Question 149·Medium·Inferences
When a bundle of letters attributed to astronomer Caroline Herschel (1750–1848) surfaced in 2019, archivists examined the ink, paper, and wording. One letter dated 1794 refers to “measuring the computer’s memory in megabytes.” Historians note that both the concept of a computer with such memory and the term “megabyte” entered usage only in the mid-20th century. Therefore, the archivists concluded that _____
Which choice most logically completes the text?
For “Which choice most logically completes the text?” questions, first identify the key evidence given just before the blank, then ask, “What conclusion would a careful expert draw from this evidence?” Make sure the option you pick is a direct, reasonable consequence of the facts stated—no wild guesses, no extra assumptions. Eliminate choices that contradict the passage’s information, introduce new ideas (like predictions or routines) that aren’t mentioned, or weaken the strength of the conclusion (for example, claiming there isn’t enough evidence when the passage clearly suggests there is a strong basis for a decision).
Hints
Locate the crucial evidence
Reread the part about the letter’s date and the historians’ note about when the concept of computer memory and the word “megabyte” entered usage. What time periods are being contrasted?
Think about the time mismatch
If a letter claims to be from 1794 but uses a term and idea that didn’t exist until the mid-20th century, what does that suggest about when the letter was actually written?
Focus on what the archivists decide
The last sentence starts with “Therefore, the archivists concluded that ….” Which option reflects a clear decision based on the mismatch between the letter’s date and its language?
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand what the question is asking
The passage gives you evidence about a supposedly 1794 letter and then says, “Therefore, the archivists concluded that _____.”
Your job is to pick the option that states the conclusion the archivists would reasonably draw from the evidence given.
Identify the key evidence
Focus on the middle of the passage:
- The letter is dated 1794.
- It refers to “measuring the computer’s memory in megabytes.”
- Historians state that both the concept of a computer with such memory and the word “megabyte” only entered usage in the mid-20th century.
This means people in 1794 would not have had computers with memory measured in megabytes, and they would not have used the word “megabyte” at all.
Draw the logical inference
Ask yourself: If a document is supposedly from 1794 but contains a term and idea that did not exist until the mid-1900s, what does that suggest?
That kind of time mismatch is called an anachronism. It strongly suggests the document could not have been written when it claims to have been written.
Match the inference to the best answer choice
Now compare this inference to the choices:
- The evidence does not support that 18th-century scientists used “megabyte,” because historians say the term appeared only in the mid-20th century.
- It does not suggest Herschel made an accurate prediction; instead it suggests someone much later wrote or altered the letter.
- It also does not say there is “not enough evidence” — the anachronistic wording is very strong evidence.
The only choice that matches the archivists’ reasonable conclusion from this evidence is A) the letter dated 1794 is not an authentic 18th-century document.