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Difficulty: MediumAnalyzing Bolded Statement Roles

Art historians traditionally relied on stylistic comparison to authenticate Renaissance paintings, asserting that chemical analysis of pigment layers often yields inconclusive results due to historical restoration work. However, recent advancements in cross-sectional spectroscopy allow researchers to distinguish original paint layers from subsequent touch-ups with near-perfect accuracy. Therefore, museum curators should incorporate spectroscopic imaging as a standard protocol prior to making high-value acquisitions.

In the argument given, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

  1. The first is a claim offered to support a traditional perspective that the argument seeks to challenge; the second is the main conclusion of the argument.Answer
  2. B
    The first is the main conclusion of the argument; the second is a premise offered in support of that conclusion.
  3. C
    The first is background context that the author accepts as true; the second is an intermediate conclusion used to support a broader claim.
  4. D
    The first is evidence supporting the author's primary recommendation; the second is an opposing position that the argument refutes.
  5. E
    The first is a premise supporting an intermediate conclusion; the second is that intermediate conclusion.

Answer

The first bolded statement is a claim supporting a traditional view that the argument challenges, while the second bolded statement is the main conclusion of the argument.
The argument opens by outlining a traditional methodology (stylistic comparison) and presents the first bolded statement as the reasoning behind that traditional stance. The author then introduces new evidence using the contrast word 'However' to show that chemical analysis is now reliable, concluding in the second bolded statement that museum curators should adopt this new method. Thus, the option stating that the first is a claim supporting a traditional view being challenged and the second is the main conclusion accurately describes both structural roles.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the overall main conclusion of the argument.
The final sentence states a recommendation introduced by 'Therefore': museum curators should adopt spectroscopic imaging as a standard acquisition protocol.
Identifying the main conclusion sets the structural anchor for evaluating the role of each claim.
2
Determine the structural role of the first bolded statement.
The first bolded statement gives the reason why art historians traditionally relied on stylistic comparison rather than chemical analysis.
Because the author immediately uses 'However' to present technological advancements that overturn this premise, the first statement serves as support for an opposing view that the author refutes.
3
Evaluate the second bolded statement relative to the whole passage.
The second bolded statement is the overall main recommendation derived from the new technological evidence.
It forms the primary takeaway and final judgment of the author's reasoning.

Key Concept

Analyzing Bolded Statement Roles in Arguments
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Topics

Analyzing Bolded Statement Roles

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