Historian: The central claim of

Answer choices

1. A

   Correct78% picked this

   We can never know whether the end-of-history theory

   Why this is right

   Since it’s impossible to stand outside all of history and judge whether it’s really at an end, it’s impossible to judge whether history is at an end. And since the end-of-history claims that history it at an end, it’s impossible to judge whether they’re correct.

   Skill tested: Most Supported · how this choice captures the argument's function is the move to repeat next time.

   78%
2. B

   Out of Scope: too ideological5% picked this

   Advocates of the end-of-history theory have too ideological an understanding

   The author doesn’t say anything that sounds like an accusation that these theorists are being too ideological. The author just thinks they’re being delusional self-confident in thinking that they can clearly tell whether history is at an end. It’s like living inside our universe and declaring “This is it. There’s nothing beyond our universe.” How would you know? You can’t judge whether this is it, if you’re still stuck inside of it.

   5%
3. C

   Too Strong: automatically know Contradicted3% picked this

   If we were at the end of history, we would automatically know whether the end-of-

   If we were at the end of history, we wouldn’t know for sure, since it’s impossible to stand outside of history and judge whether history is really at its end.

   3%
4. D

   Too Strong: impossible12% picked this

   It is impossible for the end-of-history theory to

   The author leaves open the possibility that the theorists are correct. She is saying, “We may be at the end of history. It’s impossible for us to judge (one way or the other).”

   12%
5. E

   Too Strong: essential2% picked this

   Ideological developments are the essential elements

   Nothing in the paragraph supports such an extreme claim that “the essential elements of history are ideological developments”.

   2%