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Difficulty: EasyAuthor's Attitude and Tone

Recent discoveries of early agricultural tools in the Andean highlands have prompted some anthropologists to argue that complex societies emerged there far earlier than previously believed. Proponents of this revised timeline point to carbon-dating of soil layers and distinctive wear patterns on the stone implements. However, these artifacts were found in an area known for severe geological uplifting, which routinely mixes soil layers and makes precise dating nearly impossible. Furthermore, similar wear patterns can easily be produced by natural erosion in harsh mountain environments. Because of these fundamental evidentiary issues, the claim that these tools represent an early complex society remains entirely speculative.

Which of the following best describes the author's attitude toward the claim that complex societies emerged earlier than previously believed in the Andean highlands?

  1. reasoned skepticismAnswer
  2. B
    unqualified endorsement
  3. C
    outright hostility
  4. D
    cautious optimism
  5. E
    strict neutrality

Answer

The correct answer describes the author's attitude as reasoned skepticism.
The correct answer accurately captures both the direction and the nature of the author's tone. The author is clearly doubtful of the claim, concluding it is 'entirely speculative.' However, this doubt is not arbitrary; it is 'reasoned,' as the author provides specific scientific evidence—geological mixing and natural erosion—to justify their skepticism.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the exact target of the attitude question.
The target is the claim that 'complex societies emerged earlier than previously believed.'
To accurately gauge the author's tone, we must first isolate exactly what subject or claim the tone is directed toward.
2
Locate the author's explicit statements regarding this claim.
The author introduces counter-evidence ('However...') and concludes the claim is 'entirely speculative.'
The author's direct evaluation of the claim reveals their overarching attitude.
3
Synthesize the tone from the author's language and structure.
The author dismisses the claim but does so by providing concrete scientific reasons (geological uplifting, natural erosion).
Matching the author's evidence-based dismissal to the answer choices leads to 'reasoned skepticism'.

Key Concept

Author's Attitude and Tone
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Topics

Author's Attitude and Tone

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