Question #N91

The author of the text is a professor of economics, and the text is a review of a book on economic history. What is the most likely reason why the author uses the word "provocative"?

In this passage, the word "provocative" is used to
A. emphasize the author’s disagreement with the book’s main argument.
B. describe the author’s personal opinion of the book’s subject matter.
C. suggest that the book presents a new and challenging perspective.
D. highlight the author’s expertise in economic history.

Correct Answer is: C

The author describes the book’s main argument as “provocative,” which suggests that the book presents a new and challenging perspective. The author is not necessarily disagreeing with the book’s main argument; rather, the author is acknowledging that the book’s main argument is provocative. The author is not necessarily describing the author’s personal opinion of the book’s subject matter; rather, the author is using the word “provocative” as a neutral term to describe the book’s argument. The author is not necessarily highlighting the author’s expertise in economic history; rather, the author is using the word “provocative” to describe the book’s argument.