Difficulty: Medium

Average Score: 62%

(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 Problem Art of Taming and Training Wild & Victors Horses*.

Which of the following is an assumption made by the author?

Rationale

The same scientific principles that apply to harnessing natural forces also apply to training horses.

The author suggests that the process of discovery and experimentation is fundamental to both the development of technology and the training of horses. This assumption reflects a belief in the underlying similarities between different fields of human achievement.

A (The same scientific principles that apply to harnessing natural forces also apply to training horses.) CORRECT

This choice aligns with the author's argument that both the domestication of horses and the use of electricity involve gradual advancements through experimentation. It implies a connection between the scientific approach to both natural phenomena and animal training, reinforcing the author's overarching theme of progress through discovery.

B (The discovery of electricity had a greater impact on society than the invention of steam engines had.) YOUR ANSWER

This choice makes a comparative claim about the impact of two inventions but is not supported by the text. The author does not prioritize one discovery over another; instead, they emphasize the processes leading to both technologies, leaving no implication about relative societal impact.

C (The study of horses as transportation contributed to the development of steam-powered transportation.) YOUR ANSWER

While there may be a relationship between horse transportation and steam-powered transportation, the text does not assert that the study of horses directly influenced steam technology. The focus is on the methods of discovery rather than specific contributions to other technologies.

D (Franklin's experiments with electricity represented a new approach to scientific inquiry.) YOUR ANSWER

This option suggests a specific interpretation of Franklin's work as revolutionary, which the text does not explicitly state. The author mentions Franklin's experiments as a historical reference but does not discuss their methodological implications or label them as a new approach to inquiry.

Conclusion

The author's exploration of human achievements through discovery highlights the assumption that similar scientific principles govern both technological advancements and animal training. By drawing parallels between diverse fields, the author suggests that the same experimental mindset applies, reinforcing the idea that understanding and mastery emerge through consistent inquiry and innovation.

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