- PowerScore Staff
- Posts: 8950
- Joined: Feb 02, 2011
- Tue Jun 27, 2017 3:43 pm
#36442
Complete Question Explanation
(See the complete passage discussion here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=7465)
The correct answer choice is (B)
Since the author states the main point most clearly in lines 47-52, you should match your response
against those lines. Your response should also reference the existence of the criticisms delineated in
the fi rst paragraph.
Answer choice (A): Since the author actually concludes that the central value of the oath—
benefi cence—defi nitely applies today, and should serve as the core of medical ethics, this response is
incorrect. The author does not believe that the core value of the oath needs reassessment—the critics
do. That said, this answer can be attractive to test takers because it states that reevaluation is needed,
and that general principle does agree with the passage. However, make sure that the details of the
answer also agree with the details of the passage. In this case they do not, and therefore this answer
is incorrect.
Answer choice (B): This is the correct answer choice. This answer adequately addresses the fi rst
paragraph and summarizes the author’s strong statement of point in lines 47-52. The author believes
that the core of the oath should be retained in order to protect patients.
Answer choice (C): The author would probably agree with this statement; however, the author does
not seek to establish this extremely broad principle as the main point of the passage.
Answer choice (D): This choice is defi nitely supported by the passage; however, it does not refl ect
the author’s main point. Since the author concludes that we must preserve certain central values
of the oath, the correct response to a main idea question will go farther than mentioning what is
essentially a premise.
Answer choice (E): This choice somewhat refl ects some critics’ positions and thus is not author’s
main point. “Obviate” means “preclude or make unnecessary,” and the author clearly believes that it
is necessary to retain a core set of values, as expressed in lines 41-52.
(See the complete passage discussion here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=7465)
The correct answer choice is (B)
Since the author states the main point most clearly in lines 47-52, you should match your response
against those lines. Your response should also reference the existence of the criticisms delineated in
the fi rst paragraph.
Answer choice (A): Since the author actually concludes that the central value of the oath—
benefi cence—defi nitely applies today, and should serve as the core of medical ethics, this response is
incorrect. The author does not believe that the core value of the oath needs reassessment—the critics
do. That said, this answer can be attractive to test takers because it states that reevaluation is needed,
and that general principle does agree with the passage. However, make sure that the details of the
answer also agree with the details of the passage. In this case they do not, and therefore this answer
is incorrect.
Answer choice (B): This is the correct answer choice. This answer adequately addresses the fi rst
paragraph and summarizes the author’s strong statement of point in lines 47-52. The author believes
that the core of the oath should be retained in order to protect patients.
Answer choice (C): The author would probably agree with this statement; however, the author does
not seek to establish this extremely broad principle as the main point of the passage.
Answer choice (D): This choice is defi nitely supported by the passage; however, it does not refl ect
the author’s main point. Since the author concludes that we must preserve certain central values
of the oath, the correct response to a main idea question will go farther than mentioning what is
essentially a premise.
Answer choice (E): This choice somewhat refl ects some critics’ positions and thus is not author’s
main point. “Obviate” means “preclude or make unnecessary,” and the author clearly believes that it
is necessary to retain a core set of values, as expressed in lines 41-52.
