The author discusses “the standard view” (line 14 )

David Recine, Magoosh Tutor

I'll be happy to help. (E) is a tempting answer, because the "standard view" is undermined. However, the standard view is NOT undermined by any "widely held belief." Why? Because the standard view IS the widely held belief, and obviously a view doesn't undermine itself.

You can see this because the passage first says that the effect of geese on marshes "challenges one of the most widely held beliefs." It then goes on to say that this belief indicates that animals "such as geese do not play a large roll in... controlling marsh systems." The passage then continues that "the standard view" says that marshes are controlled by "bottom up" factors other than animals. So "the standard view" agrees with the widely held belief. Both the view and the belief say that something other than animals control marshes.

And since "the standard view" is described immediately after the "widely held belief," it can be seen as a restatement of the belief, and an extension of it.

Does that make sense? Certainly let me know if you have any other questions. :)

Oct 3, 2018 • Reply

Vaibhav P

could u explain me why answer choice D is not its answer?

Sep 11, 2016 • Reply

Cydney Seigerman, Magoosh Tutor

Hi Satish :)

Happy to clarify. First, the question stem reads:

"The author discusses “the standard view” (line 14) most likely in order to identify a view that"

In the question, "a view" refers to the standard view. It's true that the standard view that "marshes are controlled by bottom-up factors" greatly contrasts what is actually observed as described in the passage. However, the author doesn't directly push or advocate for the reevaluation of the standard view. They simply note the difference. At the same time, (D) is stating the opposite of what the passage does: the standard view does not put what is described in the passage into question. Rather, the passage describes an observation that questions the standard view. Therefore (D) is not correct.

Does that make sense? I hope this helps!

Sep 14, 2016 • Reply