Skeptics ·Fractal geometry will have lasting ro in math only if it can support theorems and proofs
Passage Style
Critique or debate
Spotlight
23.
In the first paragraph, the ███████████ ██ ███ █ ████ █████ ██ █████████ ██████ █████████ ██
Question Type
Purpose in context (of word, phrase, or idea)
Structure
The author discusses the Koch curve to help provide insight into fractal gemoetry. In particular, the Koch curve is a significant fractal shape that shows self-similarity.
a
show how fractal ████████ ███ ██ ███████ ██ ███████████ ████████
The author doesn’t suggest fractal geometry can be reduced to traditional geometry.
5%
b
give an example ██ █ ███████ ████ ████ ███ ██ █████████ ██ ███████ ████████
We have no indication that the Koch curve is a natural form (a form that occurs in nature). Although some think that fractal geometry can describe natural forms, the author never suggests the Koch curve is a natural form.
The idea that some people think fractal geometry will have a lasting role in math only if it becomes a precise language supporting theorems is mentioned at the very end. It’s not related to the introduction of the Koch curve in the passage.
1%
d
illustrate the concept ██ ███████████████
The author discusses the Koch curve to help provide insight into fractal gemoetry. In particular, the Koch curve is a significant fractal shape that shows self-similarity.
80%
e
provide an exact ██████████ ██ ████████
The author indicates that we haven’t established an exact definition of fractals. Self-similarity is a part of fractal geometry, but the author doesn’t suggest that she is about to provide an exact definition of fractals.
4%
Difficulty
80% of people who answer get this correct
This is a moderately difficult question.
It is somewhat easier than other questions in this passage.
CURVE
Score of students with a 50% chance of getting this right
25%139
150
75%160
Analysis
Purpose in context (of word, phrase, or idea)
Purpose in context (of word, phrase, or idea)
Stems that ask us to describe the purpose of a word, phrase, or idea given the context in which it appears. Answers often use abstract, structural language.
An umbrella tag marking questions that test our understanding of the passage's overall structure (e.g. Main point, Purpose of paragraph, Meaning in context, Describe organization).
Critique or debate passages contain multiple points of view on a particular subject. Sometimes the author takes sides and participates in the critique or debate, other times the author merely reports the debate.
Passages that highlight a person, issue, or historical event or development. These passages often focus on why that thing is significant, distinctive, or interesting.
