Question

15 the first paragraph of the text serves to
(1) highlight the prevalence of texting
(2) stress the benefits of texting
(3) explain the origins of texting
(4) support the abolition of texting
16 as used in line 7, the word “sur… nearly means
(1) politely
(2) boldly

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the purpose of the first paragraph of a text about texting:

1. Option (1): Highlighting the prevalence of texting is a common introductory purpose (e.g., showing how widespread texting is to set up the topic).
2. Option (2): The first paragraph of a typical texting - related text is unlikely to start with benefits, as that is more of a later - stage discussion.
3. Option (3): Explaining origins is also not a typical first - paragraph focus; origins are usually explored after introducing the topic’s prevalence.
4. Option (4): Supporting the abolition of texting is an opinion - based, non - introductory focus for a first paragraph.

Answer:

(1) highlight the prevalence of texting