PrepTest 124

Incorrect. This answer isn't a part of the argument (it's too strong in stating that certain sounds were "never" used). Even so, the closest statement to it in the stimulus is the example, which was support.

Incorrect. This answer is also not stated in the argument—while composers are using these dissonant sounds as a part of a consonant musical phrase, there's no indication the sound itself, in isolation, is any more pleasing than it was before.

Incorrect. This is the opposing point/concession made before the author pivots to her real point—a soft exception to this rule.

Incorrect. This answer reflects examples provided of the "unwise" concession made, so it's not the main point of the argument because it's an example/premise of a separate view.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Valid

Question Type:
Main Point

Stimulus Summary:
Example - We now know how to use the interval of the third
So we know more about certain sounds than we did
Therefore there are ways it makes sense to think about musical knowledge as growing over time

Answer Anticipation:
This Main Point question starts with one of the most interesting structure keywords—Although. This word highlights a concession the author is making—something that would seem to cut against her conclusion—before pivoting to her real point.

Here, the pivot is to an opinion—it makes sense to talk about musical knowledge in a certain way. Using the phrase "there are ways" suggests the author is going to provide at least one example, which she does by highlighting the additional knowledge of certain sounds (which itself gets a specific example). Since this pivot statement has an example (and an example of the example) backing it up, it's the main point.

Let's find an answer stating that there are ways it makes sense to view musical knowledge as growing over time.

Answer Explanation:
This answer is a paraphrase of the conclusion—that there are ways that it makes sense to view musical knowledge as developing over time.

Key Takeaway:
Although and while serve as words indicating a pivot from a concession the author is making to her argument, usually her main point.