OpenSAT

Question #N909

Many people today believe that a good deal of knowledge is available online. However, the writer argues that a good deal of information can be found by reading traditional literature. The writer claims that "the wisdom of the past can illuminate the present." What is the primary purpose of the sentence "the wisdom of the past can illuminate the present?"

The sentence "the wisdom of the past can illuminate the present" primarily serves to

A. contrast the advantages of traditional literature with those of the internet.

B. explain why the speaker believes that reading traditional literature can be beneficial.

C. provide evidence that the speaker is familiar with a variety of literary works.

D. suggest that traditional literature is more important than information available online.

Reveal Answer Go Back

Correct Answer is: B

The sentence "the wisdom of the past can illuminate the present" explains why the writer believes that reading traditional literature can be beneficial because it offers the reader wisdom that can be applied to the present day. This idea is reinforced in the passage by the claim that a good deal of knowledge is available online, but a good deal of information can be found by reading traditional literature.