Every four years voters across the United States elect a president.

Question

Aristotle RC 99 - Passage 5     
   Every four years voters across the United States elect a president. Various factors such as choices in campaign locations, the candidates‘ adherence to polling data and use of the Internet by candidates to reach potential voters all influence the preference of those voters, but perhaps none of these is so persuasive as a candidate‘s performance on nationally televised debates just prior to the election. Newspapers and television news programs generally attempt to provide thorough coverage of the debates, further augmenting the effect of good or bad candidate performances. 
 
In this way, the news media fulfil the traditional role of educating the public and enabling voters to make better informed decisions about elected officials. However, the same technology which brings live debates into millions of living rooms across the nation also limits the availability of debate coverage by use of ―pool‖ coverage, the sharing of news coverage with other news organizations. The alternative is unilateral coverage, in which each news organization covers the event independently. Most events subject to pool coverage are so planned by the sponsors because of space limitations or safety concerns for prominent people attending or participating in the events. Since the television media require more people and equipment than their print counterparts, television usually is affected more frequently. 
 
The pool system, when employed to cover debates between presidential nominees of the major political parties, violates the first amendment. The Constitution‘s mandate for a free press allows restrictions on press coverage only when there is a compelling governmental interest at stake. Presidential debates involve no interest sufficient to justify the admission of one news organization to the exclusion of all others. 
 
Pool coverage of a presidential debate means that individual broadcasters are unable to cover the event in their own way and, consequently, to convey a unique account to their viewers; they must purchase and use coverage provided by the pool representative or have no coverage at all. The networks participate reluctantly. Pool coverage denies an opportunity to gain maximum insight from the debate. Indeed, the first amendment freedoms afforded the press exist largely to ensure that the public benefits from the free flow of information. The Supreme Court has noted that ―it is the right of viewers and listeners, not the right of the broadcasters, which is paramount.‖ 
 
To overcome the problem of restricted access, television news media could be divided into four categories: domestic networks, foreign news services, domestic news services, and independent broadcasters. Some broadcasters would be denied access, but the critical point is that in the end, the viewers will benefit, for they will have seen different debate coverage and, ultimately, will be better informed.   1 
 1. What is the author of the passage primarily concerned with?

A. Arguing in favor of giving more rights to individual broadcasters 
B. Describing the pool system of coverage of events 
C. Asserting that the first Amendment needs to be amended 
D. Describing a problem with media coverage of certain events and suggesting a solution 
E. Criticizing the American Presidential election system

2 
 2. Which of the following claims does the passage provide some support for?

A. News organizations tend not to cooperate with each other unless they are forced to do so. 
B. Most presidential candidates fare poorly in televised debates because they are not good public speakers. 
C. Current news coverage of presidential debates limits the information available to the public. 
D. Foreign news organizations have generally been uninterested in American presidential debates. 
E. The pool system also has its positive points

3 
 3. The author of this passage would probably give his greatest support to which of the following actions?

A. A decision to allow more news services to cover presidential debates 
B. A decision to allow fewer news services to cover presidential debates 
C. A decision to ban presidential debates until more news services are allowed to cover them 
D. A decision to ban presidential debates until fewer news services are allowed to cover them 
E. A decision to change the first amendment

4  
 4. What role does the last paragraph play in the passage?

A. It provides a general conclusion to the passage 
B. It suggests a solution to a problem discussed in the passage 
C. It provides specific guidelines that need to be followed in future 
D. It describes an action that the author opposes 
E. It provides support for the main conclusion of the passage

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Gmatsaiyan · Accepted Answer

Answers and Explanations OE 
 1) The passage is primarily concerned with describing the negative effects of the pool system of media coverage so the best answer choice will be something on these lines.
‗D‘ nicely captures this thought.
(A): The passage never states anything to this effect
(B): The passage is doing more than just ‗describing‘ the pool system
(C): Distortion. The passage actually says that the pool system needs to be amended
(D): The correct answer.
(E): The passage is not criticising the American Presidential election system but only the pool system.
 2) Remember that the right answer must not only be a claim made by the passage, but also must have supporting evidence in the passage. (C) is the only claim actually made, and is also supported by evidence throughout the passage, especially ¶4.
(A): Distortion. While the author claims that news organizations participate in the pool system reluctantly, there‘s no indication that they‘re forced to cooperate.
(B): Out of Scope. The author never discusses this point.
(C): The Correct Answer
(D): Opposite. The author recommends that foreign news organizations be given a place at debates, suggesting that they are interested in them.
(E): Never stated anywhere by the author
 3) Make sure you‘re clear on the author‘s apparent purpose for writing the passage, as well as any suggestions she offers. Scan the answer choices for something that reflects these key ideas. (A) is exactly what the author is arguing for; take the quick points.
(A): The correct answer
(B): Opposite. Precisely what the author is arguing against.
(C): Distortion. The author argues that the current system is flawed, but not that debates should be abolished altogether as a result.
(D): Opposite. Again, the author wants more news services.
(E): Out of scope
 4) In the last paragraph the author is trying to come up with a solution to the problem of pool system of media coverage. ‗B‘ best states this.
(A): A very vague answer and this paragraph is not exactly the conclusion of the passage anyway.
(B): The Correct answer
(C): ‗Specific‘ is an incorrect word; if anything this paragraph provides a broad guideline
(D): Opposite. The author ‗recommends‘ rather than ‗opposes‘ this action
(E): There is no main conclusion as such in the passage

