Question

Journalist: Can you give me a summary of the novel you are working on? Novelist: Well, I assume that by "summary" you mean something brief and not a version of the novel itself. The reason I write novels is that what I want to communicate can be communicated only in the form of a novel. So I am afraid I cannot summarize my novel for you in a way that would tell you what I am trying to communicate with this novel. Which one of the following exhibits a pattern of reasoning that is most parallel to that used by the novelist? (A) Only if a drawing can be used as a guide by the builder can it be considered a blueprint. This drawing of the proposed building can be used as a guide by the builder, so it can be considered a blueprint. (B) Only a statement that does not divulge company secrets can be used as a press release. This statement does not divulge company secrets, but it is uninformative and therefore cannot be used as a press release. (C) Watching a travelog is not the same as traveling. But a travelog confers some of the benefits of travel without the hardships of travel. So many people just watch travelogs and do not undergo the hardships of travel. (D) Only a three-dimensional representation of a landscape can convey the experience of being in that landscape. A photograph taken with a traditional camera is not three-dimensional. Therefore a photograph taken with a traditional camera can never convey the experience of being in a landscape. (E) A banquet menu foretells the content of a meal, but some people collect menus in order to remind themselves of great meals they have eaten. Thus a banquet menu has a function not only before, but also after, a meal has been served.

Short answer

Option (D) due to form necessity parallelism.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Novelist's Reasoning

The novelist suggests that their novels cannot be summarized because what they intend to communicate can only be expressed in the form of a novel itself. Hence, any form of summarization would fail to capture their intended message.

Identify Requirements for Parallel Reasoning

To find a reasoning pattern similar to the novelist's, we are looking for an answer choice where effective communication or representation of an idea requires a specific format or medium, and that any different format or medium would fail to capture the essence fully.

Analyze Option (A)

Option (A) talks about a drawing being considered a blueprint only if it can be used as a guide by the builder. This does not match the reasoning pattern because it talks about practical functionality rather than necessity of form for communication.

Analyze Option (B)

Option (B) involves the non-disclosure of company secrets for a statement to qualify as a press release. The reason provided is related to content security, not about form or medium of communication like in the novelist's reasoning.

Analyze Option (C)

Option (C) contrasts watching a travelog with actually traveling. While it explains the benefits of travelogs, it does not argue that travelogs are necessary for communication. Hence, this option does not match the reasoning pattern.

Analyze Option (D)

Option (D) states that only three-dimensional representations can convey the experience of being in a landscape. A two-dimensional photograph cannot fulfill this role. This mirrors the novelist's idea that only the novel form can communicate their intended message.

Analyze Option (E)

Option (E) discusses the function of a banquet menu both before and after a meal. This is about dual functionality rather than communication necessity, so it differs from the novelist's reasoning pattern.

Key concepts

Analytical Thinking

Analytical thinking is a critical skill when tackling logical reasoning exercises like the one presented here. It involves systematically breaking down complex problems to understand the underlying structures and relationships. The goal is to identify patterns and connections that might not be immediately obvious.

In the given exercise, we're looking at how the novelist articulates their inability to provide a summary. This involves identifying the reasoning structure which suggests that a novel's complexity and intended message can only be communicated through its complete narrative form. Analytical thinking helps us decipher that main point: the necessity of a specific format for conveying an idea.

Using analytical thinking, you examine each answer choice to see if it aligns with this reasoning pattern. This breaks down into steps: define the original argument, understand the core of its reasoning, and then apply this understanding to evaluate the choices. Sharpening this skill is crucial not only for test prep but also for understanding the nuances in everyday problem-solving.

Reasoning Patterns

Recognizing reasoning patterns is akin to spotting the blueprint behind an argument. It's about understanding how different pieces of information are interconnected to form a cohesive argument.

In this exercise, the novelist's reasoning follows a specific pattern: the necessity of a particular medium to fully convey a message. This same structure can be applied to other scenarios where the form is indispensable for true representation or communication.

Option (D) resonates with the pattern because it claims only a three-dimensional medium can convey a landscape's experience perfectly. The task is to identify the equivalence in the logic or argument structure, not just the content. By systematically analyzing the options, we unearth the parallels in reasoning that enhance our understanding of logical statements.

LSAT Preparation

Preparing for the LSAT involves mastering logical reasoning, which is a core component of the test. Exercises like this one are typical of the questions you might encounter, designed to assess your ability to analyze, compare, and evaluate arguments effectively.

Here, you need to determine which option reflects the same reasoning structure as the reasoning in the initial exchange about novel summarization. This requires attention to detail and an understanding of how arguments are constructed.

LSAT preparation includes practicing these types of problems, developing strategies for identifying key reasoning patterns, and honing analytical skills to swiftly and accurately deduce the correct answers. Building a strong foundation in recognizing argument patterns not only aids in reasoning sections but also benefits overall performance on the test. Regular practice, reviewing solutions, and understanding the logic behind correct answers are essential steps in your LSAT prep journey.