Criminal identification by means of fingerprints is one of the most

Question

Criminal identification by means of fingerprints is one of the most potent factors in obtaining the apprehension of fugitives who might otherwise escape arrest and continue their criminal activities indefinitely. This type of identification also makes possible an accurate determination of the number of previous arrests and convictions, which of course results in the imposition of more equitable sentences by the judiciary, in as much as the individual who repeatedly violates the law finds it impossible to pose successfully as a first or minor offender. In addition, this system of identification enables the prosecutor to present his case in light of the offender’s previous record. It also provides the probation officers, parole board and the governor with definite information upon which to base their judgement in dealing with criminals in their jurisdictions.

From earliest times, fingerprinting, because of its peculiar adaptability to the field has been associated in the lay mind with criminal identification to the detriment of the other useful phrases of the science. However, the Civil The file of the Identification Division of the Federal Bureau of investigation contains three times as many fingerprints as the Criminal File. These civil fingerprints are an invaluable aid in identifying amnesia victims, missing persons, and unknown deceased. In the latter category, the victims of major disasters may be quickly and positively identified if their fingerprints are on file, thus providing a humanitarian benefit is not usually associated with fingerprint records.

The use of fingerprints for identification purposes is based upon distinctive ridge outlines which appear on the bulbs on the inside of the end joints of the fingers and thumbs. These ridges have definite contours and appear in several general pattern types, each with general and specific variations of the pattern, dependent on the shape and relationship of the ridges. The outlines of the ridges appear most clearly when inked impressions are taken upon paper so that the ridges are black against a white background. This result is achieved by the ink adhering to the friction ridges. Impressions may be made with blood, dirt, grease or any other foreign matter present on the ridges, or the saline substance emitted by the glands through the ducts or pores which constitute their outlets. The background or medium may be paper, glass, porcelain, wood, cloth, wax, putty, silverware or any smooth, non-porous material.    1 
 1. In the second paragraph, what is the function of the sentence, however, the Civil File of the Identification Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation contains three times as many fingerprints as the Criminal File?

(A) To explain how fingerprints can have humanitarian uses such as helping to identify victims of natural disasters.
(B) To illustrate the importance of fingerprints in different fields.
(C) To state that the Civil File of the FBI has more fingerprints than does the Criminal File.
(D) To point out that fingerprints have another more important use that is different from the one that is commonly perceived by the people.
(E) To conclude that fingerprints play an important secondary role in civil society as well.

2 
 2. From the information in the passage, which of the following can be most properly inferred?

(A) Fingerprint impressions obtained with the use of ink are better than those obtained using substances such as dirt or grease.
(B) Fingerprints have many more uses in the criminal investigation than they do in civil cases.
(C) The matching of fingerprints is the most foolproof way of apprehending hardened criminals.
(D) The use of fingerprint records helps the justice system deliver more equitable sentences.
(E) The presence of saline substances on the ridges of fingertips makes it difficult to get a definite fngerprint impression.

3 
 3. What is the main purpose of the author in writing the passage?

(A) To explain the need for collecting fingerprints.
(B) To advocate the study of civil fingerprints to assist the judiciary.
(C) To analyse the implications of maintaining a database of fingerprints.
(D) To praise the advocates for bringing to justice the repeat offenders.
(E) To discuss the history, usefulness and mode of collecting fingerprints.

4 
 4. According to the information in the passage, the impressions of the fingerprints can be obtained from all of the following, EXCEPT:

(A) Saline substances
(B) Ink
(C) Grease
(D) Wax
(E) Perspiration

kantapong · Accepted Answer

Passage Summary:
P1: Criminal identification using fingerprint is helpful
P2: Fingerprint is useful in identifying victims
P3: Science of fingerprint

