Q13

[hyewonkim89]

I was down to (C) and (D) and ended up choosing (D) because I didn't think Passage A really talked about "counting the number" of fingerprints.

Where in Passage A can I find support for (C) and why is (D) wrong?

Thanks in advance!

[christine.defenbaugh]

For this identification question, we're asked to target a method of fingerprint identification that is mentioned in both passages. Our correct answer should be supportable with specific line references.

(C) refers to counting the number of characteristics two fingerprints have in common.

Passage A refers to this in lines 27-28 "a consistent 'points and characteristics' approach to identification." While lines 13-15 indicate that there is not an accepted standard for the number of such shared points/characteristics required, it seems clear that in any case the shared points/characteristics are being counted.

Passage B refers to this in lines 39-43, "a 'point-counting' method". This passage also notes that there is no fixed requirement for the number of shared points required.


The Unsupported
(A) the holistic approach is mentioned in Passage B (line 44), but never in Passage A
(B) computerized databases are never mentioned in either passage
(D) calculating the odds of two people sharing fingerprint characteristics is mentioned in both passages, but in both cases it is brought up to make the point that such calculations are either impossible, or have not yet been achieved.
Passage A, line 7, no studies named to show that no two persons have identical fingerprints
Passage B, lines 47-52, the chances are unknown
Additionally, note that (D) refers to sharing very rare fingerprint characteristics, a concept never mentioned in either passage.
(E) computer technology is never mentioned in either passage


Please let me know if this answers your question completely!