The following text is from an art history article.
Abstract Expressionism dominated American art in the 1950s, emphasizing spontaneous gesture and emotional intensity. Pop Art emerged partly as a reaction against this seriousness. Artists like Warhol and Lichtenstein embraced commercial imagery and mass production techniques. Their work questioned distinctions between high art and popular culture.
Which choice best describes the function of the second sentence?
It establishes a cause-and-effect relationship between movements.
It provides biographical details about specific artists.
It critiques Abstract Expressionism's techniques.
It explains how art is valued in commercial markets.
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. The second sentence shows Pop Art emerging "as a reaction against" Abstract Expressionism—a cause-and-effect relationship.
- Evidence: The sentence states: "Pop Art emerged partly as a reaction against this seriousness."
- Reasoning: The phrase "reaction against" explicitly links the existence of the new movement to the characteristics of the old one.
- Conclusion: The function is to establish a cause-and-effect relationship.
💡 Strategy: Look for the key phrase "reaction against" -> implies cause and effect.
Choice B is incorrect because biographies come later. Choice C is incorrect because the text doesn't critique. Choice D is incorrect because market valuation isn't discussed.