Q1 Purpose = to show that fingerprint is also useful in other scenarios
Notice the word "however", fingerprint has been associated in the lay mind of criminal identification ... (it provides the contrast to the use to find criminals stated in paragraph 1)
(A) To explain how fingerprints can have humanitarian uses such as helping to identify victims of natural disasters. (KEEP)
(B) To illustrate the importance of fingerprints in different fields. (KEEP)
(C) To state that the Civil File of the FBI has more fingerprints than does the Criminal File. (true, but not purpose, ELIMINATED)
(D) To point out that fingerprints have another more important use that is different from the one that is commonly perceived by the people. (KEEP)
(E) To conclude that fingerprints play an important secondary role in civil society as well. (Does that mean primary role of fingerprint is to catch criminals? -> ELIMINATED)
We are left with A, B and D. Since the purpose is not just say that it has another use, but another use that is different from what people usually thought. So, my ans: D

Q2 Infer
(A) Fingerprint impressions obtained with the use of ink are better than those obtained using substances such as dirt or grease.
(The author uses as well as, no comparison which one is better -> ELIMINATED)
(B) Fingerprints have many more uses in the criminal investigation than they do in civil cases. (The author just says that it can be used in both scenarios, but not tell that which one has more uses -> ELIMINATED)
(C) The matching of fingerprints is the most foolproof way of apprehending hardened criminals. (The author just says that the fingerprint helps, but does not say that it is the most definite way among all ways to catch criminals -> ELIMINATED)
(D) The use of fingerprint records helps the justice system deliver more equitable sentences. (Yes, based on info in P1)
(E) The presence of saline substances on the ridges of fingertips makes it difficult to get a definite fngerprint impression. (No, the author did not say that -> ELIMINATED)
My ans: D

Q3 Main purpose = to show usefulness and science of fingerprint
(A) To explain the need for collecting fingerprints. -> (No, the author does not explain why do we need fingerprints)
(B) To advocate the study of civil fingerprints to assist the judiciary. -> (No, the author does not advocate anything)
(C) To analyse the implications of maintaining a database of fingerprints. -> (No, the author does not say anything about maintaining a database)
(D) To praise the advocates for bringing to justice the repeat offenders. -> (No, the author does not praise anyone)
(E) To discuss the history, usefulness and mode of collecting fingerprints. -> (Yes, history as achievements of fingerprint in P1, usefulness in P2 and mode in P3)
My ans: E

Q4 According to the information in the passage, the impressions of the fingerprints can be obtained from all of the following, EXCEPT:
(A) Saline substances -> Impressions may be made by ...
(B) Ink -> This result is achieved by ...
(C) Grease -> Impressions may be made by ...
(D) Wax -> The background or medium may be ...
(E) Perspiration (Not found in P3)
My ans: E

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

4. According to the information in the passage, the impressions of the fingerprints can be obtained from all of the following, EXCEPT:

Difficulty Level:   700

Explanation

(A)  Inferred from the third paragraph.

(B)  Inferred from the third paragraph.

(C)  Inferred from the third paragraph.

(D)  Towards the end of the third paragraph, wax is mentioned as one of the probable mediums or backgrounds on which one can take fngerprints and not the substance that actually needs to be applied on the fingers. Hence,  (D)  is the correct answer.

(E)  Inferred from the third paragraph by the use of ‘saline substance emitted from the glands’.

The correct answer is D.

KunalSharmaGMAT · Answer

In question 3 - How is the passage discussing the history of fingerprints? The passage discusses that fingerprints bring to the light the history of the accused which leads to sound judgement. Why is the answer not A?

Sajjad1994 · Answer

OE

The passage starts by discussing the importance of fngerprints in criminal investigation, and then goes on to explain their importance in civil cases as well. It fnally concludes by discussing the various modes of fngerprint collection. (E) summarises all of this best and is the correct answer.

