#19 - Global Reference, Must Be True, Purpose/Function

[Fizzai]

Why is it B instead of A?
Passage A talks about how similar Cather's work and Turgenev's work is so how can the purpose be identifying 'distinctive' characteristics?

[Rachael Wilkenfeld]

Hi Fizzai,

Regarding answer choice (A), Passage B does not discuss Cather's influences at all, so we cannot choose answer choice (A). For answer choice (B), characteristics can be distinctive even if not completely unique. Both passages discuss ways that you can identify Cather's writing. Even though it isn't completely unique to Cather in Passage (A), it still discusses what elements are typical for Cather.

Hope that helps!

[miriamson07]

Hello,

Wouldn't Turgenev's analysis of Cather's writing be "critical reception" as described in answer choice C? I suppose in passage B, it is unclear whether the critics gave their critiques during Cather's lifetime. Is this why answer choice C is incorrect? Or, is it technically correct, but not the right answer simply because B is the better answer -- it is more central to the purpose of each passage?

[Luke Haqq]

Hi miriamson07!

I might be missing something, but I don't believe this passage discusses "Turgenev's analysis of Cather's writing." Turgenev is a writer who Cather "followed [in] the manner of" (lines 4-5), but I don't see anywhere discussing him as providing an analysis of Cather's writing. So the mention of Turgenev is not an example of "critical reception" of Cather's work, providing reason for eliminating answer choice (C).