Q6

[clarafok]

Hello,

Can someone please explain to me why the answer for #6 is E? Which 'generalization' is it supporting?

Thanks!

[bbirdwell]

The paragraph opens with a big idea (generalization):

"[Kahlo used Aztec images] to speak... to the Mexican struggle to emerge as a nation..."

And then supports this with an example:
"Self-Portrait on the Border between Mexico and the United States."

When the question asks about organization, look at the structure of the paragraph, not the content, just as you would analyze an argument on the logical reasoning section. This will help you to avoid trap choices like A and B.

[clarafok]

thanks!

[skapur777]

I have severe problems with 'organization' questions. Is A incorrect because it only gets the later part of the paragraph right but misses out on the generalization in the beginning?

[bbirdwell]

I don't think (A) relates at all to the structure of the paragraph. The painting mentioned in the paragraph seems to contain some contrasting ideas, but the paragraph as a whole is not about "opposing ideas" -- it's about how Frida Kahlo uses images to talk about Mexico.

[alovitt]

What is wrong with C for this one?

[timmydoeslsat]

Not to be too simplistic, but there is no interrelation of complementary themes going on in the structure of the third paragraph. We are told what Kahlo did in her paintings and then an example is provided. If anything, this would be simply one theme.

I think the test writers wanted to play on this idea of life and death in Kahlo's paintings. Like Brian said above, treat these questions as you would an LR question of structure. The structure of this paragraph has nothing to do with what Kahlo painted.

[alovitt]

I should have been a little clearer. The interrelation of complementary themes I thought were the "Aztec symbols... that were traditionally related to the emanation of life from death and light from darkness." How are these not themes? The paragraph even concludes with "emphasize the interrelation of life, death..." Since C is wrong it is obviously playing on some sort of trick, but I also don't see what the trick is here.

[bbirdwell]

I think the "trick" you are looking for might be in the question stem itself.

(C) might be a better answer for a question that said "What is the theme of paragraph 3?" or "What is one aspect of Kahlo's paintings that the author makes reference to?"

But this question is about organization, which, on the LSAT, intimately relates to function. How is the paragraph laid out, from beginning to end, how does it accomplish what it is designed to accomplish?

Yes, it is designed to impart the complementary aspects of Kahlo's work, and it is organized by making that general statement and then following up with the complementary aspects of a single painting.

[alovitt]

Thank you for following up! That makes sense. Would you say that I should always approach "organization" questions in abstract terms? And perhaps think of it as more of a purpose question?

[bbirdwell]

I'd say that sounds like a great place to start, though I'm hesitant to say "always" do anything on this test. That said, structure is generally more important than "content" throughout the LSAT, so beyond this particular question type, it's a great mindset to adopt.

[lolitatrekkie]

As I got to this question I was stuck between D and E and ended up picking D instead of the correct answer E. Can anyone explain why D is wrong?

I think I got confused with the wording of answer choice D and thought that the third paragraph was further explaining and exemplifying the theme of Mexican nationalism.


Thanks!

[episcopoandrew]

As I got to this question I was stuck between D and E and ended up picking D instead of the correct answer E. Can anyone explain why D is wrong?

I think I got confused with the wording of answer choice D and thought that the third paragraph was further explaining and exemplifying the theme of Mexican nationalism.


Thanks!

I think D's wrong because the paragraph isn't talking about consequences of Kahlo's beliefs. Here's what I got as the structure of the passage. The first paragraph of the passage sets up that we're going to talk about Kahlo's political beliefs as scholars haven't focused on them too much. The second paragraph talks about what her political beliefs were, Marxism, Mexicanidad, etc. The third paragraph provides examples like paintings and Aztec imagery to show how she conveyed her beliefs in her paintings. The final paragraph also talks about her imagery and the purposes behind her imagery, including her beliefs about economic development and trying to be understood.