Official Solution:1. The correct answer to this question is (B). This is a Specific question about the details of the passage, requiring the test taker to locate the pertinent portion of the passage where details related to the question are provided. The second paragraph of the passage anticipates the argument that the public generally recognizes and reads all publications with a firm understanding of these limitations. The author rebuts this argument, beginning with the sentence. Yet, substantial evidence exists to the contrary and recent events have proven the dependence of the public on information. Answer choice A is incorrect as it indicates that decisions are based solely on reporting in business-related publications. The passage only indicates financial decisions, not decisions in general, are based upon, but not solely based upon, such reporting. Further, this is not the central reason why the author mentions the example in question. Answer choice B correctly notes that the example is mentioned to counter the claim previously mentioned in the second paragraph. Choice C is incorrect as it describes a position that the author refutes with the example in question. Answer choice D is incorrect as it mentions political messages, which is out of Scope in regard to the passage and example in question. Choice E is incorrect as it provides a stance against the contentions of the author; the author uses the example in question in order to support his contentions.
2. The correct answer to this question is (A). This is a Next Step question about the subject matter of the paragraph that logically would follow the passage. The test taker should rely upon the structural clues provided in the passage to answer such questions. Further, the correct answer must be consistent with the Scope, Tone and Purpose of the passage. Answer choice A is correct. The last sentence of the passage states, an ongoing, careful review and publication of the credentials, knowledge base and practical experience of reporters are certainly warranted. Therefore, ways to evaluate reporters' capabilities is a sound continuation of the passage, making (A) the correct answer choice. Further, this answer choice is the only choice consistent with the strong, contentious tone of the passage. Choices B, C, D, and E all have scopes that are inconsistent with the passage.
3. The correct answer to this question is (D). This is a Universal question about the primary purpose of the passage, requiring the test taker to successfully identify STOP in order to efficiently and accurately locate the correct answer. The Scope and Tone of the passage should guide the test taker in selecting the correct answer regarding the passage's primary purpose. Answer choice A is incorrect as its Scope is too narrow and inconsistent with the passage. Choice B is incorrect as the passage does not describe changes that should be made. The passage only notes or argues that a review and publication of credentials are warranted. Choice C is incorrect as its Scope is also too broad and inconsistent with the passage. Answer choice D is the only answer choice consistent with the disapproving tone of the passage. The verb argue correctly reflects the author's position: contend such journalism alone is of little true value for significant financial-related decisions and, in many cases, a meaningful detriment to investors' decisions. Choice E is incorrect as Scope is too narrow and inconsistent with the passage.
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Pain + Reflection = Progress | Ray Dalio
Good Books to read prior to MBA