The following text is from a political science article.
Democratic transitions rarely follow a linear path. Countries often experience periods of liberalization followed by authoritarian backsliding. Economic crises, ethnic tensions, and weak institutions can derail democratic consolidation. Nevertheless, global trends since 1974 show a net increase in democratic governance, even accounting for recent reversals.
Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?
It presents complications to a process while affirming its overall trend.
It argues that democracy is declining worldwide.
It provides a timeline of specific democratic transitions.
It compares democratic systems across continents.
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. The text describes complications (backsliding, crises) while affirming the overall trend (net increase since 1974).
- Evidence: The text lists complications: "rarely follow a linear path," "authoritarian backsliding," "Economic crises." It affirms the trend: "Nevertheless... net increase in democratic governance."
- Reasoning: The structure contrasts the difficulties of the process with the positive long-term outcome.
- Conclusion: This matches "presents complications... while affirming its overall trend."
💡 Strategy: Identify the pivot word "Nevertheless" which signals the affirmation of the trend despite the complications.
Choice B is incorrect because the net increase contradicts decline. Choice C is incorrect because no specific timeline is provided. Choice D is incorrect because continents aren't compared.