PrepTest 101, Section 1, Question 17
In recent years, scholars have begun to use(443 more words not shown)
The author's characterization of traditional(9 more words not shown)
- Aprovide background information(4 more words not shown)
- Bsummarize an opponent's(1 more words not shown)
- Cargue against the(12 more words not shown)
- Demphasize the fact(10 more words not shown)
- Ereconcile traditional legal(8 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
Why begin with the problems in traditional legal research? They give the social science project a reason to exist. If the usual research misses matters relevant to real cases, a different approach could help.
What we’re looking for
The writer grants that point before criticizing one particular technique. I'd expect an answer about setting up the discussion, rather than rejecting every new method along with the old research.
Working the answers
- ACorrect
The criticism provides background for evaluating the newer methods. We move from traditional research's “arcane matters” to potentially useful social science tools, then ask which applications actually help.
- B
This isn't a summary of what traditional researchers argue. It is a criticism of their work that the writer endorses. Zirkel and Schoenfeld's enthusiasm appears later in the paragraph, but that isn't the characterization named in this question.
- C
The writer supports using social science and recommends two approaches. Criticizing outcomes analysis doesn't reject the entire project.
- D
Research can offer little help without actively harming plaintiffs. The opening establishes limited relevance, not the stronger claim that researchers act to their detriment.
- E
The opening explains why alternatives deserve attention. It isn't presented as an appeal to persuade traditional researchers themselves to accept social science.
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