KAPLAN OFFICIAL EXPLANATION(B) Paradox (All EXCEPT)
Don’t predict the right answer to a Paradox EXCEPT question; instead, summarize the paradox in your own words before going to the answer choices. The discrepancy in this stimulus is signaled by the word “however,” so let’s get the gist of it: the average number of books read per capita has decreased, but bookstores have reported an increase in profits. Since this is a Paradox EXCEPT question, four of the answers will explain this discrepancy, and will therefore need to be eliminated. We don’t want to waste too much time trying to make predictions in this instance, so we should instead keep our discrepancy in mind as we head to the answer choices.
(A) If libraries haven’t been able to purchase as many popular contemporary novels, readers may have been forced to purchase them on their own at bookstores. So even though they may be reading fewer books on average, they’ll be purchasing those books themselves instead of checking them out from libraries. Eliminate.
(B) would explain why bookstores may have seen higher profits relative to other retail businesses, but that isn’t the paradox that needs resolution. Since
(B) doesn’t explain how bookstores are making more money even though people seem to be reading less, this must be the odd man out—and therefore the answer we need to select.
(C) indicates that bookstores aren’t making more money by selling books, but by selling lots of coffee. This certainly resolves the discrepancy. Eliminate.
(D) Bookstores can sell fewer books and still earn more profits if they start selling books that are much more expensive than those sold previously. This explains how fewer books read per person can still lead to more money for bookstores. Eliminate.
(E) offers up yet another alternative source of income for bookstores—magazine sales. If bookstores are selling more magazines than they were previously, these stores can see increased profits even if people aren’t reading as many books. Eliminate.