Reading comp PrepTest 153 · Section 4 · Question 11

Correct. Question Type:
Must Be True

Strategy Overview:
Review the main point of the passage, eliminate answers that run counter to it, and then use the passage to determine between answers that are left

Answer Anticipation/Relevant Lines:
There's not much work we can do here before we look at the answers, as the question provides no guidance as to the specific topic of the answer. It should line up with the Author's view, as stated in our main point:

The use of radio can be effective in preserving native languages, despite bad policy and the internet, with the right programming that reflects the oral tradition of these communities.

Let's eliminate anything that doesn't line up with that and our understanding of the passage, and then use the passage to determine between the remaining answers which one is correct.

Answer Explanation:
(Line 6; Lines 21-26; Lines 39-43) The Author refers to policies that led to the decline of native languages as "misguided," suggesting that she views their preservation as good policy, supporting the first half of this answer. And the rest of the passage lines up with integrating the language into the daily life through radio broadcasts that keep communities "apprised of important issues" (Line 26) and include fun content (games - Line 54; songs - Line 59). This answer reflects the overall tenor of the Author's argument and has details to back up the specifics, so it's the correct answer. That said, we'd only finalize that call after reading the other answers!

Key Takeaway:
When a Must Be True question asking about the Author's viewpoint doesn't provide a topic, you'll need to go into the answers a bit blind. However, you shouldn't go in completely blind—remind yourself of the main point, and use that as a guiding star!

Incorrect. (Lines 56-58) This answer is too negative in stating that the preservation will "fail" without this cooperation. While the stimulus notes that a radio station mixed with lessons in newspapers has effectively revitalized languages in certain communities, and that would involve all the parties in this answer, it never states that it would fail without this group. It's the difference between something being sufficient and necessary!

Incorrect. (Lines 28-30) The only place where the elderly are discussed is in Lines 28-30, and that mentions only that they've recently taken an interest in language preservation because of the radio stations. It never calls this group a "roadblock" to preservation, and the stimulus doesn't discuss any disagreement over the most effective way to transmit cultural values and practices—just language! It's possible these values and practices are currently being transmitted in English.

Incorrect. (Paragraph 3) The third paragraph is really the only place where technology—specifically, the internet—is discussed. There, it's noted that community members are learning English to better use and work with the internet. There's no indication that internet skills should be taught using native languages, though, let alone that it's the "most efficient[]" way to preserve them, so this answer is unsupported.

Incorrect. (Lines 13-15; Lines 56-58) This answer is too negative. The stimulus says that there are currently courses in native languages being offered, but not that failing to invest more in these will make it unlikely that these languages will be preserved. In fact, the passage notes in Lines 56-58 that some communities have revitalized the use of their language without these courses, focusing on radio programming and lessons in newspapers.