It is often thought that our own modern age is unique in having a large number of people who live into old age. It has frequentl
y been assumed that plagues, wars, and harsh working conditions killed off most people in previous ages before they could reach old age. However, recent research shows that in 17th century Europe, for example, people over sixty comprised 10 percent of the population. The studies also revealed that although infant mortality remained high until the 20th century in Europe, people who survived to adulthood could expect to live to be old. The portions in boldface play which of the following roles in the argument above?
A. The first is a conclusion that the author supports. The second is data that contradicts that conclusion.
B. The first is a finding that the author contests. The second is a finding that the author accepts.
C. The first is an assumption that the author thinks is invalid. The second is data that validates that assumption.
D. The first is a position that the author opposes. The second is a finding that supports the author’s position.
E. The first is a position that the author opposes. The second is an assumption which, if valid, negates the author’s view.
When reading the passage, we understand that the author opposes the first sentence. The second sentence would effectively validate the first statement if it were correct, in which case, it would make the author's point invalid.
A is not correct because the author does not support the first idea.
B is not correct because although the author actually contests the first sentence, the author does not accept the findings in the following sentence.
C is not correct since the author thinks the first sentence is invalid, but the second sentence does not validate that sentence.
D is not correct since both the first and second sentences oppose the author's opinion.
