Reading Comprehension · Law
PrepTest 152 · Section 3 · Passage 3
Questions 14–19
Before you start
Open PrepTest 152, Section 3 in your official copy from LSAC and read the passage for Questions 14–19, using the structure guide below. The passage is not reprinted here.
Structure guide
- Passage A, P1: names the assumption a system rests on, then raises a challenge to it with a short example
- Passage A, P2: states the key question and gives expert reasoning that points toward one answer
- Passage A, P3: draws a cautious middle conclusion about how small the disputed factor can be
- Passage A, P4: concludes by recommending that one practice be dropped and replaced with a future-focused approach
- Passage B, P1: poses a puzzle about whether that practice can really be dropped and cites research suggesting it cannot
- Passage B, P2: gives a historical example of an earlier attempt at the alternative approach that lost support
- Passage B, P3: concludes in the author's own voice that the practice serves a purpose and should be understood and respected
Step 2 · The kid passage
Two Notes About Keeping Score
Note A (by Priya): Our little-kid soccer league keeps score because everyone figures the winning team tried harder and played better. But lots of what happens in a game is pure luck. A gust of wind can carry a weak kick into the net, and a team can lose just because two players had the flu. Coach Rosa, who has run the league for twenty years, says almost every goal depends on a dozen things nobody controls. So if effort matters at all, it is a tiny slice of the story. That means the score tells us very little. The league should stop keeping score. Instead, after each game, coaches should look ahead and decide what each kid needs to practice next week.
Note B (by Lulu): Here is my puzzle: even if scores are mostly luck, can we really stop keeping them? When Ms. Rivera told our class that games are mostly luck, kids still counted every goal in their heads. We have tried this before, too. Three seasons ago, the league ran a no-score season with practice cards for every kid. Parents grumbled, and by spring the scoreboards were back. Priya may be right about luck, but people do not seem willing to give up the score. I think keeping score does something useful, like making games exciting and helping kids care. So instead of tossing it out, the league should figure out why people love it and keep those needs in mind.
Step 4 · The courtroom tale
The Case of the Cupcake Stars
A town clerk asked Judge Park to ban the star ratings in bakery windows. "Stars are mostly luck," the clerk said. "One bad day and a bakery drops to two stars. Let's remove them and just send inspectors to help bakeries improve next month." Mr. Whitfield stood up, snapping his suspenders. "Your Honor, I agree the stars are mostly luck. My client sells muffins; she knows. But this town tried a no-stars year in the past. Customers made up their own stars on napkins! People want ratings. They help shoppers choose. I am not arguing the facts. I am arguing the plan will not stick, and that the stars meet a real need." The judge nodded. "So you accept the reasons but doubt the remedy."