A) A lack of ability to manufacture a variation on a previous theme connotes a lack of creativity.

Correct. The crux of creativity resides in the ability to manufacture variations on a theme. Hence if one is unable to make variations on a previous theme, one lacks creativity.

B) No scientific idea is entirely independent of all other ideas.

Correct. If we look at the history of science, for instance, we see that every idea is built upon a thousand related ideas.

C) Careful analysis of a specific variation can reveal previous themes of which it is a variation.

Correct. Careful analysis leads us to understand that what we choose to call a new theme or a new discovery is itself always and without exception some sort of variation, on a deep level, of previous themes.

D) All great scientific discoverers have been able to manufacture a variation on a theme.

Correct. "Scientific discoverers" means "those who make a new discovery". We are given that ... a new discovery is itself always and without exception some sort of variation, on a deep level, of previous themes.
So every new discover is a variation on a previous theme. Hence all scientific discoverers are able to manufacture variation of a theme.

E) Some new scientific discoveries do not represent, on a deep level, a variation on previous themes.

Incorrect. All scientific discoveries without exception are variations on previous themes.

Answer (E)
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E) Some new scientific discoveries do not represent, on a deep level, a variation on previous themes.

+1 for E...It states something which is opposite to what given in passage.
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inference questions are still hard for me.
If it is an inference question with negative word, it is harder.
In an inference question, test takers rarely use the scope to eliminate wrong options.

A, B, C, D matches the theme of the question. E said exactly opposite of passage them

Sent from my Redmi Note 3 using GMAT Club Forum mobile app

Imo E
It goes opposite to the direction in which the conclusion is going .

what is the best way to handle such this question? What signs, or clues should I look for to arrive at the right answer?
an inference + except

I chose E b/c the word "always" stands out clearly.

The passage does not talk about 'Great Scientific Discoveries' as mentioned in D. So why is D wrong?

Why E and not D.

Question is must also be true EXCEPT

D) All great scientific discoverers have been able to manufacture a variation on a theme.
call a new theme or a new discovery is itself always and without exception some sort of variation
From that line of the argument you can clearly infer this.

E) Some new scientific discoveries do not represent, on a deep level, a variation on previous themes.
call a new theme or a new discovery is itself always and without exception some sort of variation,
Mentioned line from the argument clearly mentions that, it will always deviate, this option questions that claim.

E
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hi Experts
GMATNinja

Can anyone tell why D is wrong . I eliminated D because it is not mentioned that all great discoverers were able to manufacture.

Hi.

I can try to.

If we look at the history of science, for instance, we see that every idea is built upon a thousand related ideas.

So historically, science or scientific ideas seem to be connected to some other theme. This is clearly mentioned in the passage.

Choice D: All great scientific discoverers have been able to manufacture a variation on a theme.

By mentioning HAVE BEEN able to, means, till now this is true. That means historically till now whatever the D says is true. Which is exactly what the author writes in the paragraph.

Also lets remember 2 aspects:

1. This is an EXCEPT question. So we need to find an answer which is absolutely opposite or non relevant to the topic under discussion
2. Choice E is a much better exception as it talks about new discoveries which are not connected to previous themes. Which is exactly not whats stated in the passage.
Careful analysis leads us to understand that what we choose to call a new theme or a new discovery is itself always and without exception some sort of variation, on a deep level, of previous themes.

Hope it helps.

I am not sure IF my reasoning correct to eliminate option A;
IF A ( variation) cause /relate to B ( creativity)
Not happening of A ( lack of variation) / relate to B ( lack of creativity)

Kindly share your thoughts

Yes your reasoning is correct to eliminate Option A
But about Option D I am still confused as in the argument it is nowhere mentioned about great scientific discoverers ... I was stuck in Option D and Option E
VeritasKarishma mam kindly explain

Since it is stated that 'what we choose to call a new theme or a new discovery is itself always and without exception some sort of variation' which means all discoveries are variations and 'Great Scientific Discoveries' is also included in the category of 'discoveries', hence option D is true and hence it is a wrong option