#7 - Global, Purpose

[gweatherall]

Hi! I'm having trouble with #7. I chose C, although the correct answer is D, because of the phrase "several possible alternative definitions", and the fact that critics of the economists' view point to several possible means of defining prosperity. Also, I was turned off by what seemed to me to be vagueness in the phrase "illustrate the implications of adhering to this definition" in answer choice D.

It may be that I'm just generally confused by 'primary purpose' questions- but either way, could anyone help me straighten out why D is definitely correct here? I'm still floundering a bit. Thanks!

[Francis O'Rourke]

I wouldn't call answer choice (D) vague. It would better be described as abstract. Don't be turned away from such abstract answer choices. Instead, see if each abstract term can be applied to something specific from the passage. For example:

one school of thought's refers to traditional economists'

definition of a certain concept could refer to the definition of prosperity

illustrate the implications of adhering to this definition could refer to failing to recognize other kinds of values and damaging one's quality of life.

Putting this together, the answer choice could be interpreted as the following

criticize traditional economists' definition of prosperity by providing examples such as failing to recognize other kinds of values and damaging one's quality of life

This accurately describes the entirety of the passage, until the counter argument and rebuttal in the final paragraph. It's difficult to work through the abstract language in some answer choices, but unraveling these statements is one part of what the LSAT is testing you on.

[gweatherall]

Thanks, Frances! That definitely makes sense. Could I ask, though, why C is not correct? It seems to me that "question one school of thought's definition" could refer to the author's opinion that traditional economists' definition of prosperity is too narrow, while "suggest several possible alternatives" could refer to the article's reference to other alternative means of defining prosperity, such as quality of life and environmental health, as well as natural beauty. Is C simply too narrow?

Thanks again!

[nicholaspavic]

Hi gweather,
Great question. Just as we're suggesting that you may have to apply abstract language in the answer choices to specific language in the passsage, at the same time, don't lose track of the specific language of the answer choice. In other words, make sure when an answer choice like (C) is discussing "alternative definitions" that the author is actually bringing up real, new definitions for the term "prosperity." The author doesn't go so far as to redefine prosperity. In fact, he offers no deinitive criterion (or firm new standards) for such a definition, rather he is seeking to explain the inadequacy the current definition used by traditional economists. And for that reason (C) should not be viewed as "too narrow" but rather the term "alternative definitions" is too broad for overstating the specific examples which he provides in the passage to dispute the rigid inflexibility of the term "prosperity."

Thanks for the great follow-up question.

[gweatherall]

Thank you, Nicholas! That does make sense- if I'm honest with myself, I was probably crossing my fingers a little when picking C- I had an inkling that the choice wasn't doing enough to specifically get at the primary purpose. It's good to know where that inkling coming from- thanks for the helpful explanation.

[elewis10]

Hello- could someone help me understand why B is wrong? I felt that the passage DID summarize and illustrate 2 schools of thought (that of the author and that of the critic). I can understand why D is correct, I think, but I still find B to be a pretty good answer. thank you!

[Emily Haney-Caron]

Hi elewis,

B suggests that the author takes no position, and is merely detachedly summarizing two approaches. That definitely doesn't fit the passage, which is stronger than that; that's why B isn't a good fit and D is correct.

[cruzer2020]

Hi,

I have a question on some of the wording of the answer vs. my answer choice.

7. In Q7 what sorts of language indicates that D is the correct answer over A? What is the difference between arguing and criticizing in these two answer choices?

Thank you,

Suri

[Alex Bodaken]

cruzer2020,

Thanks for the question, and please accept our apologies for not getting back to you sooner. Let me see if I can help.

Question #7: The difference between answer choices (A) and (D) doesn't lie in a single word, but in the overall content of what is said in each answer. Answer (A) would indicate that the passage is arguing that there are two sides of an issue, and that the tension between these two sides is problematic. But that isn't what the author does: he/she is instead arguing in favor of one of the two sides of the issue, and spending time critiquing the problems with the other side. This position corresponds to answer choice (D), which indicates that the purpose of the passage is to argue for one side of the issue by criticizing the other. That makes (D) the credited answer.

Hope all of that helps, and feel free to continue to reach out with any questions!
Alex

[kwcflynn]

Hi!

I completely understand why (D) is the credited answer choice, but I can't seem to make out what (E) is saying? Could someone clarify what that answer choice is saying?

THANK YOU