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Question

Difficulty: EasyCommand of Evidence: Textual

Linguist Dr. Marcus Chen studied the adoption of foreign words in coastal trading communities. Chen claims that merchants in these communities borrow foreign words primarily to describe navigation instruments rather than trade goods. Which choice, if true, most directly supports Chen's claim?

  1. In the studied communities, almost all borrowed foreign words refer to instruments like octants and compasses, while local words are used for trade goods.Answer
  2. B
    The merchants frequently use foreign words to name trade goods like silk and tea when negotiating with travelers.
  3. C
    Most merchants in coastal communities learn to speak at least two foreign languages fluently.
  4. D
    Traditional navigation instruments are slowly being replaced by modern electronic systems in many ports.

Answer

In the studied communities, almost all borrowed foreign words refer to instruments like octants and compasses, while local words are used for trade goods.
The correct answer directly supports the researcher's claim by showing that in the studied communities, the borrowed words are used to name navigation instruments (such as octants and compasses) rather than trade goods, for which native terms are retained.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the author's claim in the text.
The claim is that merchants in coastal communities borrow foreign words primarily to describe navigation instruments, not trade goods.
Understanding the specific boundaries of the claim is necessary to evaluate which evidence supports it.
2
Evaluate the choices to find which one provides direct evidence matching this pattern.
The option showing that borrowed words are used for instruments (like octants and compasses) and local words are used for trade goods directly aligns with the claim.
Evidence must match both parts of the claim: the presence of borrowed words for instruments and the absence/local-sourcing of words for trade goods.

Key Concept

Command of Evidence: Textual
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Topics

Command of Evidence: Textual

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