DmitryFarberMPrep · Answer

A is far too narrow. The passage isn't focused solely on why we need to collect fingerprints. In fact, it doesn't tell us that at all. It explains why it is USEFUL to collect fingerprints, but useful and necessary are not the same thing. In any case, the final paragraph is purely explanatory and doesn't get in to the usefulness/necessity of prints at all. The right answer should cover the entire scope of the passage, and E does that effectively.

gullyboy09 · Answer

Hi,  Sajjad1994 , it is mentioned in the third para "or  any other foreign matter present on the ridges ", wax can be that foreign matter, no? I chose E as I was not aware of the meaning of E

guddo · Answer

4. According to the information in the passage, the impressions of the fingerprints can be obtained from all of the following, EXCEPT:

(A) Saline substances
(B) Ink
(C) Grease
(D) Wax
(E) Perspiration

The passage discusses the importance of fingerprinting for criminal and civil identification. It explains that fingerprints are useful for identifying repeat offenders, assisting prosecutors, and helping in humanitarian cases like identifying disaster victims. It also describes how fingerprint impressions are created by the transfer of substances, like ink, grease, or natural skin secretions, onto a surface, and lists various surfaces that can retain prints.

The question asks which item is  NOT  listed in the passage as something from which fingerprint impressions can be obtained. The key part is in the third paragraph, which states that impressions may be made  with  substances on the ridges (like blood, dirt, grease, saline substance) and  on  various background materials.

(A) Saline substances - The passage explicitly says impressions can be made with "the saline substance emitted by the glands." This is a source. 
(B) Ink - The passage describes taking "inked impressions upon paper." Ink is used to create the impression. 
(C) Grease - Grease is listed as one of the foreign matters on the ridges that can make an impression. 
 (D) Wax  - Wax is mentioned only as a possible background material ("the background or medium may be paper, glass, ... wax..."). It is  not  listed as a substance on the ridges that leaves an impression. 
(E) Perspiration - Perspiration is the saline substance mentioned in the passage, so it is included.

So, the passage lists substances that can create an impression  from  the ridges. Wax is only listed as a surface  on which  an impression can be left, not as a substance that comes from the ridges to form the impression. Therefore,  wax  is the exception.

Answer: (D)

gullyboy09 · Answer

Hey question is not which item is listed but rather "According to the information in the passage, the impressions of the fingerprints can be obtained", and what about "or any other foreign matter present on the ridges"?

guddo · Answer

The passage itself excludes wax from that category by explicitly listing it separately as a background surface, not as a substance on the ridges. The question asks what the impression is obtained from, meaning the substance transferred from the ridge. Wax is only stated as a surface that receives the impression, not as a substance that comes from the ridge. So wax is the exception.

gullyboy09 · Answer

Sorry but then what about Wax as a foreign matter present on the ridges and background is of wood? Based on passage, that can also be a combination.

guddo · Answer

I think you’re imagining a situation the passage never describes. The text only lists wax as a  background  material. It never includes wax in the list of substances that can be on the ridges. The question asks what the impression can be obtained  from  according to the passage. Since the passage doesn’t support wax being a substance from the ridges, wax is the exception.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Passage map and summary

Topic:  Fingerprint records.
 Scope:  The criminal and civil uses of fngerprint records and how fngerprint impressions can be taken.

Passage Map

P1:  To state the importance/uses of maintaining fngerprint records.

P2:  To describe the civil uses of fngerprint records which are often overlooked in favour of the criminal uses.

P3:  To describe the actual mechanics of how fngerprints are formed and how fngerprint impressions can be taken.

Official Explanation

1. In the second paragraph, what is the function of the sentence, however, the Civil File of the Identification Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation contains three times as many fingerprints as the Criminal File?

(A)  This is the purpose of the entire paragraph and not just of this sentence.

(B)  Same as A.

(C)  This is the literal meaning of the sentence, but we need to answer why the author is stating this fact.

