EK Verbal 101 - Test 4, Q#22

[Myofibril]

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According to the passage, an "old stand-by" (line 5) would be best described as an item that:
A) has outlived its usefulness.
B) has been improved upon and should not be used.
C) is still just as effective as what is being used nowadays.
D) has been improved upon but still functions well.

D is CORRECT.

I don't understand how the answer could be D. There is little or no evidence in the passage for the "older" types of clothing (wool, down) being "improved upon". The general technology of clothing has improved with the introduction of synthetics. However, I don't see how there has been improvement in the "old stand-by"'s. I understand "but still functions well" is supported by the passage.

I chose A, its an extreme answer but I immediately crossed out B and D because of my argument above.

Thanks! 🙂

 

[Big Dog]

I think what they are getting at is the the old version still functions and can be used if needed. For example, if you replace your television CRT with a new high def LED screen. The old one still works "well", so you store it in the garage and keep it on 'stand-by' should the LED crash. It is the only option that fits.:

A) It has not outlived its usefulness
B) Yes, has been improved upon, but it still CAN be used (perhaps in a bedroom?).
C) No, not as effective as a HDTV or even 3-D, but still effective to watch a ballgame or sitcom.
D) Bingo!

 

[coyfish]

The key is to remember that in the passage the author clearly states that wool (I think this was the example) still works well. He never once says that the old fabrics were no longer useful. The example shows that the old fabrics still work. Knowing that basically eliminates A/B. C is an easy elimination. That leaves D.

You are looking at the question too specifically. The stand by's still work well but there have been improvements. The improvements, like you said, are the new synthetics.