The following text discusses cultural transmission.
The concept of "memes"—cultural units transmitted through imitation—has proven both influential and controversial. Proponents argue memetics provides a Darwinian framework for explaining cultural evolution. Critics contend that cultural information lacks the discrete, replicable character of genes, making the analogy fundamentally misleading. The debate reflects broader disagreements about whether evolutionary models can be productively extended beyond biology.
Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?
It presents a concept, notes support and criticism, and identifies broader implications.
It provides detailed examples of successful and unsuccessful memes.
It argues that memetics has definitively proven its validity.
It traces the complete history of evolutionary theory.
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. The text presents memetics, notes both sides (Darwinian framework vs. misleading analogy), and identifies broader implications (extending evolutionary models).
- Evidence: The text presents the concept: "concept of 'memes'... influential and controversial." It notes support: "Proponents argue..." It notes criticism: "Critics contend..." It identifies implications: "debate reflects broader disagreements about... evolutionary models."
- Reasoning: The structure is Concept -> Pro -> Con -> Big Picture.
- Conclusion: This matches "presents a concept, notes support and criticism, and identifies broader implications."
💡 Strategy: Track the flow: Idea -> Good -> Bad -> Implication.
Choice B is incorrect because specific meme examples aren't given. Choice C is incorrect because the debate remains open. Choice D is incorrect because only partial context is given.