- PowerScore Staff
- Posts: 8950
- Joined: Feb 02, 2011
- Wed Mar 22, 2017 3:41 pm
#33619
Complete Question Explanation
(See the complete passage discussion here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=13783)
The correct answer choice is (D)
This question asks us to determine what phrase in passage A is most analogous to the phrase “this same stance,” as it is used in passage B (line 60). The abstract nature of such questions presents a considerable challenge to some test-takers, so it is important to adopt a step-by-step approach.
First, examine how the phrase “this same stance” is used in passage B (line 60). Looking back at the last paragraph of that passage, it becomes clear that the “stance” in question is referring to the author’s reluctant decision to develop a portfolio of software patents. In the third paragraph of Passage A, the author describes this same defensive strategy by using a variety of metaphors that date back to the Cold War: “nuclear stockpiling,” “credible deterrent,” “arms race.” Any of these phrases would be appropriate reference points in answering the question.
Answer choice (A): The phrase “nonobvious” in passage A does not refer to the strategy of amassing a portfolio of patents. This answer choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (B): The phrase “invent around” in passage A refers to the practice of circumventing properly issued patents, not to the strategy of dealing with patent abuse. This answer choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (C): The phrase “lower the bar” refers to the legal standard for “obviousness.” This answer choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (D): This is the correct answer choice, as prephrased in the discussion above.
Answer choice (E): The phrase “modular components” in passage A describes some of the reasons why software patents are ripe for abuse, not how software makers respond to that abuse. This answer choice is incorrect.
(See the complete passage discussion here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=13783)
The correct answer choice is (D)
This question asks us to determine what phrase in passage A is most analogous to the phrase “this same stance,” as it is used in passage B (line 60). The abstract nature of such questions presents a considerable challenge to some test-takers, so it is important to adopt a step-by-step approach.
First, examine how the phrase “this same stance” is used in passage B (line 60). Looking back at the last paragraph of that passage, it becomes clear that the “stance” in question is referring to the author’s reluctant decision to develop a portfolio of software patents. In the third paragraph of Passage A, the author describes this same defensive strategy by using a variety of metaphors that date back to the Cold War: “nuclear stockpiling,” “credible deterrent,” “arms race.” Any of these phrases would be appropriate reference points in answering the question.
Answer choice (A): The phrase “nonobvious” in passage A does not refer to the strategy of amassing a portfolio of patents. This answer choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (B): The phrase “invent around” in passage A refers to the practice of circumventing properly issued patents, not to the strategy of dealing with patent abuse. This answer choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (C): The phrase “lower the bar” refers to the legal standard for “obviousness.” This answer choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (D): This is the correct answer choice, as prephrased in the discussion above.
Answer choice (E): The phrase “modular components” in passage A describes some of the reasons why software patents are ripe for abuse, not how software makers respond to that abuse. This answer choice is incorrect.