Section: Evidence-Based Reading

89) View Additional Information

The principal rhetorical purpose for the phrase in paragraph 23 "Scientists are skeptical by nature. But at the same time, we need to be reasonable." is to

1. Emphasize humanity's place in the world
2. Point out that global warming is a reality whether you believe it or not
3. Prove that climate change doesn't exist
4. Take Republicans to task for refusing to believe in climate change

Answer 2: answers one and three are far too vague and answer four does not compute because Republicans are not mentioned in any way within the passage.