PrepTest 119, Section 2, Question 16
The ability to access information via computer is(83 more words not shown)
Which one of the following,(6 more words not shown)
- AA computerized speech(11 more words not shown)
- BRelatively easy-to-use computer(21 more words not shown)
- CMany visually impaired(25 more words not shown)
- DMost visually impaired(19 more words not shown)
- EThe rate at(15 more words not shown)
Reading the argument
How easy is it to get the equipment that makes all of this possible?
At first, a computer screen doesn't sound like an obvious solution for someone who has trouble seeing. But the passage explains the useful part: the computer can read information aloud, enlarge the text, or produce braille. That could open up much more material than the limited selection already offered in accessible printed or recorded forms.
The catch is “with the right hardware and software.” What if those systems are hard to obtain or difficult to operate? The amount of information they can theoretically provide wouldn't establish that accessing it is easier than using traditional sources.
What we’re looking for
We're strengthening the conclusion about easier access. My prediction is that the necessary systems are readily obtainable and usable. Show that people can actually take advantage of the capability the argument describes.
Working the answers
- A
A speech synthesizer can produce spoken output, so it is relevant to hearing information from a computer. But comparing its price with an entire library of audiotapes gives us only a narrow cost advantage. It doesn't establish that the full system is readily available or easy to use. Someone also needn't buy a complete tape library to access information traditionally. B addresses the practical-access concern much more directly.
- BCorrect
The relevant systems are both widely available and relatively easy to use. That answers the concern about whether the hardware and software are an obstacle. The premise tells us what the systems can do; B makes it more reasonable to conclude that visually impaired people can actually use that capability to access information more easily.
- C
Preference isn't the same as ease of access. Someone could prefer a familiar book while still finding a computer a more convenient way to obtain information. Or someone might prefer the book for a reason that makes computer access difficult. C doesn't tell us, so the preference alone doesn't support the conclusion.
- D
Having the same information available through both routes doesn't show which route is easier. The traditional version could take more effort to obtain, or less. D says both kinds of access exist for these people but doesn't supply the comparison the conclusion makes.
- E
A future increase in conversion could make more information accessible, but the conclusion concerns what people can do now. This also doesn't tell us how easy it is to obtain and operate the computer systems. The rate of producing accessible material isn't the missing fact about using these systems today.
More Strengthen questions
Learn the LSAT our way
Our platform drills Strengthen questions at your level and adjusts as you improve.