#2 - Must Be True, Purpose

[Administrator]

Complete Question Explanation
(See the complete passage discussion here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=10362)

The correct answer choice is (B)

This question asks us to examine the primary purpose for referring to “crimes of passion” in line 3. This is a great question to prephrase. Given that deliberate crimes provide the main subject of the passage, the author probably mentions “crimes of passion” in order to distinguish one type of crime from another, and thus better define the scope of her discussion. This prephrase agrees with answer choice (B).

Specific Reference/Purpose questions test your ability to describe not only the purpose of the element referenced in the question itself, but also its overall function in the passage. It would be a mistake to focus only on line 3 when answering this question—make sure you understand how it relates to the rest of the passage.

Answer choice (A): Crimes of passion give an example of a kind of impulsive crime, not deliberate crime.

Answer choice (B): This is the correct answer choice. The “crimes of passion” are mentioned to help differentiate one type of crime (deliberate) from another type (impulsive).

Answer choice (C): Although the deterrence strategies described may not apply to all crimes, including crimes of passion, the author’s purpose is not to convince the reader of that fact.

Answer choice (D): The crimes of passion do not illustrate either side of the deterrence debate.

Answer choice (E): Societal norms may influence deliberate crimes, but there is no evidence they also influence crimes of passion.

[lewisdu77]

Hello, I do not see how it doesn’t help to illustrate one side of the debate (D)

[Frank Peter]

Hi Lewis,

The author is offering the example of crimes of passion just as a contrast to deliberate crimes, which is the actual topic at issue. On either side of the debate, they are only concerned about the factors that lead individuals to deliberately commit crimes. To illustrate either side of the debate, we would want to offer an example of either an individual committing a deliberate crime that is the influence of societal norms and institutions, or is the result of individual choice. A crime of passion wouldn't illustrate either side of the debate since it's a different topic altogether. Hope that helps!