RC Question 17 Explanation
DISCUSSION: The next to last paragraph presents the author’s theory that fear of wooded surroundings may have lead to the creation of woodland clearings. This is specifically mentioned in lines 42-45.
Note that lines 39-43 clearly establish that paths existed. The only uncertainty is whether the author’s proposal of fear as a motive is plausible.
___________
- I found this answer very tempting. However, I misread lines 39-43. I thought the existence of paths was in doubt, but those lines in combination show that scholars now do believe ancient wooded paths existed. So the paintings would merely be further evidence that the paths existed: they don’t show why the paths and clearings existed.
- “Areas densely populated by humans” could refer to modern New York and Shanghai. We need evidence about Mesolithic humans.
- Recent premodern populations may be too far removed to directly inform us about Mesolithic humans’ behavior. But more importantly, the type of evidence (maps showing pathways) only confirms the existence of paths, which the passage already accepts. This doesn’t help us understand why those paths existed, which is the core of the argument.
- This isn’t surprising. The author’s claim didn’t depend on what modern humans do. Instead, it depended on early humans being afraid of wilderness. That support comes from 28-33. This answer adds nothing.
- CORRECT. The author’s theory in lines 41-45 is that early humans established paths in the forest due to fear. So, these “recent premodern populations” at least show that some forest dwelling cultures were afraid of the forest. That shows that fear of the forest would have been a probable motive for Mesolithic populations too.
Hi Graeme,
Why is “recent” a deal breaker for C and not for E?? The passage talks about fear of getting lost (maps) and of wildlife/spirits (rituals). Both of them have “recent” in the answers. On C, you said it can be cancelled out because of the word “recent,” but you chose E despite “recent” being there as well. Please explain. Thanks!
This is exactly what I’m confused about too.
I replied to Eddie just now:
“Recent “premodern” populations is different from recent populations.
Recent pre-modern: probably thousands of years old
Recent: maybe a couple decades old
Every single word matters on the LSAT”
Hi Graeme,
Thank you for these explanations.
I am still confused about this distinction and why C would not be correct because both answer choice C and E say “certain recent premodern populations” not “recent”. Even your explanation of choice C says recent premodern.
Thank you!
Hi! You’re right that the original explanation was incomplete for why C is incorrect. Please see the new explanation and my response to another student’s comment, and let me know if you’d still like clarification!
Recent “premodern” populations is different from recent populations.
Recent pre-modern: probably thousands of years old
Recent: maybe a couple decades old
Every single word matters on the LSAT
Thanks Graeme. This freaking test…what a gem. And law schools want to get rid of it…sad!
Hello – I just wanted to point out that both answers say “certain recent premodern populations.”
Wouldn’t the real reason for C not being the answer is that a map could be created for a purpose aside from fear, such as wanting to save time. A ritual for protection doesn’t have a feasible impetus aside from fear.
A map could be created for a purpose aside from fear, such as wanting to save time.
Therefore C still is evidence to support – it doesn’t support as strongly as E.
Thanks!
Thanks Graeme.
Hi, thank you for your comment! You’re right that a map, as in C, could be created for purposes unrelated to fear. This ambiguity is why C doesn’t support the hypothesis like E does. The author’s proposal is specifically about fear of the wilderness motivating the creation and use of paths. E makes this direct link to fear as the motivating factor.
I have edited the explanation for C to add this distinction. Good observation!
this answer isn’t right. its e.
Thanks! I read that one poorly, have updated it now.
Hi Graeme,
I might have this wrong, but in my LSAT book for tests 72-81, it says that the answer for #17 in Section 2, test 79 is E. Maybe this a typo? Not sure but I thought I’d point that out just in case.
Sabrina
Thanks! I fixed it.