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Answer: ASet 1: Text Structure
Explanation
PASSAGE
The old house stood empty on the hill, its windows broken and dark. Years ago, it was filled with the laughter of children and the smell of baking bread. Now, only the wind visits.
Which choice best describes the function of the second sentence?
A. It contrasts the house's past liveliness with its current emptiness.✓ Correct
B. It explains why the windows are broken.
C. It describes the weather conditions around the house.
D. It introduces a new character who lives in the house.
Detailed Explanation
The first sentence shows the empty present. The second sentence shows the lively past ('laughter,' 'smell of bread'). This creates a contrast.
Key Evidence:
• "Years ago, it was filled"
• "contrast with 'Now'"
Why others are wrong: B (It doesn't explain the damage.), C (Weather is mentioned in the third sentence (wind), not the second.), D (No specific characters are introduced.).