Set 6: Cross-Text Connections
Explanation
PASSAGE
Text 1 The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that entropy, or disorder, in an isolated system always increases. This implies a universe moving inexorably towards chaos and heat death. Text 2 Life appears to violate this law by creating complex, ordered structures (organisms) from simple inputs. However, life is not an isolated system. It maintains local order by increasing the entropy of its surroundings (releasing heat), thus satisfying the Second Law globally.
How does Text 2 reconcile the existence of life with the physical law in Text 1?
Detailed Answer Explanation
This question asks you to compare perspectives from two passages. Text 1: Entropy increases (Chaos). Text 2: Life (Order) seems to violate. Reconciliation: Not isolated/Global increase vs Local order. Understanding how the authors relate to each other's views is essential. Identify whether they agree, disagree, or address different aspects of the topic. Focus on their specific claims and conclusions. When comparing texts, first identify each author's thesis or main argument. Then determine how these positions interact: do they complement each other, contradict each other, or address different aspects of the same issue? The relationship between texts reveals deeper meaning.
Key Evidence:
• "isolated system"
• "maintains local order"
• "increasing the entropy of its surroundings"
Why others are wrong: C (Complex, ordered.), B (Not isolated.), D (Satisfies the law.).
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