22.
This question is asking for the Organization of the passage.
@ The author introduces how Lowe established his theory of Mayan civilization’s vanishment starting with the chronology, but points out the central flaw of his argument.
A) The first paragraph does talk about the method Lowe used. But explanation of the evidence is nowhere to be found. The passage just states that his argument is based on archaeological record and known data. Conclusion drawn from the evidence in terms of Mayan civilization in Lowe’s own term does exist, but in order to explain the organization, the most important part is the central flaw in Lowe’s argument, which is not present in this answer choice.
B) Hypothesis is not present.
C) “contradictory” evidence is not examined. In the last paragraph, it is just brought up that there COULD be a contradictory evidence that might alter his argument, but the actual contradictory evidence has not been examined.
D) “basis of a study” indicates a known archaeological record. “A theory that explains the available evidence” indicates Lowe’s theory of population growth ultimately leading to the collapse of the civilization. “Possible flaw” indicates a flaw in his assumption. Perfect Match. Correct
E) Something that could be considered as Observation does present as a form of a theory. And evidence has been introduced as well with known archaeological record. However, just as in C), the actual contradictory evidence is not introduced.