PrepTest 156, Section 3, Question 16
In typical accounts of the beginnings of bebop—the(447 more words not shown)
The primary purpose of the(20 more words not shown)
- Aprovide evidence that(19 more words not shown)
- Boutline a theory(19 more words not shown)
- Csuggest that typical(20 more words not shown)
- Ddescribe a movement(18 more words not shown)
- Eprovide an example(17 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
Map the comparison. In one historical account, an overused tonal language holds classical music back until a new modernism emerges. In the other, swing stops developing until bebop breaks through. We are being shown a parallel way of explaining musical change.
What we’re looking for
An analogy between two histories isn't evidence that one musical movement caused the other, and it isn't yet the author's later criticism of the anti-commercial story.
Working the answers
- A
The reference helps explain the shape of the typical account. It isn't introduced as evidence undermining that account by identifying a different cause of bebop.
- BCorrect
Both theories describe an established musical language becoming exhausted or stalled, followed by an eruption of innovation. The classical example clarifies the kind of story being told about bebop.
- C
Nothing here says jazz historians misunderstand twentieth-century music as a whole. Identifying a parallel account doesn't establish that their grasp of general music history is inaccurate.
- D
This turns similarity into influence. The author doesn't say the classical movement helped bring about the change from swing to bebop; the two historical explanations are analogous.
- E
The classical example concerns worn-out tonality and musical change. It doesn't establish commercial motivation for that movement. The later discussion of commercial pressures in swing cannot simply be transferred to classical music.
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.