REO: Writing

“However” establishes the correct relationship between the earlier part of the passage and this sentence. While some believe that the new discovery explains how the pyramids were built, the debate still continues. That would suggest the need for a conjunctive adverb like “however” to indicate the contrast between the ideas.

Sentence 6 describes the design of the ramp system that was discovered: it used a sled attached to posts by ropes. Therefore, the most logical place to add this additional sentence, which begins with the phrase “this design,” is after this sentence.

The arguments challenging the theory that the same kind of ramp system found in the quarry was used to build the pyramids are not necessarily conclusive but do suggest weaknesses in the theory. Therefore, expressing uncertainty about the theory, which this sentence does, is an appropriate way to conclude the paragraph in question and to clarify how the paragraph contributes to the passage’s main argument.

Gourdon’s remarks about the engineering capabilities of ancient Egyptians during the reign of Khufu, together with the fact that Pharaoh Khufu commissioned the Great Pyramid in Giza, lead naturally to the conclusion that the Egyptians used the ramp system to build that pyramid. Hence, this sentence sums up Gourdon’s conclusion, which is then challenged in sentence 9.

The parenthetical insertion provides commentary that connects the chosen evidence (street lights

being shut off) to the paragraph’s claim (mayflies are hazardous to humans). The parenthetical addition

serves to develop a line of reasoning that focuses on mayflies and their impact on humans. Driving in the

dark without the assistance of street lights is a detriment to human drivers.

Although this sentence contains accurate descriptions of the mayfly’s body, these descriptors are not evidence that supports the claim that mayflies are a nuisance to humans. The descriptions do not clarify, amplify, or illustrate a point.

This choice clearly signals the causal connection between the idea in the previous sentence

about humans desiring recreational activities in or near water and the idea in this sentence that these

activities generate income for humans.

The underlined text is best described as providing a definition of confirmation bias, which is the

central concept of the passage. It is important that readers understand this concept, so it is appropriate for the underlined text to be kept rather than deleted.

This version effectively explains the significance of the evidence presented in the sentence,

which discusses the ways confirmation bias can be useful. Therefore, this version is best for the

organization of the text and reflects the reasoning of the argument well.

The writer effectively uses a personal experience about choosing a college that illustrates the

point made in the previous sentence about how people believe that their big decisions are based on

careful analysis. Writers can use narratives to give vivid, concrete illustrations of their points and

advance a purpose in their writing.