Question

In Passage 2, the phrase "general consensus" (line 49) mainly serves to A) provide historical context for the current debate over learning in newborns. B) establish researchers' certainty about the onset of neurogenesis. C) indicate the broad agreement about the decline of neurogenesis that previously existed. D) present a theory about the brain regions in which neurogenesis takes place.

Short answer

C) indicate the broad agreement about the decline of neurogenesis that previously existed.

Step-by-step solution

Read the passage and understand the context

Read Passage 2 carefully and focus on the surrounding context where the phrase "general consensus" is used (line 49). Make sure you understand the topic and the details discussed around this line.

Analyze each option

Go through each of the four options provided (A, B, C, and D). Evaluate each option based on your understanding of the passage and the context around the "general consensus" phrase.

Eliminate the options that don't fit the context

As you analyze each option, eliminate the ones that don't accurately represent the purpose of the phrase "general consensus" in the passage, based on your understanding of the context. This should narrow down your options and make it easier to select the correct answer.

Choose the most accurate option

From the remaining options, select the one that best describes the purpose of the "general consensus" phrase in the context of the passage. Double-check your choice to make sure it accurately reflects the purpose of the phrase, and mark it as your answer. Remember that this type of question requires a good understanding of the passage and the context of the specific phrases in question. Always read carefully and thoroughly, focusing on the details provided in the text.

Key concepts

SAT Analysis

Understanding how to analyze the SAT Reading Comprehension section is a pivotal skill for scoring well on the test. Reading Comprehension questions, like the one dealing with the 'general consensus' phrase, are designed to evaluate your ability to grasp the author's message and ideas. When you encounter such phrases in the SAT, it's essential to look at the words in their broader context.

For analysis, always re-read the lines surrounding the key phrase and ask yourself what function it serves in the passage. Does it support an argument, introduce a concept, or summarize a viewpoint? In our exercise, we're asked to determine what 'general consensus' indicates. By considering the phrase's implications and the paragraph's overall message, you can pinpoint its role. This practice not only helps in choosing the right option but also strengthens your analytical reading skills for various SAT passages.

SAT Problem Solving

Effective problem-solving strategies for SAT Reading questions like this one involve a clear, step-by-step approach. After you've understood the passage, look at each answer choice critically. Start by eliminating choices that are clearly contradictory to the information given or irrelevant to the phrase in question. This step reduces the pool of potential answers, simplifying your problem.

Then, consider the plausibility of the remaining options. Look for textual evidence in the passage that would support each answer choice. If evidence seems to support multiple answers, compare them for the best fit by considering the tone and purpose of the entire passage. Problem-solving on the SAT isn't just about finding the right answer, but using a process of elimination and logical reasoning to arrive confidently at the most accurate one.

Test-Taking Strategies

When tackling the SAT, your test-taking strategies are as important as your knowledge of the content. Manage your time efficiently by not spending too long on any one question. If you're uncertain, mark it and move on to come back later. Guess intelligently; there's no penalty for wrong answers, so never leave a question blank.

During your preparation, practice under timed conditions to get used to the pacing necessary for the test. Read a variety of materials and question types to become familiar with different styles and content. On test day, start with the passage types you find easiest to build confidence before moving on to more challenging ones. Always read the questions and answer choices thoroughly, and remember to review if time allows, double-checking both your comprehension and the answer sheet.

Critical Reading Skills

Developing your critical reading skills is essential for the SAT Reading Comprehension section. It's about understanding not just what the text says, but also how and why it conveys its message. When approaching a passage, actively engage with the content: summarize paragraphs, question the author's intent, and draw inferences based on the information provided.

The SAT often presents complex choices that could all seem plausible; critical reading enables you to discern the nuances that differentiate them. Improve these skills by practicing with a wide range of reading materials and routinely asking yourself questions about the author's purpose, the structure of arguments, tone, and point of view. Active engagement with texts, over time, hones the ability to quickly and correctly interpret challenging passages on the SAT and beyond.