LSAT 145 | Section 3 | Reading Comprehension: Q20

RC Question 20 Explanation

DISCUSSION: A lot of these answers contradict the passage or talk about things that weren’t discussed.

For instance, we have no idea if mainstream historians and African-American historians talked to each other. It’s possible the two groups were entirely separate. This eliminates C and E.

___________

1. Nonsense. The passage was about 19th century and early 20th century historians (see lines 1-5). Present day historians aren’t discussed.
2. Ridiculous. The second paragraph makes clear that 19th century African-American historians weren’t sure if African-Americans should emigrate or take a place in the United States. See lines 21-25.
3. Nope. The passage was about African-American historians. Mainstream historians were only mentioned to provide a contrast. The passage doesn’t talk about any actual conflict between the two groups.
4. CORRECT. Perfect. Paragraphs 1-3 show how African-American historians presented an alternative history. The final paragraph argues that despite their criticism of nationalism, African-American historians were nonetheless nationalistic in a different way.
5. The passage never mentions any discussion between the two communities of historians. It’s possible they didn’t even talk to each other.