LSAT 141 | Section 3 | Reading Comprehension: Q17

RC Question 17 Explanation

DISCUSSION: The first sentence of the fourth paragraph is in passage A. The author thinks that the Solnick-Hemenway study shows we view others as rivals and want to earn more than them.

From the first paragraph to the first sentence of the second paragraph of passage B, the author of passage B introduces the theory of rivalry, and then completely disagrees with it. The rest of passage B shows that the author thinks that we value success, and that money often accompanies success.

The first sentence of the fourth paragraph of passage B shows that the author of passage B thinks his opponents are mistaken about human nature. We are not motivated by greed. Instead we crave success because it demonstrates that we have provided value.

Overall, we can say that the author of passage B thinks that passage A’s interpretation of the study is wrong in its conclusions, and also unflattering in that it portrays us as greedy and competitive.

___________

1. CORRECT. The first sentence of the second paragraph of passage B shows that the author thinks the interpretation is mistaken. The first sentence of the fourth paragraph of passage B shows that the author thinks that scholars are mistaken about human nature as well. We’re motivated not by greed, but to create value.
2. Rivalry is not flattering. If the theory of rivalry is true, then it means that we’re greedy and we compete with everyone.
3. The first sentence of the fourth paragraph of passage B shows that the author of passage B thinks that his opponents are mistaken about human nature.
4. The first sentence of the second paragraph of passage B shows that the author of passage B thinks that the conclusions are not valid.
5. This is the complete opposite of what the author of passage B thinks. See from the first paragraph to the first sentence of the second paragraph of passage B and the first sentence of the fourth paragraph of passage B.