PrepTest 140

Incorrect. (Lines 3-5) This answer doesn't address what this research is meant to explain—the vastly superior performance of a few people.

Incorrect. (Lines 46-47; Lines 55-56; Lines 62-64) This answer is too strong in stating that "anyone" can achieve exceptional performance. At the very least, there are certain traits that are exception to the rule (e.g., height), the conclusion brings up a "level of talent" that serves as a baseline, and there are also motivational factors at play that everyone might not have.

Incorrect. (Lines 39-45) This answer, like with (B), is too strong in stating that innate characteristics are "irrelevant" to differences in performance. The passage notes that there are "extremely rare" cases where innate talent does determine a superior performance, and factors such as memory and the ability to process information are stated to be relevant factors, shortcomings to which can be overcome with practice. That suggests that having those factors are relevant for some in achieving superior performance.

Correct. Question Type:
Main Point

Strategy Overview:
Reiterate the main point that we anticipated after reading the passage

Answer Anticipation/Relevant Lines:
This passage falls into a common pattern—the Phenomenon/Explanation pattern. In these passages, the Author's preferred explanation (if it exists) generally serves as the main point.

Here, the first paragraph notes the phenomenon—exceptional performance (Lines 2-5). The Author's preferred explanation for this is "acquired complex skills and physiological adaptations" (Line 26) from "at least ten years of intensive, deliberate practice" (Line 41). The correct answer should reflect this.

It could also bring in the opposing explanation (innate talent; Lines 5-10). And it might also bring up motivation as an important predictive factor in future performance.

Answer Explanation:
(Lines 3-10; Lines 22-26) The passage notes that certain people performed in a superior capacity. Some suggest that it's due to innate ability, but the Author argues that it's because of training, resulting in mental and physiological adaptations. If you were stuck on the research involving superior performers, check the description of the new studies in Lines 22-23. In stating that the prior research was based on random samples of the population rather than on comparing superior performers to the general population, the Author implies that the new studies do just that. This answer is therefore correct.

Key Takeaway:
Many of the common argument patterns present in LR also show up in RC. We can use the trends in those—the relevant elements, the structure, and what tends to be the main point—to help us work through RC passages. Here, we saw a common pattern—Phenomenon/Explanation, with competing explanations and the Author siding with one of them.

Incorrect. (Line 8) The Psychologists show up only in the first paragraph, and it's not noted that they've changed their minds in light of recent research. Also, the passage wasn't about superior abilities only in children, but in adult performers, as well.