Question

which sentence from the passage best states the author’s main claim?
\moocs were originally hailed as a solution to provide equal access to higher education for all.\ (paragraph 1)
\the first o in mooc stands for open, and that means free to all learners.\ (paragraph 1)
\unfortunately, moocs have fallen far short of their original promises to change education for a few astoundingly simple reasons.\ (paragraph 2)
\and if only degrees backed by universities have worth in the job market, why should a student take a mooc course and, more importantly, finish it?\ (paragraph 3)

Explanation:

To find the author's main claim, we analyze each option:

• The first option describes the original expectation of MOOCs, not the main claim.
• The second option defines a part of MOOC, not the main claim.
• The third option states that MOOCs have not met their original promises (a central argument the author likely develops), which is a main claim.
• The fourth option is a question about the value of MOOCs, not a claim.

Answer:

C. "Unfortunately, MOOCs have fallen far short of their original promises to change education for a few astoundingly simple reasons." (paragraph 2)