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The purpose of the passage is to explain the origin of a new scientific hypothesis, a theory that is based on the idea that the universe is expanding. The passage begins by detailing how this hypothesis was first proposed, followed by a description of the evidence that was used to support the hypothesis. The passage concludes by discussing the implications of this hypothesis for our understanding of the universe. Which of the following best describes the main idea of the passage?

SAT · English · previous-year question

  1. A.explain the origin of the hypothesis that the universe is expanding.correct
  2. B.argue that the expansion of the universe is a fact, not a theory.
  3. C.provide evidence to support the hypothesis that the universe is expanding.
  4. D.discuss the implications of the hypothesis that the universe is expanding.

Answer

A. explain the origin of the hypothesis that the universe is expanding.

Explanation

The passage's primary focus is on explaining how the hypothesis of the expanding universe was first proposed. It's not about arguing for the hypothesis's truth or providing evidence for it. The passage explains its origins, but doesn't go into the details of evidence or implication. While the passage does mention implications, they're only briefly introduced and not the main idea.

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