PrepTest 105, Section 2, Question 7
The crux of creativity resides in the ability(64 more words not shown)
If all of the statements(14 more words not shown)
- AA lack of(14 more words not shown)
- BNo scientific idea(7 more words not shown)
- CCareful analysis of(13 more words not shown)
- DAll great scientific(11 more words not shown)
- ESome new scientific(13 more words not shown)
Reading the argument
The author treats creativity as making variations on existing themes. Think of different stories built around the same broad idea: the work can differ while still growing from something familiar.
Then the passage applies that view to science. I might wonder whether building on earlier scientific ideas is the same thing as varying a theme. But the question tells us to accept the statements as true. Under this account, even something called a new discovery is always, without exception, a variation of previous themes.
What we’re looking for
This is an EXCEPT question. Four answers follow from that account; one does not. We aren't choosing our preferred definition of creativity. Check whether each answer respects the passage's claim that the earlier themes are always there.
Working the answers
- A
The first sentence makes the ability to produce variations central to creativity. Someone who lacks that ability therefore lacks what this account requires for creativity. This is supported. Notice that the answer concerns an inability, not someone merely deciding not to create anything on a particular day.
- B
The passage explicitly says every scientific idea builds on related ideas. So no scientific idea is completely independent of all others. This restates the dependence described in the scientific example.
- C
The final sentence says careful analysis reveals that an apparently new theme or discovery is a variation of previous themes. C gives that analysis a specific case: examine a variation and uncover the themes behind it. That fits the explanation of how the underlying connection can be recognized.
- D
A great scientific discoverer has produced a scientific discovery. Under the passage's universal account, that discovery is a variation on previous themes. So those discoverers have demonstrated the ability to produce a variation. The fact that the answer selects great discoverers doesn't free them from the rule covering all discoveries.
- ECorrect
This says there are exceptions: some new discoveries aren't variations on earlier themes, even at a deep level. The passage says the opposite—always and without exception. So E cannot fit the statements we're told to accept. It is the one answer that does not follow, which makes it our answer to the EXCEPT question.
More Must Be True questions
Learn the LSAT our way
Our platform drills Must Be True questions at your level and adjusts as you improve.