Years after the movement to obtain civil rights for black people in th

Hi everyone,
Took 13:20 minutes and got 5/6 correct. Took 5:30 minutes to read, write down paragraphs summaries and main point formulation.

P1: New theories of social movements
P2: 3 theories and their mechanism
P3: 3 theories described
P4: Complaints by the political theorists
P5: How the theories should be validated

MP: Present 3 theories and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of those

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1. It can be inferred from the passage that the classical theory of social movement would not be appropriately applied to an annual general election because such an election

Pre-thinking:
We know that the classical theory of social movements goes against the 3 theories discussed in P2.
Now Each of those theories talks about an unusual condition prior to any development. Hence let's infer that the classical theory does not entail any unusual condition.

(A) may focus on personalities rather than on political issues
Personalities are outside of the scope. Hence incorrect

(B) is not provoked primarily by an unusual condition
In line with pre-thinking. Hence correct

(C) may be decided according to the psychological needs of voters
Cannot be inferred as a difference from the information given. Hence incorrect

(D) may not entail momentous developments
Very vague answer and it does not clearly shows as a difference. hence incorrect

(E) actually entails two or more distinct social movements
Cannot be inferred from the given information. Hence incorrect

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2. According to the passage, the “rising expectations” and “relative deprivation” models differ in which one of the following ways?

Pre-thinking:
Looking at paragraph 3 we can find the main difference: "coupled with simultaneous failure to make any
appreciable headway relative to the dominant
group."

(A) They predict different responses to the same socioeconomic conditions.
Same responses actually. Hence incorrect

(B) They disagree about the relevance of psychological explanations for protest movements.
Not mentioned. Hence incorrect

(C) They are meant to explain different kinds of social change.
No. They all want to explain the same social change. Hence incorrect

(D) They describe the motivation of protesters in slightly different ways.
Yes. We need to make an inference here. In the first theory the motivation comes from getting more and more. In the second case the motivation comes always from further gains but is associated with failures. Hence correct

(E) They disagree about the relevance of socioeconomic status to system strain.
Never mentioned. hence incorrect

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3. The author implies that political theorists attribute which one of the following assumptions to social psychologists who apply the classical theory of social movements to the civil rights movement?

Pre-thinking:
Lets have a look at P4 where this is discussed:"Their arguments rest on the conviction
that, implicitly, the classical theory trivializes the
political ends of movement participants, focusing
rather on presumed psychological dysfunctions;"

It seems that the mistake is to not consider at all the political ends and to focus only on PD

(A) Participants in any given social movement have conflicting motivations.
Too general and it does not addresses the matter at hand. Hence incorrect

(B) Social movements are ultimately beneficial to society.
Never mentioned. Hence incorrect

(C) Only strain of a socioeconomic nature can provoke a social movement.
To extreme and never mentioned. Hence incorrect

(D) The political ends of movement participants are best analyzed in terms of participants’ psychological motivations.
Political ends are not considered at all. Hence incorrect

(E) Psychological motivations of movement participants better illuminate the causes of social movements than do participants’ political motivations.
In line with pre-thinking. Hence correct

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4. Which one of the following statements is supported by the results of the “better test” discussed in the last paragraph of the passage?

Pre-thinking:
The better test is a test that shows correlation between actions and results. It seems that such correlation didn't show up when analyzing the theories.

(A) The test confirms the three classical theories discussed in the passage.
Opposite. Hence incorrect

(B) The test provides no basis for deciding among the three classical theories discussed in the passage.
In line with pre-thinking.hence corret

(C) The test shows that it is impossible to apply any theory of social movements to the civil rights movement.
Not according to the passage. Hence incorrect

(D) The test indicates that press coverage of the civil rights movement was biased.
Press coverage is not at issue. Hence incorrect

(E) The test verifies that the civil rights movement generated socioeconomic progress.
The test should test the theories not the accuracy of the results. Hence incorrect

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5. The validity of the “better test” (line 65) as proposed by the author might be undermined by the fact that

Pre-thinking:
The press coverage was somehow not accurate, biased.

(A) the press is selective about the movement activities it chooses to cover
If the press does not cover those movements the test inevitably can't be accurate. Hence correct

(B) not all economic indicators receive the same amount of press coverage
Press coverage reports events not economic indicators. Hence incorrect

(C) economic indicators often contradict one another
Irrelevant to the discussion.Hence incorrect

(D) a movement-initiated event may not correlate significantly with any of the three economic indicators
If so the test would show no correlation and it would still be accurate. Hence incorrect

(E) the pace of movement-initiated events is difficult to anticipate
No matter if so because the important factor is that the movement-initiated event is reported by the press. Hence incorrect

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6. The main purpose of the passage is to

Pre-thinking:
Refer to main point above to analyze the answer choices.

(A) persuade historians of the indispensability of a theoretical framework for understanding recent history
No attempt at persuading. Hence incorrect

(B) present a new model of social movement
No new model presented. Hence incorrect

(C) account for a shift in a theoretical debate
No shift. Hence incorrect

(D) show the unity underlying the diverse classical models of social movement
Partial scope. Hence incorrect

(E) discuss the reasoning behind and shortcomings of certain social psychological theories
Correct since the theories are analyzed and the shortcomings are presented. Hence correct

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It is a good day to be alive, cheers!

