Digital SATReading and Writing: Craft and StructureMedium
A sociologist is drafting an introduction for an article about the increase in remote work. The article aims to discuss both the benefits (e.g., flexibility) and challenges (e.g., isolation) of this trend for employees. To effectively set up this discussion, which of the following opening strategies would be most appropriate?
- AStart with a statistical overview of the current percentage of remote workers globally.
- BBegin with a personal anecdote illustrating the flexibility of remote work.
- CIntroduce the topic by acknowledging remote work's growing prevalence and its multifaceted impact.
- DPresent a historical account of work-from-home arrangements prior to the digital age.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Introduce the topic by acknowledging remote work's growing prevalence and its multifaceted impact.
An introduction that acknowledges both the prevalence and the 'multifaceted impact' (implying both benefits and challenges) directly aligns with the article's stated purpose of discussing both sides of the issue.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While statistics are useful, starting with them doesn't immediately signal the balanced discussion of benefits and challenges.
- B. A personal anecdote might be engaging but risks focusing too heavily on one aspect (flexibility) rather than setting up a balanced discussion.
- D. A historical account might be interesting but could divert from the article's primary focus on the *current* benefits and challenges.
Introduction Purpose
The opening section of a text that hooks the reader, provides background, and states the main purpose or thesis.
- Establishes context for the topic.
- Signals the scope and direction of the argument/discussion.
- Engages the reader's interest.
Memory trick: Open the door, show the path, light the way.