PrepTest 114, Section 3, Question 8
The myth persists that in 1492 the Western(433 more words not shown)
The primary purpose of the(3 more words not shown)
- Arefute certain researchers'(1 more words not shown)
- Bsupport a common(1 more words not shown)
- Ccounter certain(1 more words not shown)
- Dsynthesize two(1 more words not shown)
- Ecorrect the geographical(1 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
We've already predicted that Native burning substantially affected forests. My first description of the purpose would be to establish that fact. Now connect it to why the writer needs to make the case: some researchers minimize the practice, and the evidence answers them.
Working the answers
- ACorrect
I initially hesitate because the researchers get little space; most of the discussion concerns forests. But the later evidence refutes their view that Native burning was minimal in extent, frequency, and impact. The writer doesn't have to keep naming the researchers for those examples to answer their claims.
- B
The common belief introduced at the start is called a myth. The writer challenges it rather than supports it.
- C
We get competing claims, not a body of contrary evidence that the writer then disproves. The charcoal and vegetation evidence is offered to challenge those claims.
- D
Synthesizing would mean combining the viewpoints. The writer instead argues against the researchers' minimization. Acknowledging some natural effects doesn't turn that disagreement into a reconciliation.
- E
The geographical record supplies the evidence. The writer uses it to correct people's views about the forests, rather than claiming the record itself is wrong.
More Organization questions
Learn the LSAT our way
Our platform drills Organization questions at your level and adjusts as you improve.