Could you please explain question 1 why the answer is option b and not c because in lines 40-45 movement participants i.e votes indirectly is mentioned

Posted from my mobile device

This question can be found in Paragraph 4. See Below:


Simply put, the Political Theorists are saying that social psychologists who apply classical theory trivialize political motivations ("political ends") rather than focusing on psychological motivations (psychological dysfunctions).

(C) Only strain of a socioeconomic nature can provoke a social movement.

This was never implied about social psychologists who apply classical theory.

(D) The political ends of movement participants are best analyzed in terms of participants’ psychological motivations.

Extreme language.

(E) Psychological motivations of movement participants better illuminate the causes of social movements than do participants’ political motivations.

This is what the quoted sentences imply.

Can someone explain why in Q6, the main purpose of the passage is E and not D?
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Excerpt from the passage:

scholars are reaching for a theoretical perspective capable of clarifying its momentous developments. New theories of social movements are being discussed, not just among social psychologists, but also among political theorists.

Main purpose:

Author wants to explain and evaluate the classical theory as it applies to the civil rights movement, and ends up echoing the complaints of political theorists that the classical theory doesn’t hit the mark.

The author highlights that Political theorists have been dismissive of the “classical” social psychological theory.

Answer choice analysis:

Quote:
(A) persuade historians of the indispensability of a theoretical framework for understanding recent history
The author does NOT favor “classical” social psychological theory. Thus, NO point in persuading historians of the indispensability of a theoretical framework.
Quote:
(B) present a new model of social movement
It's too vague to be considered the main purpose because the mere presentation of a new model has NEVER been the intent.
Quote:
(C) account for a shift in a theoretical debate
There is NO shift in theoretical debate.

A shift implies a confirmation and then dismissal of the idea.

However, in the passage, the author

1) is projecting the new theories of social movements, not just among social psychologists, but also among political theorists, and
2) evaluates their ( new theories of social movements ) appropriability.
Quote:
(D) show the unity underlying the diverse classical models of social movement
The author does confirm HOW the classical models of the social movement are similar in nature in para-3.
However, it's NOT the main intent of the passage because the author ends up echoing the complaints of political theorists that the classical theory does NOT hit the mark.
Quote:
(E) discuss the reasoning behind and shortcomings of certain social psychological theories
Aha!
The author enlights how the different formulations of the social psychological theory reasons to explain a phenomenon.
However, According to political theorists: they failed ( shortcomings ) to address the issue.

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Hey, could you please explain why options A & B are not valid.

Hi,

4 and 5 are quite confusing.
In 4, Option B and C have similar meaning
same goes with 5, between option A and B

@azhrhasan


Hi,

4 and 5 are quite confusing.
In 4, Option B and C have similar meaning
same goes with 5, between option A and B[/quote]



Hi,
I'm happy to clear things for you

Question 4

Answers b and c are quite different actually.

(B) The test provides no basis for deciding among the three classical theories discussed in the passage.
This answer is supported clearly by the passage when it is mentioned that the test showed no correlation.



(C) The test shows that it is impossible to apply any theory of social movements to the civil rights movement.
option C however mentions ANY theory of social movements. That any means ALL theories of social movements while the test talks only about the mentioned theories.




option 5

To answer this question think about the means used by the test to assess the theories. The test uses the press coverage, right?
Now if the press selects subjectively which events to cover and which not the test is not anymore objective and the validity is undermined.
this is why option A is correct

On the other hand option B talks about economic indicators.
B) not all economic indicators receive the same amount of press coverage
Economic indicators are not used at all by the test. The test uses only events covered by the press. So even if the economic indicators are left out of the rest coverage the validity of the test won't be undermined.

Hope this helps

Fell for the Trap in 5.
Its Economic Indicators are not covered and movements are covered
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please give question 5 explanation

Hello hero_with_1000_faces Kanvi here it is.





Hope it helps

Could you please clarify the meanings of options A and D in the second question.
What is implied by responses to socio-economic conditions as well as by the motivation of the protesters?

Hope it helps

Tough, Tough passage!
Took 19 minutes to read and answer all questions correctly.

1. It can be inferred from the passage that the classical theory of social movement would not be appropriately applied to an annual general election because such an election
Refer line 13:
Each conforms to a causal sequence characteristic of classical social movement theory, linking some unusual condition, or “system strain,” to the generation of unrest
"Unusual condition" is a must for classical theories. Option (B) states this condition:
(B) is not provoked primarily by an unusual condition

2. According to the passage, the “rising expectations” and “relative deprivation” models differ in which one of the following ways?
Refer lines 23-34:
For example, the theory of rising expectations asserts that protest activity was a response to psychological tensions generated by gains experienced immediately prior to the civil rights movement. Advancement did not satisfy ambition, but created the desire for further advancement. Only slightly different is the theory of relative deprivation. Here the impetus to protest is identified as gains achieved during the premovement period, coupled with simultaneous failure to make any appreciable headway relative to the dominant group.

