Question

Which of the following best describes why the author includes the phrase “unless you believe in objective, scientific polling” (paragraph 1, sentence 4)?

(A) It reveals the author’s doubts about the reliability of scientific data.

(B) It reinforces the author’s argument that our opinions are frequently
based on science.

(C) It helps to establish the author’s ironic, humorous tone.

(D) It supports the author’s feelings about the increasing importance of
technology.

(E) It introduces a comparison between the author’s view of himself
and the way others view him.

Answer 1

The answer is (C). The phrase “unless you believe in objective, scientific polling” is used in an ironic way. The author is suggesting that it is ridiculous to believe that our opinions are frequently based on science, when in reality, they are often based on our own personal biases and experiences. The phrase helps to establish the author’s ironic, humorous tone.

The other choices are incorrect. (A) is incorrect because the author does not doubt the reliability of scientific data. (B) is incorrect because the author is not arguing that our opinions are frequently based on science. (D) is incorrect because the author does not mention technology in this sentence. (E) is incorrect because the author is not comparing his own view of himself to the way others view him.