(D)  The question is asking you for the role of the sentence, that is, why did the author put this sentence in this paragraph? Since this is a function question, you need to answer for the ‘why’ and not the ‘what’. Note that the sentence starts with the term ‘however’, which immediately implies that it is trying to show a contrast with the previous statement. The previous statement states that the lay mind associates fngerprints with being useful primarily in criminal investigation. The second sentence then creates the contrast by stating that this is not the case and that, in fact, there are more fngerprints in the Civil File of the FBI than in the Criminal File; thereby implying that fngerprints probably have a more important or an equally important role outside of criminal investigation as well. Thus, the function of this sentence is to create this contrast between the two roles of fngerprints.  (D)  brings this out best and is the correct answer.

(E)  Same as  A.

The correct answer is D.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

2. From the information in the passage, which of the following can be most properly inferred?

Explanation

(A)  While common sense dictates that this may very well be the case, there is nothing in the passage to suggest this.

(B)  The second paragraph states that this is not the case and that, in fact, the opposite may be true.

(C)  Extreme option. We know that this is a very important way, but we do not know whether this is the most foolproof way. There could always be a better way.

(D)  The frst paragraph clearly states that the use of fngerprint records results in the imposition of more equitable sentences by the judiciary.  (D)  states this almost verbatim and is the correct answer.

(E)  According to the latter half of the third paragraph, the opposite may actually be true.

The correct answer is D.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

3. What is the main purpose of the author in writing the passage?

Explanation

(A)  The author is explaining a process which is already in place; so, he is not explaining or justifying the ‘need’ as such.

(B)  The author never advocates anything in the passage.

(C)  This is too narrow in scope.

(D)  While the ‘advocates’ are mentioned in the passage, the main purpose of the passage is much more than to just state this fact.

(E)  The passage starts by discussing the importance of fngerprints in criminal investigation, and then goes on to explain their importance in civil cases as well. It fnally concludes by discussing the various modes of fngerprint collection.  (E)  summarises all of this best and is the correct answer

The correct answer is E.

kartickdey · Answer

I have a doubt whether it is justified to draw a conclusion that in civil sector the use of fingerprint is more important than criminal sectoer on the basis of mere the numbers of preserved fingerprints or it is an overextrapolation.

guddo · Answer

1. In the second paragraph, what is the function of the sentence, however, the Civil File of the Identification Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation contains three times as many fingerprints as the Criminal File?

In paragraph 2, the author pushes back on the common belief that fingerprinting is mainly for criminals, and shows that fingerprint records are heavily used for civil and humanitarian identification too.

(A) To explain how fingerprints can have humanitarian uses such as helping to identify victims of natural disasters.

Not quite. The sentence is just a statistic; the humanitarian uses are explained in the sentences that follow.

(B) To illustrate the importance of fingerprints in different fields.

Close, but too broad. The statistic is doing something more specific than “different fields.”

(C) To state that the Civil File of the FBI has more fingerprints than does the Criminal File.

This only restates what the sentence says, not what it is doing in the argument.

(D) To point out that fingerprints have another more important use that is different from the one that is commonly perceived by the people.

Best fit.  The “however” plus “three times as many” is meant to undercut the lay misconception and show that fingerprinting has a major non-criminal use (civil identification), possibly even more extensive than the criminal one.

(E) To conclude that fingerprints play an important secondary role in civil society as well.

No. The sentence is not concluding a “secondary role”; it is emphasizing that the civil use is large.

Answer: (D)

guddo · Answer

The sentence does not prove that civil fingerprinting is “more important” in impact, it only shows it is more extensive in volume (more prints stored).

But the question is asking the function of the sentence. Its job is to challenge the common perception that fingerprinting is mainly criminal by showing the civil file is huge. It supports “major non criminal use exists,” not a strict ranking of importance.

kartickdey · Answer

as it does not strictly indicate that in civil sector the use of fingerprint is more important than criminal sectoer, I did not choose that option as it appeared to me an overextrapolation

guddo · Answer

“More important” in D is not a strict ranking. It means “a major non criminal use that people overlook.” The “three times as many” statistic is there to show civil use is huge, so it is not an overextrapolation for this function question.

Criminal identification by means of fingerprints is one of the most

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Criminal identification by means of fingerprints is one of the most

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