PP1 (Shorter) Verbal Section 1 (Medium) Q10

The Right Answer

This question is an Inference Question based on the phrase "would most likely," which indicates that we're dealing with a hypothetical and something NOT explicitly stated in the passage. More specifically, it is a Block of 4 type inference question. Here's an example of how Block of 4 Inference Questions work:

  • Passage: Only hot water makes me cough less.

  • Question: It can be inferred that drinking cold water would result in which of the following:

  • Answer: The individual would continue to cough at the same rate.

Dumb example yes, but that's how these Block of 4 questions work. This question in particular is asking us about the "classical conception of free will." However, notice that the passage does not specifically tell us anything about the "classical conception." Instead, it states the following:

  • Passage evidence: "In direct contradiction of the classical conception of free will, neural preparation to move (RP) preceded conscious awareness of the intention to move (W) by hundreds of milliseconds."

So what can we infer? We just do the opposite of what the passage says. Neural preparation to move (RP) comes AFTER (not precedes) conscious awareness of the intention to move (W).

The correct answer is thus A, which states that RP is after W.

The Wrong Answers

  • B: This summarizes the new idea -- not the "classical conception." Thus, it contradicts the passage.

  • C: This says that movement (M) happens at the very beginning. Thus, it contradicts the passage.

  • D: This says that movement (M) happens in the middle. Thus, it contradicts the passage.

  • E: This says that W and M happen at the same time. This clearly contradicts the passage, which states, "As expected W preceded M."