MCAT Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills Question 120: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 120

7. The author describes the reaction of the coach in paragraph 3 in order to do all of the following EXCEPT:

  • A. provide an illustration of the various emotions that can be inspired by the game.
  • B. contrast the limited role of the coach with the central role of the referee.
  • C. indicate a limitation on the role of the coach during the game.
  • D. communicate the unpredictable nature of the game.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

B This is a Structure/EXCEPT question.

A: No. This choice is supported by the passage. The coach's reaction demonstrates varied emotions in response to the unexpected twists and turns of the game.

B: Yes. This choice is not supported by the passage, and so is the correct answer to an EXCEPT question. This answer is too extreme; we don't know from the passage that the coach's role overall is limited, just that at times the coach's instructions are invalidated by rapid changes in the game as it plays out. Also, the there is no suggestion in the passage that the purpose of the reference is to contrast the role of the coach with that of the referee in terms of their relative importance.

C: No. This statement is supported by the passage. While we don't know that the coach plays a limited role overall, his or her role during the game is constrained, such that the command "Don't shoot" is invalidated by the rapidly changing nature of play on the court.

D: No. This statement is supported by the passage. The coach's scream of "Don't shoot" is contradicted by an unpredictable shift in the game which leads to a successful shot.

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