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- Tue May 30, 2017 3:31 pm
#35512
Complete Question Explanation
(See the complete passage discussion here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=14300)
The correct answer choice is (C)
We can certainly prephrase an answer to this Passage Commonality question, as the only method of
identification discussed by the author of passage A is the “points and characteristics” approach (lines
26-28). The same method is discussed in the first paragraph of passage B.
Answer choice (A): This method of identification is discussed by the second author (lines 43-45), but
not by the first.
Answer choice (B): This answer choice can be eliminated relatively quickly, because neither author
mentions the use of computerized databases to search for fingerprint identification. Stay away from
answer choices that are arguably “true” in the real world, but which cannot be proven with the
information contained in the passage.
Answer choice (C): This is the correct answer choice, as it correctly describes the “points and
characteristics” method mentioned in both passages.
Answer choice (D): While the author of passage B discusses the odds of different individuals
sharing certain ridge characteristics (line 48) and partial prints (lines 53-56), there is no mention of
“very rare fingerprint characteristics.” Additionally, passage A does not allude to such a method of
identification.
Answer choice (E): Only passage B discusses the likelihood of relying on smudged or partial
fingerprints (line 53), and neither passage explains how computer technology can be used to clarify
such images.
(See the complete passage discussion here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=14300)
The correct answer choice is (C)
We can certainly prephrase an answer to this Passage Commonality question, as the only method of
identification discussed by the author of passage A is the “points and characteristics” approach (lines
26-28). The same method is discussed in the first paragraph of passage B.
Answer choice (A): This method of identification is discussed by the second author (lines 43-45), but
not by the first.
Answer choice (B): This answer choice can be eliminated relatively quickly, because neither author
mentions the use of computerized databases to search for fingerprint identification. Stay away from
answer choices that are arguably “true” in the real world, but which cannot be proven with the
information contained in the passage.
Answer choice (C): This is the correct answer choice, as it correctly describes the “points and
characteristics” method mentioned in both passages.
Answer choice (D): While the author of passage B discusses the odds of different individuals
sharing certain ridge characteristics (line 48) and partial prints (lines 53-56), there is no mention of
“very rare fingerprint characteristics.” Additionally, passage A does not allude to such a method of
identification.
Answer choice (E): Only passage B discusses the likelihood of relying on smudged or partial
fingerprints (line 53), and neither passage explains how computer technology can be used to clarify
such images.