Question 60·Hard·Text Structure and Purpose
In a recent lecture, economist Laila Moreno paused before her audience and asked, “Why do we still use money?” The question, offered as the opening gambit of her talk, seemed almost childlike in its simplicity. Moreno then traced the evolution of mediums of exchange—from seashells to smartphone apps—ultimately arguing that the endurance of money is less about economic efficiency than about social trust.
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined question in the text as a whole?
For a function/purpose question, identify (1) where the sentence appears (here: the opening), (2) what the text does immediately afterward (here: historical tracing + a concluding claim), and (3) what claim the passage ultimately advances. Then eliminate choices that shift the speaker’s conclusion (e.g., saying “efficiency” when the text says “less about efficiency”) or add an attitude not supported (like personal doubt). Choose the option that best matches how the opening line frames what the speaker goes on to examine.
Hints
Look at placement and description
The question appears at the very start and is described as the “opening gambit.” That usually means it’s setting up the main idea the speaker will explore.
Track what the speaker does next
Right after the question, Moreno traces a timeline of exchange and then makes a claim about why money endures. How does that progression relate to the opening question?
Use the line about “economic efficiency”
The passage says Moreno argues money’s endurance is less about economic efficiency than about social trust. Any choice that says her main answer is “efficiency” should raise a red flag.
Distinguish “topic introduction” from “assumption to be challenged”
Ask whether the question is just introducing the general topic of money, or whether it’s inviting the audience to question something they usually take for granted.
Step-by-step Explanation
Locate the underlined part and its context
The underlined question is: “Why do we still use money?” The passage identifies it as the “opening gambit” and notes that it seems “almost childlike in its simplicity.” Moreno then traces exchange over time (from seashells to apps) and ends by arguing that money endures because of social trust more than economic efficiency.
Determine the question’s role in the structure
Because the question appears at the start, it functions as a framing device: it raises a broad issue that listeners likely assume has an obvious answer (we use money because it works well). The rest of the text shows Moreno using history and an argument about trust to rethink that assumption.
Test each alternative function against the passage
Compare the choices to what the passage actually does:
- The passage explicitly says Moreno argues money’s endurance is less about economic efficiency, so a choice claiming she ultimately emphasizes efficiency doesn’t match.
- Moreno does describe changing forms of exchange, but that historical survey is used to support a broader point; the question is not merely a neutral invitation to list changes.
- Nothing indicates Moreno feels uncertain; she “ultimately argu[es]” a clear claim about social trust.
That leaves the option describing the question as introducing an assumption that the speaker later examines.
Select the choice that matches the passage’s purpose
The question introduces a common, widely accepted assumption about money’s role, and Moreno then scrutinizes the usual explanation and reframes it around social trust. Therefore, the correct answer is: It serves to introduce a widely accepted assumption that the speaker later scrutinizes.