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- Fri Jun 23, 2017 2:21 pm
#36252
Complete Question Explanation
(See the complete passage discussion here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=14432)
The correct answer choice is (B)
Since this question specifically refers to the first paragraph, it is once again advantageous to have
an understanding of the structure of the passage. The first paragraph provides a description of
radiocarbon dating, a method for dating past earthquakes that will later be compared to another
method—lichenometry. This prephrase is consistent with answer choice (B).
Answer choice (A): Although the first paragraph does describe a well-known procedure, this is a
classic half-right, half-wrong answer, as radiocarbon dating is not examined on a step-by-step basis
in the rest of the passage.
Answer choice (B): This is the correct answer. The rest of the passage compares lichenometry,
a new procedure for dating past earthquakes, to radiocarbon dating, an established procedure for
dating past earthquakes.
Answer choice (C): Although Bull and Brandon argue that lichenometry is more accurate than
radiocarbon dating, this does not mean that radiocarbon dating is entirely obsolete. Recall that
lichenometry is best used for dating events that occurred within the last 500 years (line 54). It is
entirely possible that radiocarbon measurements would still be very useful in dating earthquakes that
occurred earlier.
Answer choice (D): While radiocarbon dating is indeed a traditional procedure, lichenometry is not
another traditional procedure. Rather, lichenometry is described as a new method for dating past
earthquakes (line 16). Furthermore, radiocarbon dating is contrasted with only one other procedure.
Answer choice (E): The passage provides no evidence to support the claim that radiocarbon dating
has resulted in erroneous conclusions about earthquakes. Just because such dating is accurate only to
within plus or minus 40 years does not make its findings erroneous; they are simply not as accurate
as those derived through the use of lichenometry.
(See the complete passage discussion here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=14432)
The correct answer choice is (B)
Since this question specifically refers to the first paragraph, it is once again advantageous to have
an understanding of the structure of the passage. The first paragraph provides a description of
radiocarbon dating, a method for dating past earthquakes that will later be compared to another
method—lichenometry. This prephrase is consistent with answer choice (B).
Answer choice (A): Although the first paragraph does describe a well-known procedure, this is a
classic half-right, half-wrong answer, as radiocarbon dating is not examined on a step-by-step basis
in the rest of the passage.
Answer choice (B): This is the correct answer. The rest of the passage compares lichenometry,
a new procedure for dating past earthquakes, to radiocarbon dating, an established procedure for
dating past earthquakes.
Answer choice (C): Although Bull and Brandon argue that lichenometry is more accurate than
radiocarbon dating, this does not mean that radiocarbon dating is entirely obsolete. Recall that
lichenometry is best used for dating events that occurred within the last 500 years (line 54). It is
entirely possible that radiocarbon measurements would still be very useful in dating earthquakes that
occurred earlier.
Answer choice (D): While radiocarbon dating is indeed a traditional procedure, lichenometry is not
another traditional procedure. Rather, lichenometry is described as a new method for dating past
earthquakes (line 16). Furthermore, radiocarbon dating is contrasted with only one other procedure.
Answer choice (E): The passage provides no evidence to support the claim that radiocarbon dating
has resulted in erroneous conclusions about earthquakes. Just because such dating is accurate only to
within plus or minus 40 years does not make its findings erroneous; they are simply not as accurate
as those derived through the use of lichenometry.