Reading Comprehension · Main Point

PrepTest 113 · Section 1 · Question 8

Phase 1 (your first ~400 questions): read the guidance, then answer. No clock.

Step 1 · Pre-Question Guidance · read this first

Question type

Main Point

The one idea it tests

When the author defends someone, the main point balances the flaw admitted and the value claimed.

The basic logic

Look at the last paragraph's closing note and at the author's reply to critics. The right answer usually admits the work was incomplete but insists it mattered, without inflating either side.

Tiny words that decide it

“although”
“not until”
“paved”

Playground logic

The rumor story admits Grandpa got some things wrong and left the engine unnamed, yet it ends by saying his study led to the later answer. Top bun: flawed in parts, but a real step forward.

Step 2 · The kid passage

This question belongs to Passage 2 (Questions 8–13). Read its kid passage and structure guide first: Grandpa and the Great Rumor Study →

Step 3 · Try the model question

Which one of the following best captures the big idea of the rumor story?

Step 5 · Work the real question

Open PrepTest 113, Section 1, Question 8 in your official copy from LSAC (for example in LawHub) and read it there.

Your answer

How to apply it

Open Question 8 in your official copy and answer it first.

Note how the passage opens (narration), then where the author's own judgment enters (reply to critics) and where it lands (the final sentence). Write a top bun that holds both the weakness admitted and the value claimed. Choose the answer matching both, and reject answers that cheer too hard, condemn, or chase a side topic.