LSAT 144 | Section 1 | Reading Comprehension: Q9

RC Question 9 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: According to the passage, why do university…

DISCUSSION: This was in the first paragraph. If you remember that, and reread the 4-5 lines around it, you’ll find the answer is literally in the passage.

Lines 4-7 say that researchers want patents because their funding depends on their production of patentable research.

It’s important to have a mental map of the passage so you can quickly locate information. Rereading and finding the answer is much faster than mucking around in answers and questioning yourself.

___________

1. This answer feels “true”, but it doesn’t answer the question. Lines 4-7 say that researchers want patents because their funding depends on it – that is the reason we’re looking for.
2. CORRECT. See lines 4-7. They say this directly.
3. This isn’t even true. Paragraph 2 shows that at least some researchers are worried that patents will restrict basic research.
4. This is an answer that feels “true”, because you may have read a news article on this theme. But this isn’t in the passage, and it doesn’t answer the question, which was “why do more researchers support patents?”
5. This answer is not supported by the passage. Only lines 4-7 give the reason more scientists support biotech patents: their funding relies on patenting their research.