Answer Explanation

[PASSAGE] "But there's another layer to this. This wasn't just a stylistic whim. There were deep-seated reasons for this shift." The professor indicates there's more to the story than just artistic choice, implying significant underlying causes. [WHY CORRECT] Option 2 is correct because the professor uses these phrases to signal that in addition to the artistic reasons previously discussed, there are further, more significant cultural and social reasons for the transition to Bebop, thus emphasizing its profound underlying causes. [TRAPS] Option 1 is wrong because the professor doesn't diminish the artistic reasons but adds another layer of importance. Option 3 is wrong because he isn't introducing a counterargument to disprove but rather expanding on the existing argument with more supporting points. [TIP] When a question asks about the purpose of a statement, pay close attention to transitional phrases and how the statement connects to the preceding and following ideas in the lecture.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect

• Option A (“To suggest that the artistic reasons he just gave were not very important.”) assigns an intent the context does not support.
• Option C (“To introduce a counterargument that he is about to disprove.”) confuses the example with the point it illustrates.
• Option D (“To correct a mistake he made in a previous statement.”) misreads the speaker’s purpose for the remark.

Key Language in Context

Watch how academic vocabulary around Jazz History signals meaning. TOEFL function items reward readers who track tone, transitions, and precise word choice rather than surface keywords.

Skill Takeaway

Identify the role a sentence plays — example, contrast, or emphasis — before answering.