drone technologies
The correct choice accurately synthesizes the analytical structure and final thesis of the passage. The author evaluates both high-energy lasers and high-power microwave systems—highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each—to justify the concluding claim that an integrated deployment combining both technologies is necessary for effective defense.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the passage structure and identify the relationship between the body sentences and the concluding statement.
The first two sentences contrast the strengths and weaknesses of high-energy lasers and high-power microwaves, while the final sentence synthesizes these points into a clear recommendation.
Understanding the paragraph's organizational flow reveals how the author builds toward a main argumentative claim.
2
Differentiate supporting technical details from the overarching thesis.
Atmospheric scattering and collateral communication interference are supporting evidence rather than the central reason for writing.
The author introduces specific limitations to demonstrate why neither countermeasure can function independently.
3
Synthesize the author's communicative objective into an action-oriented purpose.
The author evaluates both systems in order to advocate for an integrated, multi-layered deployment model against drone swarms.
The primary purpose must account for both the analytical body of the text and its prescriptive conclusion.

Key Concept

Author's Primary Purpose
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Author's Primary Purpose

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