Discussion
Which one of the following most accurately describes
the relationship between the second paragraph and the
final paragraph?
*This question is included in Free Sample 1: Moderate Passage, question #5
| (A) | The second paragraph proposes a hypothesis for which the final paragraph offers a supporting example. |
| (B) | ... |
| (C) | ... |
| (D) | ... |
| (E) | ... |
| (F) | ... |
The solution is
Posted: 06/08/2011 18:47
Answers "A" and "C" seem very similar. In "A" the final paragraph offers an example to supplement the second paragraph's hypothesis. In "C" the final paragraph qualifies the second paragraph's claim. Please describe why "C" is the best answer.
Posted: 06/08/2011 23:27
This is a "role" or "function" question. These questions have a lot in common with the "Function" questions you'll see in the LR section.
Like the "Function" questions in the LR section, you've got to watch out for answer choices that make multiple claims.
In this case, answer choice "A" makes three claims:
1. Paragraph 2 proposes a hypothesis.
2. The last paragraph proposes a supporting example.
3. The example in the last paragraph is used to support the hypothesis in paragraph 2.
Let's look at the first claim:
Does paragraph 2 contain a hypothesis? The answer is "no". If you read through it again, you'll see that a claim is made. A hypothesis will not be presented as settled fact. It will include some indication that the theory/explanation proposed in the hypothesis has yet to be fully proven.
When we break apart choice "C" in the same way, we get:
1. Paragraph 2 makes a claim.
2. The last paragraph contains a qualifying statement.
3. The statement in the last paragraph qualifies the claim in the second.
We already decided that paragraph 2 does contain a claim. What about the other two parts?
Well, the line "It must be stressed, though, that there are limits to..." is the start of a "qualifying statement". And that statement does indeed qualify the claim made in paragraph two.
Hope this helps.
If it does, let us know how we can be more helpful by dropping us a line a Contact@ArcadiaPrep.com.
Our goal is to make our App as useful as possible, and we'd love to incorporate your feedback.
Like the "Function" questions in the LR section, you've got to watch out for answer choices that make multiple claims.
In this case, answer choice "A" makes three claims:
1. Paragraph 2 proposes a hypothesis.
2. The last paragraph proposes a supporting example.
3. The example in the last paragraph is used to support the hypothesis in paragraph 2.
Let's look at the first claim:
Does paragraph 2 contain a hypothesis? The answer is "no". If you read through it again, you'll see that a claim is made. A hypothesis will not be presented as settled fact. It will include some indication that the theory/explanation proposed in the hypothesis has yet to be fully proven.
When we break apart choice "C" in the same way, we get:
1. Paragraph 2 makes a claim.
2. The last paragraph contains a qualifying statement.
3. The statement in the last paragraph qualifies the claim in the second.
We already decided that paragraph 2 does contain a claim. What about the other two parts?
Well, the line "It must be stressed, though, that there are limits to..." is the start of a "qualifying statement". And that statement does indeed qualify the claim made in paragraph two.
Hope this helps.
If it does, let us know how we can be more helpful by dropping us a line a Contact@ArcadiaPrep.com.
Our goal is to make our App as useful as possible, and we'd love to incorporate your feedback.
Posted: 02/12/2012 01:33
I chose answer C but the word "qualifies" in its context is very misleading and ambiguously defined.
Posted: 02/13/2012 09:21
Jake,
You'll see this pretty often on the LSAT. The LSAT's creators will intentionally use an ambiguous word, or one for which there is an obvious, better-suited substitute. This is a way for them to make the test more difficult, and you'll see it most often in the RC section.
When you run into this situation, you'll have to look for the least worst answer choice.
You'll see this pretty often on the LSAT. The LSAT's creators will intentionally use an ambiguous word, or one for which there is an obvious, better-suited substitute. This is a way for them to make the test more difficult, and you'll see it most often in the RC section.
When you run into this situation, you'll have to look for the least worst answer choice.