We often think of language as a skill developed and inculcated by huma

Question

We often think of language as a skill developed and inculcated by humans, akin to punctuality and discipline. However, language is ingrained within the biological makeup of our brains. It is a highly complex, organized, and specialized skill that instinctively develops in a child. In other words, the skill to utilize language for communication does not require a deliberate effort or formal schooling. It is utilized without the user being conscious of its underlying logic. Hence, some behavioural scientists perceive language to be a “mental organ” or a complete “neural system” in itself and that language is a psychological phenomenon akin to instinct, indicating that people know how to talk the way bees know how to collect nectar. The process of nectar collection was not formulated by some super intelligent bee and does not rely on formal instruction or on the particular aptitude for organization. Rather, bees collect nectar because they have “bee” brains that instinctively tell them to collect nectar from ~owers and how to do so. In the animal kingdom, we are the only species that has a skill for communicating information by sound modulations made while exhaling and this skill comes instinctively to us.

The same way nectar collection cannot be “explained” to bees, parents cannot “teach” their children the complexity of language. Neither is it something that can be explained at school. Considering studies that indicate that a pre-schooler’s intuitive knowledge of grammar is more advanced than the most sophisticated grammar manual, and given that language is the outcome of a well-engineered biological faculty, it is clear that language is an instinctive skill that exists in every human being.

The same way nectar collection cannot be “explained” to bees, parents cannot “teach” their children the complexity of language. Neither is it something that can be explained at school. Considering studies that indicate that a pre-schooler’s intuitive knowledge of grammar is more advanced than the most sophisticated grammar manual, and given that language is the outcome of a well-engineered biological faculty, it is clear that language is an instinctive skill that exists in every human being.    1 
 1. Based on the information in the passage, which of the following can be said of language?

A. It is a cultural invention made by homo sapiens for the purpose of communicating with each other.
B. It is something that children can be taught by their parents at home.
C. It is taught through formal instructions at school.
D. It is a psychological instinct that we are born with.
E. It is not present in the same capacity in all human beings.

2 
 2. The main point of the passage says that language is

A. An instinctive ability of humans.
B. Not an innovation of humans.
C. A skill that can sometimes be learnt or taught.
D. An ability that is unique in humans.
E. A skill that is not what it is thought to be.

3 
 3. Which of the following can be used as an example to describe language as understood by the author?

A. A spider spinning a web.
B. A dog providing assistance to disabled people.
C. A horse getting trained to participate in a race.
D. A cat being taught to ring a bell when hungry.
E. An ox ploughing the fields.

RC Butler 2022  -  Practice Two RC Passages Everyday.   
Passage # 98 Date: 08-Mar-2022
 This question is a part of RC Butler 2022 .  Click here for Details

Ghostrider3147 · Answer

Q2 explanation??  Sajjad1994

Posted from my mobile device

vickytvn · Answer

ghostrider .

I will try my thought process to solve question 2.

The question requirement is " main point" for Language.

B&C- Rejected since Author clearly mentioned "Language is instinctive".
D&E- Points have been discussed in passage but it is not main point. AS Language is not what it is thought to be. This was initially discussed at start of passage. 
E - This is also partial rather incorrect since Passage says that Humans are capable of modulation. It does not mean other animal can not have their own language.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

2. The main point of the passage says that language is

Difficulty Level:   550

Explanation

Para 1

Purpose:  Introduce the idea that language is instinctive

-The author introduces the idea that language, contrary to the common belief, is not something made by humans.
-Rather it is an instinctive skill that humans possess from birth.
-The author gives the example of a bee collecting nectar to show how language comes instinctively to humans.
-The author also mentions how this skill is unique in humans.

Para 2

Purpose:  Language complexity cannot be taught

-The author talks about how the complexity of language can be taught neither by parents at home nor by teachers at school.
-In fact, a child knows the complexities of grammar even before it starts going to school and this knowledge is instinctive.

Main Point:  Language is an instinctive ability rather than a human-made phenomenon

Pre-thinking:

-The question asks the intent with which the passage has been written, i.e. the main point of the passage. As we have discussed, the passage covers the following aspects:

-Introduce the idea that language is instinctive
-Language complexity cannot be taught
-The correct answer choice should cover all these aspects.

(A)  Correct:   The main message of the passage is to tell the reader that language is an instinctive skill.

(B)  Out of Context: Though this is true, it is not the main point since not being an innovation of humans does not mean that it is an instinctive ability.

(C)  Opposite: The passage tries to explain that language cannot be taught or learnt.

(D)  Out of Context: t has been mentioned but the author does not intent to discuss it. Hence, it is not the main point.

(E)  Inconsistent: It is part of the main point but not complete.

Answer: A

We often think of language as a skill developed and inculcated by huma

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GMAT Reading Comprehension (RC) Questions

We often think of language as a skill developed and inculcated by huma

Prep Toolkit

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

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