Neurotransmitter Theory

Answer choices

1. A

   Out of Scope: new theory10% picked this

   propose a new theory about the workings of

   We're presenting new insights into the working of the brain, but there isn't a new theory. The beginning of the second paragraph is saying that "the theory has gradually won acceptance, but for a long time was known about the mechanism of how the theory worked". This passage is presenting new findings about that mechanism, not presenting a new theory.

   10%
2. B

   Opposite13% picked this

   introduce evidence that challenges a widely accepted theory about the workings

   This passage introduces research insights into a puzzling aspect of a widely accepted theory about the working of the brain. The fact that the evidence the passage introduces is able to explain the mechanism of how chemical neurotransmitters could impact electrical transmission actually strengthens this theory.

   13%
3. C

   Out of Scope: approach1% picked this

   describe the approach scientists use when studying the workings of

   The bulk of the passage isn't explaining any sort of scientific approach. The main thrust of the passage begins with two of the three classic Main Point pivot words "Recently, however" at the end of the 2nd paragraph. The 3rd paragraph begins "the new evidence shows ..." The 4th paragraph begins "it has also been discovered ..." The passage is mainly about research discoveries, not about a scientific approach.

   1%
4. D

   Correct68% picked this

   discuss new support for a widely accepted theory about the workings

   Why this is right

   The beginning of the 2nd paragraph tells us that this theory about the brain (neurons secrete chemicals which enable electrical transmission to take place) took a while, but was eventually accepted by the scientific community (i.e. widely accepted theory). The 2nd paragraph goes on to say "for a long time, little was known about the mechanism", and "in fact, some scientists remained skeptical because they couldn't imagine how it worked". Since this recent research "has gathered enough evidence for a convincing explanation", this is new support for that widely accepted theory.

   Skill tested: Primary Purpose · how this choice captures the passage's function is the move to repeat next time.

   68%
5. E

   Too Narrow9% picked this

   illustrate the practical utility of scientific research into the workings of

   Too Narrow: practical utility Too Broad: the working of the brain The author does end the passage (as most Old / New passages end), by discussing potential implications of the new research. The last paragraph says, "This discovery is medically significant" because we could get practical benefits such as highly selective brain drugs. But, the practical utility was just one quick bonus observation, not the main story. The way this answer choice is phrased, you would expect to read a passage that was broadly about how researching how the brain works leads to practical applications. You'd be surprised if the first 85% of the passage was specifically about a mystery in the field of brain science about how one neuron transmitted its electrical signal to another neuron.

   9%