#8 - Main Point

[moshei24]

In this question I chose E because of the comment in the last paragraph about how Emeagwali's work led to more people using his techniques in the future. Is that choice wrong because it's one important thing that happened but it's not the bigger picture, and D is right because it's the bigger picture?

Thanks!

-Moshe

[Adam Tyson]

I think it's very important to note that in the last paragraph we learn only about what Emeagwali believes will hapen - we don't know that it will. We don't even know if anyone agrees with him - they may all think he's nuts! In fact, he might BE nuts, and completely wrong. That's why E is not the main point - it's too certain that his designs will actually be implemented, and that they will work. The main point of this passage is more about Emeagwali's ideas than it is about their being put to use.

Adam

[moshei24]

But let's say E said that Emeagwali believes that his designs would spur other scientists to follow suit? It would still be wrong because it's only one idea of many in the passage and doesn't focus on the broader topic of the passage, which is what Emeagwali did?

Thanks!

[liwalraven]

I can see how D is correct, but I initially answered C. Is C incorrect because its relying too much on the mathematical principals of natural systems? Thanks for the help!

[Dana D]

Hey liwalraven,

Answer choice (D) and (C) are very similar, so I understand the confusion. Answer choice (C) is a weaker choice than (D) because we don't actually know if there is a growing use of parallel computer systems. Certainly Emeagwali himself uses these systems to solve problems, but the first paragraph of the passage indicates that he is a bit of a renagade in his field for this approach. Answer choice (D) is a better choice because it better captures the general information the passage shared - that Emeagwali has designed a new system based on natural principles and what he hopes to do with parallel computing.

hope that helps!
Dana