#24 - Concept Reference, Must Be True, Author's Perspective

[Jeff Wren]

Hi Angelicanb,

One of the keys to success in reading comprehension is tracking the different viewpoints that appear in a passage and being able to identify which view is which both in the passage but also in the questions.

For example, this passage starts off by telling us what specific performance is. In the second paragraph, the author describes situations where specific performance would be appropriate, while in the third paragraph, we get situations where it would not be appropriate.

In question 23, we are asked to find an example of specific performance as described in the passage. The definition of specific performance appears in lines 1-5, and we just need to find an answer that illustrates that definition.

The important thing to note is that this question (#23) and answer has absolutely nothing to do with how the author feels about specific performance. In fact, based on what the author states in the third paragraph, the author would think that forcing the systems analyst to perform this work even though she doesn't want to would be a terrible idea.

Question 24 is asking about how the author feels regarding what should be done when someone fails to undertake employment as contracted. Before even looking at the answers, your prephrase should be something like "The author would recommend monetary damages and strongly recommend against specific performance in that situation." The entire third paragraph covers this type of situation and how the author feels about it.

Only Answer C gets at this idea. "Less than fully successful" actually seems like a bit of an understatement, but it conveys that the author would not recommend specific performance in that situation.

As for Answer E, we are not given any information in the passage about how often courts consider different types of specific performance cases. While the answer to question 23 gives one example of specific performance, it would be a mistake to assume that this example is the typical, or most common, example.

[nonowing]

Hi,

Is there also support for answer choice C in lines 46-48 "Even if the court had the resources necessary to ensure that such a contract would be enforced according to its terms..." This statement makes it sound like the court, though it can issue rulings of specific performance, might not have the resources in many situations to ensure that all parties adhere to the original terms of the contract (why else would the author say "even if" if they really believed that all courts have sufficient resources)? To me this statement is like "not only do courts often lack resources to ensure compliance but also they should avoid imposing uncomfortable situations." The "even if" puts emphasis on the latter half of the statement, but that doesn't mean the first part is not important. Hence, the lack of resources by the court makes enforcement of specific performance not fully successful in many cases.

To me, there is a difference between the ability of the court to make decisions and the ability of them to ensure compliance -- I think answer C is about the latter part (compliance).

[Dana D]

Hey Nonowing,

Yes I agree with you that those lines lend support for answer choice (C) as well. (C) says that the enforcement would not be 'successful' and one of the reasons that may be the case is that the court does not have the resources to ensure each contract is fulfilled.

Good job!