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Difficulty: HardPart-to-Whole Rhetorical Function

For decades, archaeologists puzzled over the extreme durability of Maya blue, a vibrant Mesoamerican pigment that resists degradation by chemical solvents and acids. Researchers eventually discovered that this resilience is due to a unique molecular structure in which indigo dye molecules are chemically locked within the microscopic channels of palygorskite clay during thermal processing. This fusion creates an impermeable barrier that shields the organic dye from environmental weathering. By determining the precise nature of this bond, scientists have not only resolved a long-standing historical mystery but also provided a template for developing modern synthetic pigments.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?

  1. A
    It outlines the modern technological applications derived from the study of the ancient pigment.
  2. B
    It disputes a common misconception regarding the chemical composition of Maya blue.
  3. It identifies the physical mechanism responsible for the pigment durability mentioned in the first sentence.Answer
  4. D
    It details a limitation in the archaeological techniques previously used to analyze Mesoamerican murals.

Answer

It identifies the physical mechanism responsible for the pigment durability mentioned in the first sentence.
The correct option is correct because the first sentence of the passage introduces a question or mystery: the extreme durability of the Mesoamerican pigment Maya blue. The underlined sentence directly addresses this by explaining the physical mechanism behind this durability—specifically, the encapsulation of indigo dye molecules within the microscopic channels of palygorskite clay. This provides the scientific explanation for the property introduced at the beginning of the text.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structure of the passage and locate the underlined sentence.
The passage starts by presenting a mystery (the extreme durability of Maya blue). The underlined sentence follows, describing how indigo molecules are locked in clay during heating. The passage concludes by describing the protective barrier this creates and its implications for modern science.
Understanding the overall flow of ideas helps isolate the specific function of the target sentence.
2
Determine the logical connection between the underlined sentence and the preceding context.
The first sentence introduces the durability of the pigment as a source of perplexity ('archaeologists puzzled over...'). The underlined sentence explains the scientific discovery ('Researchers eventually discovered...') that explains this durability.
The rhetorical purpose is defined by how the part connects to the whole, specifically answering the puzzle raised in the beginning.
3
Evaluate the answer choices to find the one that accurately matches this logical connection.
The option stating that it identifies the physical mechanism responsible for the pigment durability accurately reflects this relationship. Other options either misrepresent the text or focus on different parts of the passage.
This confirms the correct option while eliminating distractors based on specific reading errors.

Key Concept

Identifying how a specific sentence contributes to the development of the passage's main idea or argument.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Part-to-Whole Rhetorical Function

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