PrepTest 140, Section 4, Question 14
In certain fields of human endeavor, such as(466 more words not shown)
Which one of the following(9 more words not shown)
- AResearchers have recently(22 more words not shown)
- BRecent research into(30 more words not shown)
- CContrary to previously(29 more words not shown)
- DRecent research involving(21 more words not shown)
- EPsychologists who previously(30 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
We've already predicted the main point: the gap between good and outstanding performance may come from intensive training and the adaptations it produces, rather than an exceptional inborn gift. The research challenges the need to invoke unusual innate talent, while leaving room for the basic abilities shared by reasonably competent performers.
What we’re looking for
Look for that qualified conclusion. It is stronger than merely saying practice helps, but weaker than saying talent never matters or anyone can become the best.
Working the answers
- A
Changes in physical characteristics are one part of the evidence, not the overall conclusion about exceptional performance. This also adds motivational factors to the list of traits shown to change through training; the author does not establish that.
- B
Anyone goes beyond the conclusion. The author refers to the talent common to “reasonably competent performers,” not a guarantee that every person can achieve excellence through practice.
- C
Irrelevant is too strong. The argument questions whether exceptional innate talent is needed to explain the highest performance; it does not eliminate every role for inborn characteristics in differences among individuals.
- DCorrect
This captures the alternative explanation supplied by recent research. The wording “may result” preserves the author's qualification, and adaptations due to training encompass both acquired skills and physical changes.
- E
We are not told that the psychologists who originally supported the talent explanation changed their minds. New evidence challenging a view does not establish that its earlier supporters revised it.
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