1) E
Question Type: Inference
The passage opens with an explanation of the similarities between the American and French Revolutions, but the first paragraph ends by wondering how they could be so different. The author wonders, for instance, how “two wars inspired by more or less the same ideals end up so completely different.” This implies that the author believes that the two revolutions should have unfolded in similar ways since they had a few major similarities. Thus, it is suggested that the author believes that two events that are similar in one way ought to be similar in other ways. Therefore, choice (E) is correct. Though the rest of the passage explores the different theories about why the French and American Revolutions turned out differently, the first paragraph merely sets ups the topic. Thus, it cannot be inferred from that paragraph that the author believes historians have not reached a conclusion on the subject, so choice (A) is incorrect. The author never implies that the French Revolution had the potential to be successful. Instead, he or she only argues that it was not as successful as the American Revolution and tries to explain why. Thus, choice (B) is incorrect. Though the first paragraph does mention two events based on similar philosophies, the author never suggests that it is uncommon for two events to have the same philosophical foundation. Therefore, choice (C) is incorrect. Though the first paragraph does imply that that the American Revolution was a success and the French Revolution a failure, the author does not suggest they are high or low points for all of history. Thus, choice (D) is incorrect because it is too extreme.