Distinguishing between type 1 vs. 2 MC Questions

Chanduell

Hello all,

I am wondering how everyone knows the question is a type 2 MC question where the stem doesn't have a conclusion, since a lot of times the stem seems like it does... For example, PT116.S3.Q14 seems like the first sentence is the conclusion, and then the following sentence is a counter-point to the conclusion. The last sentence after that then reaffirms that the original conclusion could be true.

Any advice?

ntrepanier5

First off, the "Stim" is the set of facts, i.e., what the social critic is saying; the "Stem" is the "Which of the following" that tells us this question is Main Conclusion.

Second, the first and second sentences of PT116.S3.Q14 aren't opposing each other, and the first sentence isn't the conclusion.

The first sentence is just a statement of fact: these operas reflect attitudes and values held at the time. The second sentence is consistent with that fact: it says that some experts interpret the continued presentation of these operas (laden with their 19th c social views) as damagingly reinforcing stereotypical views of women in contemporary society.

The third sentence is where the implied conclusion is. The author says "ok yeah maybe they do reinforce stereotypes, but very few people have seen these operas." The follow-up conclusion that's just dying to be stated is "so it's hard to say they're having this giant impact on our society."

Easiest way to figure out where the conclusion is in this question is to notice the word "But" at the beginning of the third sentence. That indicates a key change in direction in this Stimulus. Figuring out the unstated conclusion is just seeing the direction is the Stim is going. "OK, so the Author tells us a lot of people haven't seen these operas. How is that meant to attack the claim that they have a big impact on our society?"

Two ways to improve generally:
(1) think of these arguments in your own words as if you were talking to someone totally random. The first two sentences of this Stim are intended to serve as background. If you just jumped in with sentence 3, the random person you're talking to would just be like "HUH?"
(2) Practice, practice, practice. The more drills you do (of MC and other question types), the easier these questions get. The LSAT is filled with patterns. "People say X, BUT actually Y is true" is one of their favorites, and it's the underlying structure of this question.

Chanduell

Thanks for the help!