Question

Difficulty: EasyPart-to-Whole Rhetorical Function

In architectural psychology, the concept of "biophilic design" suggests that incorporating natural elements into buildings can improve occupant well-being. Architect Maya Lin designed the Langston Library with large windows that look out onto a preserved forest. The library has since recorded higher visitor satisfaction and lower stress levels among students than traditional libraries. This suggests that visible natural landscapes can have a direct, positive impact on mental fatigue.

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

  1. A
    It offers a theoretical explanation for how biophilic design reduces stress.
  2. B
    It states the main conclusion drawn by the author about visible natural landscapes.
  3. It presents a specific example of the design concept introduced in the first sentence.Answer
  4. D
    It refutes the idea that natural elements can improve visitor satisfaction.

Answer

The correct option is the one stating that the underlined sentence presents a specific example of the design concept introduced in the first sentence.
The text begins by introducing the concept of biophilic design and its potential to improve well-being. The underlined sentence then describes a specific instance of this concept in practice: Maya Lin designing a library with windows looking out onto a forest. Therefore, the underlined sentence serves to present a specific example of the design concept introduced in the first sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the first sentence to identify the main concept introduced.
The first sentence introduces the concept of "biophilic design" (using natural elements in buildings to improve well-being).
This establishes the context and the idea that the rest of the passage will address.
2
Examine the underlined sentence and determine its relationship to the first sentence.
The underlined sentence describes Maya Lin designing a specific library with a view of a forest.
This identifies the underlined portion as a concrete example of the general concept of biophilic design.
3
Evaluate the answer choices to find the one that accurately describes this relationship.
The choice stating that the sentence presents a specific example of the design concept introduced in the first sentence is correct.
This matches the logical role of the sentence in the overall structure of the passage.

Key Concept

Identifying the rhetorical function of a specific sentence within a passage, specifically how a part (an example) supports the whole (the concept introduced).
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