Question 94·Easy·Text Structure and Purpose
In an 1897 magazine article, journalist Alice Austin recounted her first experience with a motion-picture camera. She marvels at how the crank-powered device captured not just isolated images but an unbroken sequence, “as though time itself had been gently rolled onto a strip of ribbon.” Austin goes on to predict that such cameras will soon become common at newsworthy events.
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?
For “function of a sentence” questions, first read a few lines of context and then, in your own words, describe what that specific sentence is doing (for example: giving an example, showing a reaction, adding a contrast, summarizing a point). Pay close attention to tone words (like “marvels”) and figurative language, because they often show emotion or emphasis. After you paraphrase the function for yourself, eliminate choices that introduce ideas not present in the text (like new arguments, flaws, or historical claims), and choose the option that best matches your paraphrase without adding extra meaning.
Hints
Zoom in on key words
Look closely at the verb "marvels" and the phrase that compares time to a strip of ribbon. What kind of feeling do those words create?
Check whether the tone is positive or negative
Ask yourself: Is Austin criticizing the camera, doubting it, or admiring it? How do you know from the wording?
Decide what part of the story this sentence plays
Does this sentence describe a problem, make an argument to the reader, summarize history, or show something about Austin’s personal experience?
Step-by-step Explanation
Restate what the bolded sentence says
Focus on the bolded part: it says Austin marvels at the device, which captures an "unbroken sequence" of images, and she compares this to "time itself" being "rolled onto a strip of ribbon." This is a reaction plus a vivid comparison (a metaphor).
Notice the tone and emotion
The verb "marvels" and the gentle, poetic image of time rolled onto a ribbon suggest a positive, awed, almost magical feeling. There is no criticism, doubt, or technical analysis here—just excitement and fascination.
Connect the sentence to the passage as a whole
The short passage describes her first experience with a motion-picture camera and mentions that she predicts such cameras will become common. The bolded sentence is the main place where we see how she feels about the camera and how she pictures what it does. It gives color and life to her reaction.
Match that role to the best choice
We need the answer that describes a sentence that uses strong, descriptive language to show Austin’s amazed reaction to the device. Among the options, “It provides vivid detail illustrating Austin’s sense of wonder” is the one that correctly captures both the descriptive imagery and the emotional tone of the sentence, so that is the correct answer.