#7 - Must Be True, Purpose

[Administrator]

Complete Question Explanation
(See the complete passage discussion here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=14297)

The correct answer choice is (B)

This question asks us to examine the primary purpose of the last sentence of the passage.
Prephrasing the correct answer is key: The author seeks to explain the caution with which traditional
publishers approach the digital future, arguing that the adjustments they need to make are typical of
the shift from one economic model to another.

Answer choice (A): The author explains why traditional publishing houses might approach the
digital future with caution, but never describes them as being “too slow” to embrace it. The point is
not to denounce traditional publishers or describe their failure to act, but rather to explain why they
might be reluctant to change in the future.

Answer choice (B): This is the correct answer choice. By describing as “typical” the adjustments
that traditional publishers will need to make, the author provides a broader context that helps clarify
their situation.

Answer choice (C): The claim that digital publishing will likely replace traditional publishing is the
central thesis of the passage, but the primary purpose of the final sentence is not to summarize it.
Rather, it is to examine an implication of this change regarding traditional publishing houses.

Answer choice (D): The obstacles (or “adjustments”) facing traditional publishing houses are
discussed in the second to last sentence of the passage, not in the last sentence. Read carefully! The
function of the last sentence is to explain these obstacles as typical of a transition from one economic
model to another.

Answer choice (E): Hopefully, you were able to eliminate this answer choice relatively quickly. The
author makes no recommendations as to what traditional publishing houses should do. In addition, it
is highly unlikely that she would recommend a “wait-and-see” approach, given the inevitability with
which the author describes the transformation from traditional to digital publishing.

[Arindom]

Hi,

I chose ans choice C for this because I felt the last line did indeed summarize the argument that digital publishing will likely replace traditional publishing since the last paragraph particularly states why there will be that impetus for change. So, why then is B the correct ans, choice here? Isn't ans. choice C more specific and to the point?

Thanks.

- Arindom

[Adam Tyson]

The argument in the passage in favor of a change to digital publishing is based on a lot of evidence having to do with lower costs, greater ease of delivery, more money for authors and agents (motivating them to move in that direction), competition from upstarts, and perhaps one or two other points. Does the final sentence summarize any of that? To summarize the argument it would have to at least talk about the substance of the argument, but that last sentence doesn't address any aspect of it. Instead, it brings up something never before discussed in the passage - the broader context in which this change is taking place, the historical model of new technologies replacing old ones. That's why C is incorrect - because it has nothing to do with the argument and summarizes nothing.

Take another look, and ask yourself this - if you read nothing other than the last sentence, would you be able to tell someone else anything about the substance of the argument? If not, then it cannot be called a summary of the argument. Ask yourself further what that sentence accomplished all by itself, if you had not read the rest of the passage. That may help you better prephrase your answer, eliminate C, and select B here.

Good luck!

[Arindom]

Adam,

Thank you for the clarity, esp the last point concerning summary - will keep that in mind every time I look at such answer choices.

- Arindom