Question 102·Hard·Central Ideas and Details
Recent linguistic fieldwork by Maria Lavoie challenges the long-standing assumption that when speakers of different languages interact intensively, their languages converge toward simpler grammatical structures. Studying three multilingual trading towns along the lower Congo River, Lavoie found that new verbal tense systems, not simplified ones, emerged within a single generation. She argues that intense language contact can stimulate innovation as speakers develop intricate hybrid patterns to signal subtle social distinctions, a process she terms competitive complexity. Thus, rather than eroding grammatical richness, language contact may actually enrich it.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
For main-idea questions, restate the passage’s overall claim in your own words, especially noting any contrast (e.g., “challenges,” “rather than,” “thus”). Then choose the option that captures both the topic (language contact) and the author’s conclusion (what contact does to grammatical complexity). Eliminate choices that (1) contradict the conclusion, (2) shift the passage’s stated cause to a different one, or (3) weaken the passage’s clear takeaway into a vague or mixed claim.
Hints
Focus on the beginning and end
Reread the first and last sentences. What long-standing belief is introduced at the start, and what conclusion does the passage draw at the end?
State Lavoie’s finding as a single claim
In one sentence, describe what happened to verbal tense systems in the towns Lavoie studied. Did they become simpler, stay the same, or become more intricate?
Match the cause and effect
The passage gives a reason for the innovation (why speakers develop intricate patterns). Prefer choices that keep that reason aligned with the text, rather than substituting a different motivation.
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify what the question is asking
The question asks for the main idea of the text. That means you need the overall point the author is making, not a small detail or a possible implication. Prioritize the opening claim (the “old assumption”) and the concluding takeaway (what the fieldwork suggests instead).
Summarize the passage in your own words
The passage sets up a common assumption: intense language contact makes grammar simpler. Lavoie’s fieldwork in multilingual trading towns challenges that assumption by showing that new, not simplified, tense systems emerged quickly. She argues that contact can drive innovation as speakers develop intricate hybrid patterns ("competitive complexity"), so contact may enrich grammatical richness rather than erode it.
Eliminate choices that don’t match the passage’s focus and logic
Compare each option to the summary:
- Choice A shifts the reason for complexity to trade efficiency, but the passage emphasizes signaling subtle social distinctions as the driver.
- Choice B claims major grammatical change is unlikely in contact settings, which conflicts with the passage’s central finding that new tense systems emerged within a generation.
- Choice C presents a “mixed effects” conclusion (some simplification, some complication), but the passage’s thrust is a direct challenge to simplification and emphasizes increased complexity through innovation.
Eliminate any option that changes the passage’s stated cause, downplays the grammatical change described, or reframes the conclusion away from the passage’s clear contrast.
Select the option that captures the contrast and conclusion
The best main-idea answer must include both (1) the prior belief (contact reduces complexity) and (2) Lavoie’s opposing conclusion (contact can increase complexity through innovative hybrid structures). Therefore, the correct choice is: “Contrary to the belief that language contact reduces grammatical complexity, Lavoie’s research shows it can enhance complexity by fostering innovative hybrid structures.”