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Sajjad1994
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Prathana
Please explain the reasoning used in Q3 and Q7.

Posted from my mobile device

Question #7

Read the following lines from Passage A

In a natural environment, danger tends to be
accompanied by sudden, unexpected sounds. Thus, a
background of constant noise suggests peaceful
conditions; discontinuous sounds demand more
(25) attention. Even soft discontinuous sounds that we
consciously realize do not signal danger can be
disturbing—for example, the erratic dripping of a
leaky tap.

and the following lines from Passage B

The interruption of the expected musical course,
depending on one’s personal involvement, causes the
search for an explanation. This results from a
(45) “mismatch” between one’s musical expectation and
the actual course of the music.

D is supported.
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Sajjad1994
Prathana
Please explain the reasoning used in Q3 and Q7.

Posted from my mobile device

Question #7

Read the following lines from Passage A

In a natural environment, danger tends to be
accompanied by sudden, unexpected sounds. Thus, a
background of constant noise suggests peaceful
conditions; discontinuous sounds demand more
(25) attention. Even soft discontinuous sounds that we
consciously realize do not signal danger can be
disturbing—for example, the erratic dripping of a
leaky tap.

and the following lines from Passage B

The interruption of the expected musical course,
depending on one’s personal involvement, causes the
search for an explanation. This results from a
(45) “mismatch” between one’s musical expectation and
the actual course of the music.

D is supported.

Hey Sajjad!

I'm just asking out of curiosity but can we expect such a long passages from gmat and if it does could you please suggest any tips ?
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Solenja
Hey Sajjad!

I'm just asking out of curiosity but can we expect such a long passages from gmat and if it does could you please suggest any tips ?

Hello Solenja

This passage originates from the Official LSAT Prep Test, the primary purpose to posts such long passages from LSAT is to provide quality practice material to our members, and there is no harm in practicing such passages. This passage is approx 480 words long and chances are very rare someone will come across such a long passage in the real GMAT test. The latest patterns of the real GMAT test suggest that a long passage might go up to 350-370 words accompanying 4 questions.
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A
1) certain degree of Complexity of music -> +ve emotions
2) Analogy to human language
3) Music -> Relaxing effect = continuity + rhythm

Summary - Characteristics of music which causes +ve effect(including relaxation)

B
1) expectation determines experience -
2) Musical expectation vs experience - mismatch causes tension, match causes relaxation
3) Complexity and novelty/Familiarity
Summary - Pleasure depends on complexity and familiarity
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1. Which one of the following concepts is linked to positive musical experiences in both passages?

(A) continuous sound - only in passage A
(B) tension - not tension per se but resolution of tension provides +ve experience
(C) language - is used as an anlogy and does not have any bearing on experience
(D) improvisation - out of scope
(E) complexity -
First line of passage A - In music, a certain complexity of sounds can be expected to have a positive effect on the listener.
First line of 3rd paragraph of Passage B - When we listen to music, we take into account
factors such as the complexity and novelty of the
music.

Ans E
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Merry Christmas, could you please post the OE for Q1 and Q4?
Thank you very much!
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Explanation

1. Which one of the following concepts is linked to positive musical experiences in both passages?

Difficulty Level: 700

Explanation

Both passages talk about positive musical experiences. Use the answers as your lead words and see what each passage says on the topic. You want an answer choice that both passages discuss.

A. No. Passage B does not discuss continuous sound.

B. No. Passage A does not discuss tension.

C. No. Language is discussed only in the first paragraph and only as an analogy to music.

D. No. Improvisation is not mentioned in either passage.

E. Yes. The second sentence of passage A and the entire last paragraph of passage B discuss how complexity is linked to a positive musical experience.

Answer: E
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Hi Sajjad1994,

How can we eliminate (C) in Q7?

Thanks in advance :)
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ChandlerBong
Hi Sajjad1994,

How can we eliminate (C) in Q7?

Thanks in advance :)

The author of passage A indicates that having a continuous sound makes music enjoyable to the listener. It makes the music safer and more predictable. Likewise, the author of passage B indicates that having the music match the listener's expectations, along with the buildup and release of tension, causes music to have a relaxing effect.

(C) is Out of Scope. The artistic value of music is never discussed by either author. Rather, the passages focus on how and why those strongemotional responses from listeners are elicited.
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Here it is lewdtoucan

Explanation

5. Which one of the following most undermines the explanation provided in passage A for the relaxing effect that some music has on listeners?

