PrepTest 144, Section 1, Question 1
"Never was anything as incoherent, shrill, chaotic and(427 more words not shown)
Which one of the following(9 more words not shown)
- AThough Schoenberg's music(20 more words not shown)
- BBecause of his(13 more words not shown)
- CThough Schoenberg's music(22 more words not shown)
- DSchoenberg is most(11 more words not shown)
- EDespite the fact(22 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
We've already predicted the main point: Schoenberg's music deserves admiration despite the negative reactions it can provoke. The author praises his technical achievements and places special value on the emotional states his music expresses.
What we’re looking for
Beethoven helps us reconsider initial rejection. He is part of the case for taking Schoenberg seriously, not the subject of a competition the author is trying to settle.
Working the answers
- A
We learn that Beethoven's acceptance developed over time. The author does not give the same before-and-after account of Schoenberg's popularity. This also leaves out the positive judgment about what makes his work valuable.
- B
The two composers share important features, but the author does not argue that they deserve exactly the same standing. The comparison helps explain why controversial music can be valuable; it does not establish equal rank.
- CCorrect
This captures both the difficult reception and the reason for admiration. The discussion of three styles supports the technical achievements, while the final paragraph emphasizes new expressive possibilities. The answer gives the overall defense rather than isolating one technique.
- D
The final paragraph explicitly shifts attention away from the 12-tone system toward what the music expresses. Calling that technique his most important contribution reverses the author's stated priority.
- E
The text does not compare how quickly the two composers gained acceptance. The discussion of recordings concerns Beethoven's challenging works. This also replaces the argument for Schoenberg's worth with a claim about the speed of his reception.
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