ShardulPendharkar · Answer

Every four years voters across the United States elect a president. Various factors such as choices in campaign locations, the candidates??? adherence to polling data and use of the Internet by candidates to reach potential voters all influence the preference of those voters, but perhaps none of these is so persuasive as a candidate???s performance on nationally televised debates just prior to the election. Newspapers and television news programs generally attempt to provide thorough coverage of the debates, further augmenting the effect of good or bad candidate performances.

In this way, the news media fulfil the traditional role of educating the public and enabling voters to make better informed decisions about elected officials. However, the same technology which brings live debates into millions of living rooms across the nation also limits the availability of debate coverage by use of ???pool??? coverage, the sharing of news coverage with other news organizations. The alternative is unilateral coverage, in which each news organization covers the event independently. Most events subject to pool coverage are so planned by the sponsors because of space limitations or safety concerns for prominent people attending or participating in the events. Since the television media require more people and equipment than their print counterparts, television usually is affected more frequently.

The pool system, when employed to cover debates between presidential nominees of the major political parties, violates the first amendment. The Constitution???s mandate for a free press allows restrictions on press coverage only when there is a compelling governmental interest at stake. Presidential debates involve no interest sufficient to justify the admission of one news organization to the exclusion of all others.

Pool coverage of a presidential debate means that individual broadcasters are unable to cover the event in their own way and, consequently, to convey a unique account to their viewers; they must purchase and use coverage provided by the pool representative or have no coverage at all. The networks participate reluctantly. Pool coverage denies an opportunity to gain maximum insight from the debate. Indeed, the first amendment freedoms afforded the press exist largely to ensure that the public benefits from the free flow of information. The Supreme Court has noted that ???it is the right of viewers and listeners, not the right of the broadcasters, which is paramount.???

To overcome the problem of restricted access, television news media could be divided into four categories: domestic networks, foreign news services, domestic news services, and independent broadcasters. Some broadcasters would be denied access, but the critical point is that in the end, the viewers will benefit, for they will have seen different debate coverage and, ultimately, will be better informed.

please provide an explanation for the correct answer of the following question based on the RC:

The author of this passage would probably give his greatest support to which 
of the following actions? 
 A. A decision to allow more news services to cover presidential debates 
 B. A decision to allow fewer news services to cover presidential debates 
 C. A decision to ban presidential debates until more news services are 
allowed to cover them 
 D. A decision to ban presidential debates until fewer news services are 
allowed to cover them 
 E. A decision to change the first amendment

Gmatsaiyan · Answer

Topic and Scope  - Pool coverage of televised live debates violates the first amendment and should be changed.
 Mapping the Passage: 
¶s1 and 2 define the pool system.
¶3 argues that the pool system violates the first amendment.
¶4further defines the pool system and describes the consequences of it. ¶5 proposes a solution to the pool system.

dabaobao · Answer

Got 4/4 correct in 6:50 min including 4:15 to read the passage!

Passage Map: 
1) Debates
2) PC vs UC
3) Violation
4) Cons of PC
5) Solution => Purpose of author

varun325 · Answer

Time taken 6.36 & 4/4 correct
PARA:
1 Importance of media coverage in an event(the presidential election) is dicussed.
2.An issue for the press in the event( Pool coverage) is highlighted.
 3 &4 Author argues against the pool coverage.
5. Solution to overcome the problem is cited.

1. What is the author of the passage primarily concerned with?

A. Arguing in favor of giving more rights to individual broadcasters. Small part of passage
B. Describing the pool system of coverage of events. doesn't describe the pool system.
C. Asserting that the first Amendment needs to be amended
 D. Describing a problem with media coverage of certain events and suggesting a solution.( correct) Connect the dots as described above. This is the correct answer. 
E. Criticizing the American Presidential election system. Very extreme and covers only small part.

2. Which of the following claims does the passage provide some support for?

A. News organizations tend not to cooperate with each other unless they are forced to do so.
B. Most presidential candidates fare poorly in televised debates because they are not good public speakers.
 C. Current news coverage of presidential debates limits the information available to the public.( by allowing access to some , the debates limit the access) CORRECT 
D. Foreign news organizations have generally been uninterested in American presidential debates. Foreign news not in this passage
E. The pool system also has its positive points . Nothing particular cited in passage

3. The author of this passage would probably give his greatest support to which of the following actions?

A. A decision to allow more news services to cover presidential debates( Correct) Through out the passage the author wants the reader to undertand this . 
B. A decision to allow fewer news services to cover presidential debates OPPOSITE
C. A decision to ban presidential debates until more news services are allowed to cover them
D. A decision to ban presidential debates until fewer news services are allowed to cover them
E. A decision to change the first amendment . NO WAY OUT of context

