LSAT (Law School Admission Test)Reading ComprehensionMedium
Passage: "Recent archaeological excavations in the ancient city of Kemet have unearthed a trove of artifacts, including pottery shards, tools, and papyrus fragments. These findings challenge the long-held assumption that Kemet was merely a provincial outpost, suggesting instead that it played a significant role in regional trade networks. The pottery, for instance, exhibits decorative motifs and clay compositions indicative of multiple foreign origins, while the tools show advanced metallurgical techniques previously thought to be exclusive to larger urban centers. Furthermore, linguistic analysis of the papyrus fragments reveals a complex administrative system, implying a level of political autonomy not typically associated with a mere dependency. While the full implications of these discoveries are still being processed, they necessitate a re-evaluation of Kemet's historical significance." The author's attitude towards the traditional view of Kemet's role is best described as:
- ASkeptical and challenging.
- BIndifferent and dismissive.
- CNeutral and objective.
- DSupportive and reinforcing.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Skeptical and challenging.
The passage repeatedly highlights how the new discoveries 'challenge the long-held assumption' and 'necessitate a re-evaluation' of Kemet's significance, indicating the author's skeptical attitude toward the traditional view and an intention to challenge it with new evidence.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. The author is actively engaged in presenting evidence that undermines the traditional view, not dismissive or indifferent.
- C. The author is not neutral; they clearly lean towards the new findings disproving the old view.
- D. The author presents evidence that contradicts, rather than supports, the traditional view.
Author's Attitude/Tone
The author's feelings, disposition, or emotional stance towards the subject matter, conveyed through word choice, sentence structure, and overall presentation.
- Inferred from specific words and phrases (diction).
- Can be positive, negative, neutral, or complex.
- Helps understand the author's purpose and perspective.
Memory trick: Listen to the author's voice, like an actor's tone.