Question

read the excerpt from the evolution of useful things. fry was committed to his brainchild, however, and he finally convinced an office - supply division of 3m to test - market the product, which \met an unperceived need.\ early results were not at all promising, but in those cases where samples were distributed, customers became hooked. which statement correctly describes the relationship of ideas in this text? the passage of time is signaled by the words \was committed\ and \samples were distributed.\ the passage of time is signaled by the words \he finally convinced\ and \customers became.\ cause - and - effect relationships are signaled by the words \however\ and \customers became.\ cause - and - effect relationships are signaled by the words \which met an unperceived need\ and \early results.\

Explanation:

• Analyze each option:
• Option 1: “was committed” shows Fry's initial state, and “samples were distributed” shows a later action. These words signal the passage of time.
• Option 2: “he finally convinced” and “customers became” are not as clearly showing a time - sequence as Option 1. “He finally convinced” is a one - time action related to getting the product tested, and “customers became” is about customer reaction.
• Option 3: “however” is a contrast word, not a cause - and - effect signal.
• Option 4: “which'met an unperceived need'” is a description of the product, and “Early results” is about the initial testing results. There is no clear cause - and - effect relationship here.

Answer:

The passage of time is signaled by the words "was committed" and "samples were distributed."