4. What role does the last paragraph play in the passage?

A. It provides a general conclusion to the passage
 B. It suggests a solution to a problem discussed in the passage. Solution is provided CORRECT 
C. It provides specific guidelines that need to be followed in future
D. It describes an action that the author opposes
E. It provides support for the main conclusion of the passage

Adi88 · Answer

Here is how I read and analysed the passage. (6 Mins and all questions Correct). Words highlighted in "Red" means Key Words, in "Grey" means details,those I am allowed to rush through to skip, and in "Green" means structural word)

Every  four years  voters across the United States  elect a president .  Various factors such as choices in campaign locations, the candidates‘ adherence to polling data and use of the Internet by candidates to reach potential voters all influence the preference of those voters,   but  perhaps  none of these is so persuasive as  a candidate‘s  performance  on nationally  televised debates  just prior to the election.  Newspapers and television news programs generally attempt to provide thorough coverage of the debates, further augmenting the effect of good or bad candidate performances.

Notes: 4 Yrs US Elec
 Perf in Tel Debate > other Fac

In this way , the  news media fulfil  the traditional  role of educating the public and enabling voters to make better informed decisions  about elected officials.  However,  the same technology which brings live debates into millions of living rooms across the nation also  limits the availability of debate coverage by use of ―pool‖ coverage ,  the sharing of news coverage with other news organizations.  The  alternative is unilateral coverage ,  in which each news organization covers the event independently.  Most events subject to  pool coverage are so planned  by the sponsors  because of space limitations or safety concerns  for prominent people attending or participating in the events.  Since  the television media require more people and equipment than their print counterparts,  television usually is affected more frequently .

Notes: PC vs UC
 PC --> bcs Spac Cons
 TM Worst

The  pool system  , when employed to cover debates between presidential nominees of the major political parties,   violates the first amendment.   The Constitution‘s mandate for a free press allows restrictions on press coverage only when there is a compelling governmental interest at stake. Presidential debates involve no interest sufficient to justify the admission of one news organization to the exclusion of all others.

Notes : PC violate 1st Amend

Pool coverage of a presidential debate means that individual broadcasters are unable to cover the event in their own way and, consequently, to convey a unique account to their viewers; they must purchase and use coverage provided by the pool representative or have no coverage at all. The networks participate reluctantly. Pool coverage denies an opportunity to gain maximum insight from the debate. Indeed, the first amendment freedoms afforded the press exist largely to ensure that the public benefits from the free flow of information. The Supreme Court has noted that ―it is the right of viewers and listeners, not the right of the broadcasters, which is paramount.

Notes: Details

To overcome  the problem of restricted access,  television news media could be divided into four categories :  domestic networks, foreign news services, domestic news services, and independent broadcasters. Some broadcasters would be denied access, but the critical point is that in the end, the viewers will benefit, for they will have seen different debate coverage and, ultimately, will be better informed.

Notes: Auth Sol

Kritisood · Answer

Time taken approx/less than 5 mins
Difficulty: fairly easy. Near to 600 level

1. What is the author of the passage primarily concerned with?

This should represent the essence of what the author talks about; avoid extreme answer choices.

A. Arguing in favor of giving more rights to individual broadcasters. barely mentions this, not the primary focus.
B. Describing the pool system of coverage of events. not the essence
C. Asserting that the first Amendment needs to be amended. mentioned no where
D. Describing a problem with media coverage of certain events and suggesting a solution. correct, bang on 
E. Criticizing the American Presidential election system. as mentioned, extreme answers should be avoided. plus this isnt the focus of the passage.

2. Which of the following claims does the passage provide some support for?

A. News organizations tend not to cooperate with each other unless they are forced to do so. not mentioned
B. Most presidential candidates fare poorly in televised debates because they are not good public speakers. not mentioned
C. Current news coverage of presidential debates limits the information available to the public. correct, explicitly mentioned and also implied by the passage
D. Foreign news organizations have generally been uninterested in American presidential debates. not mentioned
E. The pool system also has its positive points. not mentioned

3. The author of this passage would probably give his greatest support to which of the following actions?

A. A decision to allow more news services to cover presidential debates. correct. the author is lobbying for this in the entire passage
B. A decision to allow fewer news services to cover presidential debates. opposite of the authors intend
C. A decision to ban presidential debates until more news services are allowed to cover them. extreme
D. A decision to ban presidential debates until fewer news services are allowed to cover them. extreme
E. A decision to change the first amendment . extreme

4. What role does the last paragraph play in the passage?

A. It provides a general conclusion to the passage
B. It suggests a solution to a problem discussed in the passage. correct, this is the only para that deals with the solution
C. It provides specific guidelines that need to be followed in future 
D. It describes an action that the author opposes. opposite
E. It provides support for the main conclusion of the passage 
This answer choice should be chosen through POE, B is the best and the most logical.

jayarora · Answer

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Every four years voters across the United States elect a president.

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Every four years voters across the United States elect a president.

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