PrepTest 152, Section 2, Question 14
Until fairly recently, classroom computers were considered a(49 more words not shown)
Which one of the following(8 more words not shown)
- AA knowledge of(15 more words not shown)
- BSchools cannot emphasize(9 more words not shown)
- CA complete rethinking(14 more words not shown)
- DAttempting to keep(16 more words not shown)
- EGiving students a(11 more words not shown)
Reading the argument
More time on computers leaves less time for something else. Does it have to be math and reading?
I can see why educators want students to learn computer skills. But the studies report a cost: schools emphasizing computers spend less time developing basic math and reading. Those skills don't stop mattering because a new skill becomes important.
Still, that doesn't show schools must choose one or the other. Imagine a schedule with an hour for computers, an hour for math, and an hour for reading. Whether that particular arrangement works would take more information, but it illustrates the possibility of balancing the subjects rather than abandoning one.
What we’re looking for
The question asks for the general lesson illustrated. I'd look for a trade-off: keeping up with a new educational priority can pull attention away from the basics. That's more modest than saying the trade-off is unavoidable in every school.
Working the answers
- A
We aren't given an overall ranking of the value of technological knowledge and traditional subjects. The example shows time being diverted, not that one category is worth no more than the other. 'Latest technologies' also adds an emphasis beyond the general computer skills discussed.
- B
'Cannot ... without' makes neglect unavoidable whenever schools emphasize computers. The studies show a pattern in schools that do so; they don't establish that every possible approach must have that result. We can recognize the reported trade-off without ruling out a better-balanced schedule.
- C
The example doesn't establish that traditional subjects must be completely rethought. It raises a concern about allocating attention among skills. A sweeping requirement to redesign the subjects themselves goes far beyond that observation.
- DCorrect
This captures the possibility of the trade-off. The schools are responding to an educational development by giving computer skills more time, while basic skills receive less.
'Neglecting' may initially sound stronger than simply spending less time. But D says this can be a result, not that every computer emphasis necessarily leaves students unable to read or do math. It uses the example to identify a possible loss of attention to basics. B turns that possibility into an unavoidable rule, which is why D is the better match.
- E
The passage reports educators' concern about computer skills and then points out a cost of emphasizing them. It doesn't conclude that new technology should take priority over every other educational goal. E endorses a ranking that the example doesn't establish.
More Must Be True questions
Learn the LSAT our way
Our platform drills Must Be True questions at your level and adjusts as you improve.