LSAT 144 | Section 1 | Reading Comprehension: Q11

RC Question 11 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: The author refers to the early days of…

DISCUSSION: Line 38 is near the start of the third paragraph. The author spent the whole 2nd paragraph describing the worries of scientists who oppose patents. They were concerned that it would be harder to use basic materials from other labs.

In paragraph 3, the author dismisses these concerns. So in that context, the history of biotechnology shows that there have always been restrictions on use of others’ materials, and patents aren’t necessarily a radical change.

___________

1. This is too neutral. The author was making an argument. They mentioned the early history of biotech to show that there have always been restrictions on usage.
2. CORRECT. Yes. Patents restrict use of competitors material, and some scientists are treating this as a new development. But in line 38 the author points out that there have always been restrictions.
3. The author likes patents, and patents are often granted for commercial motives. So this answer is totally wrong – the author likes commerce.
4. Actually, the author mentioned the past to show that there is a major similarity between past and present.
5. The author likes patents. So they mentioned historical practices to support the use of patents.