Question

We can usefully think of theoretical models as maps, which help us navigate unfamiliar territory. The most accurate map that is possible to construct would be of no practical use whatsoever, for it would be an exact replica, on exactly the same scale, of the place where we were. Good maps pull out the most important features and throw away a huge amount of much less valuable information. Of course, maps can be bad as well as good-witness the attempts by medieval Europe to produce a map of the world. In the same way, a bad theory, no matter how impressive it may seem in principle, does little or nothing to help us understand a problem.(2006)

• A. But good theories, just like good maps, are invaluable, even if they are simplified.
• B. But good theories, just like good maps, will never represent unfamiliar concepts in detail.
• C. But good theories, just like good maps, need to balance detail and feasibility of representation.
• D. (d) But good theories, just like good maps, are accurate only at a certain level of abstraction.
• E. But good theories, just like good maps, are useful in the hands of a user who knows their limitations.

Answer 1

The correct option is A But good theories, just like good maps, are invaluable, even if they are simplified.

Option: (a)

The passage heads towards describing the functions that bad/good maps serve. Just as "bad theory" does not help us understand a problem, "good theory" is invaluable to us though it may be simplified. 'Simplified' here implies that less valuable information is left out. According to the logic, options (b), (c), (d) get eliminated. Option (e) is close but more negative in tone than required.