Innovations in language are never completely new. When the words used

Definitely not an easy passage to read.

P1: no innovation in new words and deconstructionists as new critics
P2: two words used by deconstructionists
P3: Explanation of deconstructionism as theory, process and meaning

MP: discuss deconstructionism

1. Which one of the following best expresses the main idea of the passage?

Pre-thinking:
Refer to main point formulation

(A) Implicit in the terminology of the school of criticism known as deconstruction are meanings that reveal the true nature of the deconstructionist’s endeavor.
This is true as the last part of the last paragraph says. Although I would mark it as partial scope let's leave this for later.

(B) The appearance of the terms signifier and signified in the field of literary theory anticipated the appearance of an even more radical idea known as deconstruction.
Signifier and signified are discussed only in P2 and cannot express the main idea of the passage alone. Hence incorrect

(C) Innovations in language and the relations between old and new meanings of terms are a special concern of the new school of criticism known as deconstruction.
Interesting choice. It is broad enough and true according to the passage. Let's leave it for later

(D) Deconstructionists maintain that it is insufficient merely to judge a work; the critic must actively dismantle it.
Never mentioned as a requirement although this is what deconstructionists do. Plus partial scope as mentioned only in the last part of the last paragraph. Hence incorrect

(E) Progress in the field of literary theory is best achieved by looking for new terms like signifier and deconstruction that might suggest new critical approaches to a work.
Completely out of scope. Hence incorrect.

Although the correct answer choice is A I think it is not broad enough and refers only to few lines in the last paragraphs. Choice C on the contrary is broader and would make more sense here.

Any help on this one?


2. Which one of the following is a claim that the author passage makes about deconstructionists?

Pre-thinking:
Refer to P1 and to P3 to answer this question. The author thinks of deconstructionists as presumptuous and thinks that the meaning of the word itself is reaviling

(A) Deconstructionists would not have been able to formulate their views adequately without the terms signifier and signified.
Cannot be inferred from the given information. Hence incorrect

(B) Deconstructionists had no particular purpose in mind in choosing to use neologisms.
Cannot be inferred from the given information . Hence incorrect

(C) Deconstructionists do not recognize that their own theory contains inherent contradictions.
Which are the contradictions? Hence incorrect

(D) Deconstructionists find little interest in the relationship between words and their referents.
I think opposite since they invented the words signifier and signified. Hence incorrect

(E) Deconstructionists use the terms signifier and signified to stress the importance of the process of naming.
Refer to these lines:"The use of these particular terms (rather than, respectively, word and thing) underlined the seriousness of the naming process and its claim on our attention." Hence correct

3. Which one of the following generalizations about inventions is most analogous to the author’s point about innovation in language?

Pre-thinking:
Refer to the very first sentence of the passage.

(A) A new invention usually consists of components that are specifically manufactured for the new invention.
Opposite. Hence incorrect

(B) A new invention is usually behind the times, never making as much use of all the available modern technology as it could.
the technology is not mentioned as a means for creating new words. Hence incorrect

(C) A new invention usually consists of components that are already available but are made to function in new ways.
In line with the first sentence of the passage. Hence correct

(D) A new invention is most useful when it is created with attention to the historical tradition established by implements previously used to do the same job.
Nowhere mentioned. Hence incorrect

(E) A new invention is rarely used to its full potential because it is surrounded by out-of-date technology that hinders its application.
Never mentioned. Hence incorrect


4. The author of the passage uses the word “criticism” in lines 37–45 primarily in order to

Pre-thinking:
Criticism here is used to contrast the term deconstruction on the very etymology of the two words

(A) give an example
Not the purpose here. Hence incorrect

(B) introduce a contrast
Yes, with deconstruction since deconstructionists pretend to be critics but the meaning of the word itself suggest an extra function that they perform. Hence correct

(C) undermine an argument
No argument is undermined here. Hence incorrect

(D) codify a system
Completely out of scope. Hence incorrect

(E) dismiss an objection
No objection is made and dismissed. Hence incorrect


5. Which one of the following best describes the function of the second paragraph within the passage as a whole?

Pre-Thinking
The second passage introduces two terms used by deconstructionists: signifier and signified. These terms mean that we can choose arbitrary the meaning of the words. Also it is noted that words can predict coming events.
the correct answer choice will be along these lines

(A) It introduces a hypothesis that the author later expands upon.
No hypothesis is expanded on .Hence incorrect

(B) It qualifies a claim made earlier by the author.
No claim is qualified. Hence incorrect

(C) It develops an initial example of the author’s general thesis.
Yes because it talks about two terms invented by deconstructionists, who were mentioned in the last line of the preceding paragraph.

(D) It predicts a development.
the paragraph says that words can predict events. Hence incorrect

(E) It presents a contrasting view.
No contrasting view is presented. Hence incorrect


6. The passage suggests that the author most probably holds the view that an important characteristic of literary criticism is that it

Pre-thinking:
Literary criticism is discussed in the last lines of the last paragraph, so refer to that portion. Criticism and critics are analyzed in light of their etymologies(original meaning) stating that they talk about what's wrong with a particular word but they don't act fro changing it. So we can infer that an important feature of critics is not to change words but only criticize them. Plus look at the meaning: skilled in judging and decisive

(A) demonstrate false assumptions and inherent contradictions
If you look closely at the portion of the passage mentioned in the Prethinking you will notice that these features are never mentioned. hence incorrect

(B) employ skill and insight
This is the etymology itself. Hence correct

(C) be carried out by one critic rather than many
Never mentioned and cannot be inferred. Hence incorrect

(D) reveal how a text is put together like a building
This is what deconstructionists do. Hence incorrect

(E) point out the superiority of conventional text structures
Cannot be inferred by the given information. Hence incorrect.

7. The passage suggests that which one of the following most accurately describes the author’s view of deconstructionist thought?

Pre- thinking:
The author believes that they are different from critics since their name implies an extra function that critics don't have(change).

(A) The author is guardedly optimistic about the ability of deconstruction to reveal the intentions and biases of a writer.
No optimism. Hence incorrect

(B) The author endorses the utility of deconstruction for revealing the role of older meanings of words.
The author never endorses anything about deconstructionists.Hence incorrect

(C) The author is enthusiastic about the significant neologisms that deconstruction has introduced into literary criticism.
No enthusiasm is shown. Hence incorrect

(D) The author regards deconstruction’s tendency to focus only on the problems and faults of literary texts as too mechanical.
I marked this answer as incorrect since the too seemed to me extreme. The author views deconstructionists as mechanical but there is no information to make this inference I believe.

(E) The author condemns deconstruction’s attempts to define literary criticism as a creative act.
The author never condemn deconstructionism. Hence incorrect

Any help on D?