Difficulty Level: 555-605

Step 1: Identify the Question Type

The correct answer choice will weaken the explanation provided in passage A for why some music has a relaxing effect on listeners.

Step 2: Research the Relevant Text

The first two sentences in the third paragraph of passage A warrant attention. The author of passage A explains that the continuous and rhythmic nature of music produces a relaxing effect.

Step 3: Make a Prediction

The correct answer choice will present a fact that makes it less likely or believable that the continuous and rhythmic nature of music produces a relaxing effect.

Step 4: Evaluate the Answer Choices

(C) is the correct answer. If people find the steady and rhythmic nature of a rocking chair to be stressful, then surely we could question whether the continuous sounds of music have a relaxing effect.

(A) is Out of Scope. The complexity of music is not offered in passage A as an explanation for why music has a relaxing effect.

(B) is irrelevant. How the rhythmic sound is produced has no effect on whether the rhythm itself is still a valid reason for why the listener finds the music relaxing.

(D) is Out of Scope. The effect of expectations on the listenerʼs satisfaction and relaxation is a concept discussed in passage B.

(E) is irrelevant. Although passage A discusses the effect of simplicity on the listener, the amount of music that is written to be simpler now versus in the past is irrelevant to whether the listener experiences relaxation.

Answer: C
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Why can't A be the right answer? Both passages talk about that listeners like complexity
Sajjad1994
Prathana
Please explain the reasoning used in Q3 and Q7.

Posted from my mobile device

Question #7

Read the following lines from Passage A

In a natural environment, danger tends to be
accompanied by sudden, unexpected sounds. Thus, a
background of constant noise suggests peaceful
conditions; discontinuous sounds demand more
(25) attention. Even soft discontinuous sounds that we
consciously realize do not signal danger can be
disturbing—for example, the erratic dripping of a
leaky tap.

and the following lines from Passage B

The interruption of the expected musical course,
depending on one’s personal involvement, causes the
search for an explanation. This results from a
(45) “mismatch” between one’s musical expectation and
the actual course of the music.

D is supported.
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Hi Agarwal2003.
You are correct that there are mentions of complexity in both passages. But let's check whether they relate to what option A suggests. Option A says, "The more complex a piece of music, the more it is likely to be enjoyed by most listeners." In passage A, it is mentioned, "In music, a certain complexity of sounds can be expected to have a positive effect on the listener" and again, "Sounds that are too complex or disorganized, however, tend to be overwhelming." Does it match with option A? No.

Let's now focus on passage B. It mentions that "When we listen to music, we take into account factors such as the complexity and novelty of the music. The degree to which the music sounds familiar determines whether the music is experienced as pleasurable or uncomfortable." and "As such, a trained listener will have a greater preference for complex melodies than will a naive listener, as the threshold for experiencing emotion is higher." It is nowhere mentioned whether more complex music is liked by 'most listeners.'


Option D, on the other hand, says that unpredictable music = discomfort. Passage A mentions, "Even soft discontinuous sounds that we consciously realize do not signal danger can be disturbing—for example, the erratic dripping of a leaky tap. A continuous sound, particularly one that is judged to be safe, relaxes the brain." Okay, a good match.
Passage B also mentions, "The pleasure experienced is minimal when the music is entirely new to the listener, increases with increasing familiarity, and decreases again when the music is totally known. Musical preference is based on one’s desire to maintain a constant level of certain preferable emotions." A match!

Makes sense? Let me know :)
Agarwal2003
Why can't A be the right answer? Both passages talk about that listeners like complexity
Sajjad1994
Prathana
Please explain the reasoning used in Q3 and Q7.

Posted from my mobile device

Question #7

Read the following lines from Passage A

In a natural environment, danger tends to be
accompanied by sudden, unexpected sounds. Thus, a
background of constant noise suggests peaceful
conditions; discontinuous sounds demand more
(25) attention. Even soft discontinuous sounds that we
consciously realize do not signal danger can be
disturbing—for example, the erratic dripping of a
leaky tap.

and the following lines from Passage B

The interruption of the expected musical course,
depending on one’s personal involvement, causes the
search for an explanation. This results from a
(45) “mismatch” between one’s musical expectation and
the actual course of the music.

D is supported.
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