PrepTest 125, Section 1, Question 26
In principle, a cohesive group—one whose members generally(440 more words not shown)
In the second sentence of(12 more words not shown)
- Acontribute to a(14 more words not shown)
- Bestablish a comparison(9 more words not shown)
- Csuggest that there(14 more words not shown)
- Dindicate that both(10 more words not shown)
- Elay the groundwork(12 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
The first sentence says cohesion can improve decision making. The next sentence gives us the contrast: when cohesion is low, people may comply out of fear. That helps explain why feeling accepted could make honest discussion easier.
What we’re looking for
We're being asked what this sentence does in that argument, not which later problem it vaguely resembles.
Working the answers
- ACorrect
The low-cohesion example supports the claim that cohesion can free members to express their views. Fear makes them hold back; confidence in their standing helps remove that fear.
- B
The sentence hasn't begun comparing groupthink with low-cohesion behavior. Its immediate role is to explain a benefit of cohesion. Groupthink enters in the next paragraph as a complication.
- C
This isn't a suggestion for making both types of group more open to dissent. It describes what can go wrong when cohesion is lacking.
- D
The author later says cohesion is essential to groupthink. This sentence doesn't establish that noncohesive groups are also susceptible to it.
- E
The next sentence does explain what members need to overcome their fear. But that explanation develops the opening claim about cohesion's benefits; the passage doesn't proceed to offer a separate proposal for remedying low cohesion. A is the more direct account of this sentence's role.
More Purpose of Claim questions
Learn the LSAT our way
Our platform drills Purpose of Claim questions at your level and adjusts as you improve.