PrepTest 104, Section 2, Question 7
By the mid-fourteenth century, professional associations of canon(451 more words not shown)
Which one of the following(8 more words not shown)
- AProfessional organizations of(20 more words not shown)
- BProfessional organizations of(22 more words not shown)
- CProfessional organizations of(18 more words not shown)
- DThe ethical standards(15 more words not shown)
- EEthical standards for(16 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
Our read-through prediction was that scarce discipline reflected weak enforcement, not exceptionally ethical lawyers. The ending adds why the associations might behave this way: defending their members mattered more than disciplining them.
What we’re looking for
We're looking for the conclusion that brings those ideas together, rather than one piece of evidence along the way.
Working the answers
- A
This makes criticism trigger enforcement. The ending suggests it could do the opposite: make lawyers close ranks and prioritize self-defense.
- B
Civil courts recorded more discipline, but their ethical standards were similar to the church courts'. Better enforcement isn't stricter rules. The comparison also supports the argument about canon lawyers rather than stating its conclusion.
- CCorrect
The associations apparently defended their members against critics instead of enforcing ethical standards. That captures the opening's failure of discipline and the ending's explanation: protection of the group took priority over accountability within it.
- D
Papal constitutions are mentioned, but their chief responsibility for the standards isn't established. Where the rules originated also isn't the main conclusion about what the associations did.
- E
We know standards and associations existed by the mid-fourteenth century. We aren't told the organizations had to form first. The issue is whether they enforced the rules, not which came first.
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