MCAT Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills Question 9: Answer and Explanation

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Test Information

Question: 9

3. The author most likely omits specific details of the events in the first paragraph in order to:

  • A. set an expectation that is reversed in the following paragraph.
  • B. express the primary thesis of the passage more concisely.
  • C. downplay the significance of the events being addressed.
  • D. conceal a general lack of knowledge on the subject matter.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

Though this is ostensibly a question about the first paragraph, properly answering it requires understanding how P1 connects to the rest of the passage. A key hint comes in the transition into P2: "These popular uprisings against taxation and economic hardship were not—as many Americans would now assume upon hearing such descriptions—revolts against the British monarchy . . ." The author has made the descriptions in P1 deliberately ambiguous in order to create an expectation (these tax protests are against unfair British taxes) that is almost immediately overturned (the protests are actually against taxes imposed by American authorities), which serves to highlight the fact that the American officials were acting just as unfairly as the British. This corresponds most closely to choice (A).

(B) Though concise expression would be a reason to omit details, the primary thesis does not really emerge until later in the passage, particularly in the final paragraph.

(C) Opposite. This choice is contradicted by the discussion in P2, where the author notes that "each episode has distinctive historical significance," going on to state how "particularly instructive" their contrast is.

(D) Opposite. Plenty of details are provided in P3 and P4, so it's clear that the author does not generally lack knowledge about the subject.

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