Text Structure and Purpose

SAT Reading and Writing· difficulty 3/5

Researchers have observed that crows in urban environments perform increasingly complex problem-solving behaviors. Some commentators have interpreted this trend as evidence of accelerating crow intelligence. More cautious analysts note that such observations could equally reflect increasing scientific attention rather than any change in the crows themselves.

Which choice best describes the function of the third sentence in the text?

  • A

    It strongly endorses the second sentence's interpretation.

  • B

    It offers an alternative explanation that questions the second sentence's interpretation.

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  • C

    It introduces a new species of bird.

  • D

    It restates the first sentence using different words.

Explanation

The third sentence raises an alternative — observation effects, not changing crows. B captures this counter-explanation.

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SAT Reading and Writing · Text Structure and Purpose Practice Question | Acemy