The following text discusses the history of cryptography.
Cryptography evolved from protecting military secrets to securing everyday digital transactions. Ancient ciphers relied on simple letter substitution, easily broken with frequency analysis. Modern encryption uses mathematical problems so complex that current computers would require millions of years to solve them. Quantum computers, however, threaten to upend this security paradigm.
Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?
It traces historical development and identifies an emerging challenge.
It provides instructions for implementing encryption systems.
It argues that digital transactions are fundamentally unsafe.
It compares encryption standards across different countries.
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. The text traces development (ancient to modern encryption) and identifies quantum computers as an emerging challenge.
- Evidence: The text traces history: "Cryptography evolved from... Ancient ciphers... Modern encryption." It identifies a challenge: "Quantum computers, however, threaten to upend this security paradigm."
- Reasoning: The structure follows a chronological path culminating in a new problem.
- Conclusion: This matches "traces historical development and identifies an emerging challenge."
💡 Strategy: Track the timeline: Ancient -> Modern -> Future Threat (Quantum).
Choice B is incorrect because no instructions are given. Choice C is incorrect because unsafety isn't argued. Choice D is incorrect because countries aren't compared.