LSAT 159 | Section 4 | Reading Comprehension: Q1

RC Question 1 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Which one of the following most accurately states the main point …

DISCUSSION: The passage mainly contrasts their viewpoints for achieving women’s rights. Both supported equality but C believed it would follow naturally from universal principles, while G insisted that women had to fight politically for it. The author’s goal is to present and compare these two viewpoints, not to judge which is better.

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1. This is too narrow because it only addresses the very last part of the final sentence. Also, while we know that their views weren’t widely accepted, we don’t know why that was the case.
2. The entire passage sets up the differences between their arguments, so this doesn’t apply.
3. Two issues here. Gouges did call for legislative proposals (e.g. equal access to property). Also we don’t know why their views weren’t accepted, but in any case it doesn’t matter, because that’s not the main point.
4. CORRECT. This captures the contrast of the passage: Condorcet thought rights would come through universal equality (no political action), while Gouges demanded direct political activism.
5. Multiple issues here. This mischaracterizes Gouges’ thoughts about timing, and C didn’t necessarily counsel patience, he just thought inequality would naturally disappear soon (end of para 2). Besides, timing isn’t the main contrast between their viewpoints.