Alright, so we are looking for the main point of the passage.
The passage is concerned with conservation needs of different species, specifically the bald eagle. Why specifically the bald eagle? Well, we know that the bald eagle has "the unique capacity to inspire people or foster in them a sympathetic attitude toward the needs of other threatened species." The passage states that without the sympathy and the political will that the bald eagle engenders, the needs of the other (more obscure) species will go unmet. The passage then concludes from this that "the needs of many obscure species can only be met by beginning with the conservation of this symbolic species, the bald eagle."
Thus, the main point of the passage is the last sentence: "The conservation needs of many obscure species can only be met by beginning with the conservation of this symbolic species, the bald eagle,", i.e. answer choice (B).
Answer choice (C) states: "Without increased public sympathy for conservation, the needs of many symbolic species will go unmet."
The point of the passage is clearly to explain that the conservation of the bald eagle is integral in conserving other endangered species. Answer choice (C) does not touch upon the bald eagle, which is a material part of the main point.
Hope that was helpful! Please let us know if you have any other questions!
PhilidjelOctober 2, 2015
Why is C wrong? Is it because of the words 'obscure' and 'symbolic' ?
NazOctober 2, 2015
Please refer to the thread above for a complete explanation.
PhilidjelOctober 7, 2015
Ok. But can we call the sentence prior to the conclusion a subsidiary conclusion?
NazOctober 15, 2015
Yes that is fine. But that doesn't change the fact that it is not the conclusion of the argument.
luisbearJanuary 2, 2018
can you explain why it is not E.
MehranJanuary 12, 2018
Hi @luisbear, thanks for your post. Although (E) is textually supported, it is not the main point of the stimulus as a whole. You are told, it is true, that bald eagles "have the unique capacity to inspire people and foster in them a sympathetic attitude toward the needs of other threatened species," but the reason you are told this is to support the ultimate conclusion, i.e., that "the conservation needs of many obscure species can only be met by beginning with the conservation of this symbolic species, the bald eagle." This is why (B) is correct, and (E) is incorrect.