The two theories are basically the same, with the only difference that I can observe being timing of the "disappointment regarding progress"
The first theory seems to suggest that people were disappointed with the advancement AFTER some time. Second theory seems to indicate that disappointment ALONG with gains achieved.

Opting (D) seems the safe choice. Other choices are a bit too strong.
(D) They describe the motivation of protesters in slightly different ways

3. The author implies that political theorists attribute which one of the following assumptions to social psychologists who apply the classical theory of social movements to the civil rights movement?

This is a tough question! It's really between option (D) and (E).

(D) The political ends of movement participants are best analyzed in terms of participants’ psychological motivations.
(E) Psychological motivations of movement participants better illuminate the causes of social movements than do participants’ political motivations.

In option D, can we really say "best analyzed"? It seems too extreme! Go for option E!

4. Which one of the following statements is supported by the results of the “better test” discussed in the last paragraph of the passage?

This is a relatively easy question
A better test is the comparison of each of these economic indicators with the frequency of movement-initiated events reported in the press; unsurprisingly, none correlates significantly with the pace of reports about movement activity.
It is clear that this better test doesn't provide much support to any of the three classical theories discussed.

Option B is the obvious answer.
(B) The test provides no basis for deciding among the three classical theories discussed in the passage.

5. The validity of the “better test” (line 65) as proposed by the author might be undermined by the fact that
Another tough question
A better test is the comparison of each of these economic indicators with the frequency of movement-initiated events reported in the press; unsurprisingly, none correlates significantly with the pace of reports about movement activity.

(A) the press is selective about the movement activities it chooses to cover
- If the press is selective about the movement activities it chooses to cover, then authors observation - unsurprisingly, none correlates significantly with the pace of reports about movement activity. becomes doubtful. Keep A.

(B) not all economic indicators receive the same amount of press coverage
- Tempting. But it doesn't matter whether economic indicators receive coverage; What matters is the movement activities receive similar coverage.

(C) economic indicators often contradict one another
- What about movement activities? If economic indicators often contradict one another, then it would be EASIER to decide what led to movement! Eliminate.

(D) a movement-initiated event may not correlate significantly with any of the three economic indicators
-Ok, but are most movement-initiated events like that? We can't say. Eliminate.

(E) the pace of movement-initiated events is difficult to anticipate
- We don't need to anticipate. We need to co-relate the press reports with economic indicators. Eliminate.

(A) seems to be only viable option.

6. The main purpose of the passage is to
Finally! Another easy question!

(A) persuade historians of the indispensability of a theoretical framework for understanding recent history
- Author isn't trying to persuade the historians.

(B) present a new model of social movement
- No new model is presented.

(C) account for a shift in a theoretical debate
- There is no shift in debate.

(D) show the unity underlying the diverse classical models of social movement
- This is only a partial purpose.

(E) discuss the reasoning behind and shortcomings of certain social psychological theories
- Correct.

E is the right option.

I really did not understand this passage at all. Even after the second read. Happy that others found it easy.

Hi Sajjad,

Although, it is unrelated, is the below sentence grammatically sound? It is comparing economic indicators with frequency. Doesn't it break parallelism?

"'A better test is the
comparison of each of these economic indicators
with the frequency of movement-initiated events
reported in the press''

Hello KarishmaB,

I took 16 mins to complete this passage. Got 5/6 Correct.
Below is the breakdown: -



Question 1 includes time to read the passage and answer.

I have a few questions: -

1. Is LSAT RC difficult than GMAT RC ? ( I am done with Social Science and Humanities Passage of GMAT OG. Hence, I have to depend on LSAT )
2. What about my timings above ? Did I take more time ? Do we need to apply the 2 min rule per question of GMAT RC in LSAT RC also ?
3. According to me , If I want to reduce the time , I have to speed up my Reading. Any tip how to do so without reducing the accuracy ?
( I have observed that whenever I try to do fast Reading , I end up doing more mistakes )

Thanks.

GMAT and LSAT passages are similar in difficulty but GMAT passages are usually not this long. We have short and dense passages in GMAT.
Considering that we have slightly less than 2 mins per question in GMAT and that CR questions often take 2-3 mins per question, it does make sense to stick to the less than 2 mins per question rule. Of course, first 3 or so mins will be spent in reading the passage but then every subsequent question should be answered in under a minute. You would normally have 3-4 questions from a passage so that would add up to about 6-8 mins.
How much leeway, if at all, we have in case we are working with LSAT RC questions will depend on the question so I cannot give you any guidelines for that.
To get an accurate sense of your speed and time management, work on some official GMAT RCs.

To increase your reading speed, practice reading faster every time you need to read anything (not just while doing GMAT questions). There are some bad habits that we develop over time such as monologuing which we must consciously try to avoid. Do know that increase in speed takes place but not in a span of a few days. It needs consistent practice of a few months.
Also, try to improve your verbal question solving skills. That will automatically lead to some improvement in time management.
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