Once, there was a great mystery in our town. Every lawn on the main street turned brown overnight. There’d been no strange weather, no unseasonable chill nor oddities in rainfall. The neighborhood was abuzz with rumors. Some thought it was just an odd case of bad luck, but others believed it was an intentional act.

Question

The town called on a local detective to investigate. At the town meeting, there were hours of citizens sharing their thoughts, suspicions, and ideas. At the end of the meeting, a citizen asked the detective what she knew based on all the testimony.

“If there’s one thing I know, it’s that I know nothing,” she said.

There was some grumbling at that. Almost everyone in the room but the detective seemed to be pretty sure they knew what had happened. But a week later, the detective determined that the issue was the result of an underground pipe break. No one had guessed that.

Question
Use the story to answer the question.

How does the paradox function in the story?

(1 point)
Responses which answer is correct and why

It introduces humor by showing that the detective is the least knowledgeable person in the room.
It introduces humor by showing that the detective is the least knowledgeable person in the room.

It proves that knowing something is less important than acting.
It proves that knowing something is less important than acting.

It challenges the reader’s idea about what it means to think you know something.
It challenges the reader’s idea about what it means to think you know something.

It demonstrates how illogical the people in town are being with their theories.
It demonstrates how illogical the people in town are being with their theories.
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Answer 1

The correct response is:

It challenges the reader’s idea about what it means to think you know something.

Why: The detective's assertion that "if there’s one thing I know, it’s that I know nothing" serves as a paradoxical statement that prompts readers to reflect on the nature of knowledge and certainty. While the townspeople are quick to offer their theories and express their confidence in their beliefs, the detective embodies a humble understanding of her limitations. This contrast highlights the idea that confidence in one's knowledge does not always equate to having the truth. Ultimately, it encourages readers to consider the complexity of knowledge and the ease with which assumptions can lead to misunderstandings.