MCAT Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills Question 89: Answer and Explanation

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Test Information

Question: 89

3. The author suggests all of the following are generally necessary for a democracy to thrive EXCEPT:

  • A. public distaste for violent antigovernment activity.
  • B. leaders committed to the pursuit of democratic ideals.
  • C. an electorate that insists upon democratic values in government.
  • D. an insufficient dissident population to support an undemocratic leader.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

B This is an Inference question.

A: No. There is no suggestion in paragraph 1, or elsewhere in the passage, that Stravinsky discounted the importance of inspiration ("expression" is not equated with "inspiration"), or that he believed that he himself or other composers displayed insufficient craftsmanship.

B: Yes. This choice is supported by information in the lines above the reference to the "imbalance" in paragraph 1, in which the author refers to Stravinsky's intention of "blasting … his aesthetic opponents" whose goals were extra-musical, attempting to further such things as national solidarity or religious freedom.

C: No. The author does not suggest that Stravinsky tried to reduce his, or others', involvement in the political aspects specifically of presenting music or theater to an audience. Stravinsky's complaint was about injecting non-musical aspects into the music itself.

D: No. While paragraph 4 mentions Stravinsky's involvement in disputes about choreography and instrumentation, it doesn't suggest that he believed choreography had been given too much importance.

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