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Difficulty: MediumOverall Text Structure Analysis

For decades, psychologists assumed that cognitive fatigue was a direct consequence of energy depletion in the brain, suggesting that high-intensity mental tasks exhaust finite glucose reserves. However, recent neuroimaging studies have challenged this resource-depletion model by demonstrating that brain glucose levels remain relatively stable during prolonged cognitive exertion. In light of these findings, researchers have proposed an alternative, motivational framework. According to this new hypothesis, cognitive fatigue is not a physiological limitation, but rather an adaptive signal that dynamically recalibrates a person's focus toward more rewarding activities, thereby optimizing overall effort allocation.

Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

  1. It outlines a long-held scientific assumption, describes recent research that undermines it, and introduces an alternative framework developed in response.Answer
  2. B
    It compares two competing theories of cognitive function and argues that both fail to account for recent neurological data.
  3. C
    It defines a biological process, highlights a methodology used to measure it, and offers recommendations for future study.
  4. D
    It describes a physiological phenomenon, proposes a solution to a problem it causes, and defends that solution using experimental data.

Answer

The correct option outlines a long-held scientific assumption, describes recent research that undermines it, and introduces an alternative framework developed in response.
The correct option accurately describes the sequence of rhetorical moves in the passage: it first outlines the traditional view (fatigue as energy depletion), details the recent research showing stable glucose levels that contradicts this view, and describes the new motivational model proposed as an alternative explanation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the first sentence of the passage to identify the initial point of discussion.
The passage starts by describing a traditional assumption held by psychologists for decades: that cognitive fatigue is due to energy depletion (specifically glucose) in the brain.
This establishes the starting point or first rhetorical move of the text structure.
2
Analyze the middle portion of the passage starting with the transition word 'However'.
The word 'However' signals a shift. The text introduces recent neuroimaging studies showing glucose levels remain stable, which directly challenges the initial resource-depletion model.
This identifies the second rhetorical move: the presentation of challenging evidence.
3
Analyze the final portion of the passage starting with 'In light of these findings'.
The text describes how researchers have proposed a new alternative hypothesis—a motivational framework where fatigue acts as an adaptive signal.
This identifies the final rhetorical move: presenting a new explanation or model in response to the challenge.

Key Concept

Overall Text Structure Analysis
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Overall Text Structure Analysis

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