Set 3: Inferences (Advanced)
Explanation
PASSAGE
The 'Scientific Revolution' label suggests a sharp break from medieval thought. Yet historians have traced how Renaissance and even medieval scholars developed observational and mathematical methods long before Galileo. The 'revolution' may be better understood as accelerated development within a continuous tradition rather than sudden rupture.
What does the passage suggest about periodization in history?
Detailed Explanation
This question asks you to draw a logical conclusion from the text. 'Continuous tradition rather than sudden rupture' = labels obscure continuity. A valid inference must be supported by evidence in the passage, even if not stated directly. Look for clues in the text that strongly suggest the answer. Avoid conclusions that require assumptions beyond what's written. Valid inferences are strongly supported by multiple pieces of evidence in the text. Be cautious of choices that go too far beyond what the passage actually states. The best inference is the one most directly supported by textual evidence.
Key Evidence:
• "accelerated development within a continuous tradition rather than sudden rupture"
Why others are wrong: A (The passage reframes the 'revolution.'), C (Medieval scholars 'developed methods.'), D (Methods developed 'long before Galileo.').