Difficulty: Medium

Average Score: 61%

(1) The first domestication of the horse, one of the greatest achievements of man in the animal kingdom, was not the work of a day; but like all other great accomplishments, was brought about by a gradual process of discoveries and experiments. (2) Man, in all his inventions and discoveries, has almost invariably commenced with some simple principle, and gradually developed it from one degree of perfection to another. (3) The first hint that we have of the use of electricity was Franklin's drawing it from the clouds with his kite. (4) Now it is the instrument of conveying thought from mind to mind, with a rapidity that surpasses time. (5) The great propelling power that drives the wheel of the engine over our land, and ploughs the ocean with our steamers, was first discovered escaping from a tea-kettle. (6) And so the powers of the horse, second only to the powers of steam, became known to man only as experiments, and investigation revealed them. â€”P. R. Kincaid, from *The Archian Art of Taming and Training Wild & Victims Horses*

The purpose of sentence 5 is to

Rationale

provide a second example of the general rule described in sentence 2.

Sentence 5 illustrates the gradual development of discoveries by providing a concrete example of how steam power was initially observed through a simple phenomenon, aligning with the idea presented in sentence 2 about the evolution of inventions from simple principles to more complex applications.

A (present an alternative interpretation of the phenomenon described in sentence 3) YOUR ANSWER

This choice is incorrect because sentence 5 does not offer an alternative interpretation of Franklin’s experiment with electricity. Instead, it provides a different example of how a simple observation led to a significant discovery, maintaining the focus on the process of development rather than reinterpretation.

B (demonstrate an exception to the claim made in sentence 2) YOUR ANSWER

This option is not valid as sentence 5 does not highlight an exception to the gradual development of inventions. Instead, it reinforces the same idea by showing another instance of how a simple observation (steam escaping from a kettle) led to a major technological advancement.

C (introduce a metaphor that is explained in sentence 6) YOUR ANSWER

While sentence 5 discusses steam power, it does not serve as a metaphor but rather as a literal example. Sentence 6 builds on this example by elaborating on the significance of the horse's powers, thus not fitting the definition of a metaphorical introduction.

D (provide a second example of the general rule described in sentence 2) CORRECT

This is the correct choice because sentence 5 follows the pattern outlined in sentence 2, illustrating another instance where a simple discovery (steam from a kettle) led to a major technological advancement, thus supporting the claim of gradual development.

Conclusion

In the context of the passage, sentence 5 serves as a pertinent example that aligns with the gradual progression of discoveries, as highlighted in sentence 2. By illustrating how steam power emerged from a basic observation, it complements the overarching theme of the text, which emphasizes the evolution of human inventions and the importance of experimentation in achieving technological milestones.

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