PT68 Section 1 #1 (RC) Forum

[june2014]

Can anyone explain why (D) is not the main point of the passage?

[Christine (MLSAT)]

Remember that an answer to a main point question must do more than just be accurate - it must also reflect the overall focus of the passage. These questions often have trap answers that are arguably accurate reflections of a smaller point within the passage, but are too narrow in scope.

(D) is arguably one such trap answer. I'd actually quibble with whether the passage really indicates that the imagery use is "vivid", as most of the descriptions of the imagery describe it as "everyday", "familiar", "highly conventional", and "readily recognizable".

But even if "vivid use of imagery" were an accurate descriptor, this answer completely ignores the history of the corridos and how they function in Border communities to affirm cohesiveness. This passage isn't just an objective recitation of the elements of a corrido - it's an analysis of how the corridos use those element to serve their purpose with the Border communities. Note the last sentence of paragraph 1, where the author note the focus on local events, but then goes to emphasize that "more importantly, their heavy reliance on familiar linguistic and thematic conventions served to affirm the cohesiveness of Border communities." And again, in the final sentence of the passage, the familiar despidida helps serve the purpose of "relating an authentic Border tale".

Essentially (D) may (or may not) reflect some of the elements of the corridos, but the passage is really about why those elements are used, and how they are important in light of the purpose and function of corridos in their community.

Does that help a bit?

[june2014]

Remember that an answer to a main point question must do more than just be accurate - it must also reflect the overall focus of the passage. These questions often have trap answers that are arguably accurate reflections of a smaller point within the passage, but are too narrow in scope.

(D) is arguably one such trap answer. I'd actually quibble with whether the passage really indicates that the imagery use is "vivid", as most of the descriptions of the imagery describe it as "everyday", "familiar", "highly conventional", and "readily recognizable".

But even if "vivid use of imagery" were an accurate descriptor, this answer completely ignores the history of the corridos and how they function in Border communities to affirm cohesiveness. This passage isn't just an objective recitation of the elements of a corrido - it's an analysis of how the corridos use those element to serve their purpose with the Border communities. Note the last sentence of paragraph 1, where the author note the focus on local events, but then goes to emphasize that "more importantly, their heavy reliance on familiar linguistic and thematic conventions served to affirm the cohesiveness of Border communities." And again, in the final sentence of the passage, the familiar despidida helps serve the purpose of "relating an authentic Border tale".

Essentially (D) may (or may not) reflect some of the elements of the corridos, but the passage is really about why those elements are used, and how they are important in light of the purpose and function of corridos in their community.

Does that help a bit?

Got it. Thank you so much for the explanation!