It is generally assumed that although some restrictions exist on the

Question

It is generally assumed that although some restrictions exist on the freedom of speech or expression – restrictions that usually forbid any speech or expression that might be described as hateful or dangerous – no restrictions do or can exist on freedom of thought or conscience. In fact, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantees that all people have the right to the freedom of thought, the freedom of conscience, and the freedom of religion. But although thought cannot successfully be controlled through legal means, it can be controlled through propaganda, or even through an educational system: if children are taught from an early age to think or believe a certain way, it might not be possible for them to have real freedom of thought or conscience as adults, if they have no real ability to think for themselves.

Which of the following best summarizes the argument implied within the passage?

(A) Freedom of thought or conscience cannot really exist, despite international laws that guarantee it.

(B) Freedom of thought or conscience is controlled in the same way as freedom of speech or expression.

(C) In some cases, thought might be controlled to such an extent that genuine freedom of thought does not exist.

(D) The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is necessary for the guarantee of freedom of thought or conscience.

(E) Restrictions on freedom of speech or expression should be eliminated in order to guarantee real freedom of thought.

Bunuel · Accepted Answer

OFFICIAL EXPLANATION

Overview:

Question presents a passage that considers how possible restrictions on freedom of thought or freedom of conscience could render these otherwise guaranteed freedoms impossible. The passage quotes from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a document that establishes the need for all to have the freedom of thought, the freedom of conscience, and the freedom of religion; the passage points out that these freedoms might ultimately be nonexistent in the face of thought-controlling techniques. More specifically, the passage notes the potential for propaganda, or even educational manipulation, that would train children to think a certain way from childhood, thus removing from them any real freedom of thought or conscience, while still allowing them to believe that they have such freedoms. The question asks the student to summarize the argument implied in the passage. An implied argument is one that is not overtly stated, so the student must read between the lines, so to speak, to arrive at a conclusion about the point of the passage. That being said, the passage contains all information necessary for deriving such a conclusion, so the student does not require extraneous information.

The Correct Answer:

C The passage states quite clearly, “if children are taught from an early age to think or believe a certain way, it might not be possible for them to have real freedom of thought or conscience as adults if they have no real ability to think for themselves.” This suggests that the purpose of the passage is to explain the subtle restrictions that might exist on freedom of thought or conscience. Such restrictions are not explicit or codified in law but (according to the passage) are used to control these freedoms while allowing the perception that they still exist. Thus choice (C) is the correct answer.

The Incorrect Answers:

A Answer choice (A) seems very likely, but it is important to realize that although the passage suggests that freedom of thought or conscience might not be able to exist, it does not state anywhere that they absolutely do not or cannot. Instead, the passage makes a hypothetical suggestion about what might occur in some cases, but not in every case. Therefore, answer choice (A) cannot be correct because it assumes too much about the point of the passage.

B Nowhere does the passage state that freedom of thought or conscience is controlled in the same way as freedom of speech or expression. In fact, the passage states that there are laws restricting freedom of speech or expression but that there are no laws restricting freedom of thought or conscience. Answer choice (B) may be eliminated immediately.

D The passage cites the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to make a point about the perceived guarantee of freedom of thought or conscience, but it then goes on to undermine this Declaration with the information that these freedoms can still be restricted. There is no indication that the passage makes a statement on the need for the Declaration, so answer choice (D) is incorrect.

E At no point does the passage suggest that the restrictions on freedom of speech or expression should be lifted, so answer choice (E) is clearly incorrect and can be eliminated immediately.

unraveled · Answer

It is  generally assumed  that  although  some restrictions exist on the freedom of speech or expression – restrictions that usually forbid any speech or expression that might be described as hateful or dangerous – no restrictions do or can exist on freedom of thought or conscience.  In fact,  the Universal Declaration of Human Rights  guarantees  that all people have the right to the freedom of thought, the freedom of conscience, and the freedom of religion.  But although  thought cannot successfully be controlled through legal means, it can be  controlled through propaganda , or even through an educational system: if children are taught from an early age to think or believe a certain way, it might not be possible for them to have real freedom of thought or conscience as adults, if they have no real ability to think for themselves.

Which of the following best summarizes the argument implied within the passage?

Highlighted text are the keywords that give direction to the passage. 
First sentence is the conclusion of the passage with an example that elaborates the exception given at the end of the passage

(A) Freedom of thought or conscience cannot  really  exist, despite international  laws  that guarantee it.

(B) Freedom of thought or conscience is controlled in the  same way  as freedom of speech or expression.

(C) In some cases,  thought  might be  controlled to such an extent  that genuine freedom of thought does not exist.

(D) The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is  necessary  for the guarantee of freedom of thought or conscience.

(E) Restrictions on freedom of speech or expression should be eliminated  in order to  guarantee real freedom of thought.

All except C take things in extreme direction.

Answer C.

It is generally assumed that although some restrictions exist on the

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It is generally assumed that although some restrictions exist on the

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