Question

In the first sentence ("The ordinary . . . does not”) of paragraph 16 ("The ordinary . . . understood”), the author uses the semicolon primarily to

A. draw a parallel between two related ideas about the biotic community.
B. vary the length and rhythm of the sentences.
C. contrast an uninformed view of the biotic community with an informed one.
D. highlight ordinary people’s dangerous ignorance of science.
E. stress scientists’ uncertainty about the purpose of the land ethic.

Answer 1

In the first sentence of paragraph 16, the author uses the semicolon primarily to contrast an uninformed view of the biotic community with an informed one.

The sentence reads: "The ordinary citizen today assumes that science knows what makes the community clock tick; the scientist is equally sure that he does not."

The semicolon separates the two independent clauses that express contrasting ideas. The first clause suggests that the average person believes that science understands the workings of the biotic community, while the second clause contradicts this belief by asserting that scientists do not fully comprehend how the biotic community operates.

Therefore, the correct answer is C. contrast an uninformed view of the biotic community with an informed one.