Q13

[bermudask8er7]

Can you explain why A is correct and why E is incorrect? Thanks.

[aileenann]

Sure, note that the distinction between A and E is essentially one of physical reality ("physical process" in A) v. abstract theory ("scientific theory" in E).

Here, we see "she was unable to postulate a mechanism by which to explain radiation."

I could see why (E) is tempting - if you can postulate a scientific theory, that would be one way to explain. But I think "mechanism" would be a poor way to refer to a theory. If she wanted a theory, she would say theory or idea or some word with a more abstract connotation.

"Mechanism" has a very mechanical sense to it, implying the more practical, physical concerns that go with correct answer A.

I understand this could be a little frustrating. The answer here does rely a bit on the nature of the word "mechanism" itself. Please let me know if you're not satisfied or have any thoughts you want to share!

[opulence2001]

Could you please explain why D is incorrect? I was stuck between A and D, and choose D because the "mechanism" used in the thrid paragraph is also used in line 19. It went on in lines 20 -22 that the mechanism is now known to be isotopes.

[bbirdwell]

Isotope decay may be the specific mechanism at play in this particular experiment, but that's not the meaning of the word "mechanism." The meaning of the word mechanism is "how stuff happens." Isotope decay is how THIS stuff happens.

In other words, the line referred to in the question says, "She was unable to postulate a mechanism to explain radiation." This doesn't mean she was unable to postulate isotope decay. It means she was unable to explain HOW radiation works.

[opulence2001]

Okaayy... just to make sure I understand then I am going to break this down to a simpler argument in a hypothetical argument (this is me thinking in text more than anything else):

"she was unable to find a partner"
partner = someone to work with

we later find out in the fake passage her partner is Rita.

So when the question asks what's the meaning, it refers to the definition (someone to work with), not the actual example of such in the text (Rita) or in the case of Q13, isotopes?

I think I get it. Thanks so much for clearing that up. It seems so much easier when you get it, and then you wonder how you didn't lol.

[bbirdwell]

You got it!!

I could change the question a little bit and make "Rita" a better answer by asking this: "Why does the author mention "partner" in line 5?"

A correct answer here might say "To set up use of Rita as an example," or something similar.

As it is, though, it's just asking us what the word "partner" means.

[Acing LSAT]

Back to the (A) & (E) I certainly hear the case for (A) over (E). However it is not compelling enough that if I were faced with that on test day and I had the time pressure that I would not be left guessing.

I am wondering if there is some trick or insight you could add (besides for doing a lot of RC and seeing pattens in the test writes minds - assuming the don't retire or move on for some other reason - and then there are new patterns)

[cyt5015]

I have a scientific background and would like to give some thoughts on this one. I would choose E if it changes "describing a phenomenon" to "explaining a phenomenon". Line 19 also mentioned "a mechanism by which to EXPLAIN radiation.
Answer A is another way to say "explain".

[rinagoldfield]

Hi Acing and Cyt,

Thanks for your posts. The "mechanism" here, as cyt, Aileen, and others above point out, is the "way" radiation works.

It isn’t a theoretical description of the "way" radiation works. Rather, it’s the "way" itself. It’s the atom, not Democritus’s ancient description of the atom; it’s the milky way, not Galileo’s observation of the galaxy; it’s the Americas, not Columbus’s diaries about the Americas. That’s why "physical process" in (A) is a better answer than "theory" in (E).

Now to your bigger question, Acing: how to notice these subtle distinctions on test day. Alas, there’s no simple trick. Doing lots of RC is a good way to practice. Writing complete explanations of problems you found hard is a good way to practice. Keep posting on the forum. Give more and more detailed descriptions of problems you initially struggled with. Maybe make vocabulary flashcards of abstract-ish terms that show up again and again on the LSAT ("phenomenon" "theory" and "condition" come to mind...").

Sorry there isn’t an easier way, but if there were, the LSAT wouldn’t be the LSAT....

[phoebster21]

Random question. Can you please clarify if my reasoning is correct?

I was able to eliminate E because I though that a simple "description" of a phenomenon could actually JUST describe the what of the phenomenon (e.g. radiation is .....) or even the where (e.g. radiation occurs in nature or...) as opposed to the how (e.g. radiation occurs when ...)