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- Wed May 17, 2017 2:42 pm
#34974
Complete Question Explanation
(See the complete passage discussion here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=14154)
The correct answer choice is (B)
To answer this Parallel question correctly, we need to attain a more abstract understanding of
the relationship between primary and secondary substances. From the first paragraph, we know
that primary substances are essential for growth and are found in all plants, whereas secondary
substances give plants their distinctive tastes and smells. Later, we learn that these tastes and
smells play a vital role by either attracting or repelling insects. Using the Test of Abstraction from
Parallel Reasoning questions, we can formulate a suitable prephrase: the correct answer choice must
describe a relationship between two components of the same entity, one of which is essential for
the entity to function or survive, whereas the other performs the important, but non-essential role of
distinguishing it from other entities.
Answer choice (A): Although the electrical power’s essential function in hospitals parallels that of
primary substances in plants, the function of back-up generators does not match that of secondary
substances. There is never an instance whereby primary substances are “unavailable” so that
secondary substances can “kick in.”
Answer choice (B): This is the correct answer choice. Engines and other mechanical components
in automobiles perform the same essential function as primary substances do in plants. Paint and
taillights, on the other hand, give a car its distinctive look: just like secondary substances give plants
their unique tastes and smells. The parallel goes further: in both plants and cars, having a distinctive
look confers certain advantages: in plants, it serves to either attract or repel insects, whereas in cars
it prevents rust and improves safety. This answer choice describes a relationship that is directly
analogous to the relationship between plants and their primary and secondary substances, and is
therefore correct.
Answer choice (C): This is a half-right, half-wrong answer choice. Although the gears and rotors
in clothing factories do parallel the essential function of primary substances in plants, the role
played by the electrical components is to supply the power needed to run those factories. Secondary
substances, by contrast, do not supply the nutrients needed for the plants to grow: they only give
plants their distinctive tastes and smells.
Answer choice (D): This answer choice describes two parts of an entity working simultaneously
and synergistically to decelerate and stop a moving train. No analogous relationship can be deduced
regarding primary and secondary substances in plants, as neither substance exerts pressure on the
other.
Answer choice (E): This answer choice describes two storage systems for computer word processing
programs: internal memory (hard drives) and external discs. The relationship between these systems
has little in common with the relationship between primary and secondary substances in plants.
(See the complete passage discussion here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=14154)
The correct answer choice is (B)
To answer this Parallel question correctly, we need to attain a more abstract understanding of
the relationship between primary and secondary substances. From the first paragraph, we know
that primary substances are essential for growth and are found in all plants, whereas secondary
substances give plants their distinctive tastes and smells. Later, we learn that these tastes and
smells play a vital role by either attracting or repelling insects. Using the Test of Abstraction from
Parallel Reasoning questions, we can formulate a suitable prephrase: the correct answer choice must
describe a relationship between two components of the same entity, one of which is essential for
the entity to function or survive, whereas the other performs the important, but non-essential role of
distinguishing it from other entities.
Answer choice (A): Although the electrical power’s essential function in hospitals parallels that of
primary substances in plants, the function of back-up generators does not match that of secondary
substances. There is never an instance whereby primary substances are “unavailable” so that
secondary substances can “kick in.”
Answer choice (B): This is the correct answer choice. Engines and other mechanical components
in automobiles perform the same essential function as primary substances do in plants. Paint and
taillights, on the other hand, give a car its distinctive look: just like secondary substances give plants
their unique tastes and smells. The parallel goes further: in both plants and cars, having a distinctive
look confers certain advantages: in plants, it serves to either attract or repel insects, whereas in cars
it prevents rust and improves safety. This answer choice describes a relationship that is directly
analogous to the relationship between plants and their primary and secondary substances, and is
therefore correct.
Answer choice (C): This is a half-right, half-wrong answer choice. Although the gears and rotors
in clothing factories do parallel the essential function of primary substances in plants, the role
played by the electrical components is to supply the power needed to run those factories. Secondary
substances, by contrast, do not supply the nutrients needed for the plants to grow: they only give
plants their distinctive tastes and smells.
Answer choice (D): This answer choice describes two parts of an entity working simultaneously
and synergistically to decelerate and stop a moving train. No analogous relationship can be deduced
regarding primary and secondary substances in plants, as neither substance exerts pressure on the
other.
Answer choice (E): This answer choice describes two storage systems for computer word processing
programs: internal memory (hard drives) and external discs. The relationship between these systems
has little in common with the relationship between primary and secondary substances in plants.