<p>Ok, this is a CR question that I have found extremely difficult. I would REALLY appreciate it if someone would take the time to explain it to me.</p>
<p>The question reads:</p>
<p>The author responds to the four theories of television primarily by
A. offering contrary evidence
B. invoking diverse authorities
C. Adding historical perspective
D. Blurring the line between the manipulator and maniupulated
E. Implying that no reasonable person could take them seriously</p>
<p>Correct Answer: E</p>
<p>Well, here is my thought process. I looked over the answer choices an eliminated everything but D and E. Then, I evaluated D. I found that the author states that either A. the manipulators watch television and thus become manipulated by it just like everyone else or B. they don't watch television and therefore aren't reliable sources for theories on tv. Thus, D seems like a VERY viable option because it basically says that the theorists and the manipulated tv watchers are just the same.Then I looked at E, which to me seems like an OK answer but too absolute and not directly supported by the text. So, I said D was the answer. Where am I going wrong here?</p>
<p>ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Explanation for Correct Answer E :<br>
Choice (E) is correct. The author suggests throughout that the four theories are unconvincing, condescending to viewers, and even illogical.
The author sarcastically dismisses the arguments of the critics and highlights the foolishness of their claims.
Explanation for Incorrect Answer A :<br>
Choice (A) is incorrect. The author presents little evidence to refute the theories. Instead, the author points out the lack of evidence to support the theories.
Explanation for Incorrect Answer B :<br>
Choice (B) is incorrect. The author neglects to cite authorities.
Explanation for Incorrect Answer C :<br>
Choice (C) is incorrect. The author mentions the eighteenth century only briefly; the focus is primarily on the present.
Explanation for Incorrect Answer D :<br>
Choice (D) is incorrect. While the author does challenge the assumptions of the manipulation thesis, erasing the distinction between those who control television and those who are controlled by it is not the primary point of the passage.</p>
<p>I, too, originally had D as my answer. I think that I used the lines 48-50 to support my response, but it actually disproves D as an answer. The passage reads, that the "manipulators and manipulated...face each other in a fine symmetry". This definitely shows the author's belief that the two are symmetrical, but not one in the same. Does that make sense?</p>