SAT OwlQuestion bank / Command of Evidence
Anthropologist Leah Morgenstern hypothesizes that in a fishing village she studies, older residents tell stories about past storms mainly to teach younger residents how to recognize the signs of dangerous weather, rather than simply to entertain them.
Which finding, if true, would most directly support Morgenstern's hypothesis?
Younger residents say they enjoy listening to the storm stories.
Older residents' storm stories consistently describe specific warning signs, such as changes in cloud shape and bird behavior, that came before each storm.
Storm stories are usually told during community festivals.
Older residents tell stories about many topics besides storms.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B
If the stories mainly teach how to spot dangerous weather, they should contain the details needed to do that. Choice B shows that the stories consistently describe specific warning signs, which fits a teaching purpose.
Choice A suggests the stories entertain, which is the alternative purpose Morgenstern's hypothesis plays down.
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