Text 1: Music critic Helena Ross celebrates streaming platforms. "Streaming democratized music access," Ross writes. "Listeners discover artists they'd never encounter otherwise, and independent musicians can reach global audiences without record label gatekeepers. The diversity of available music has never been greater."
Text 2: Musician Carlos Mendez critiques the streaming economy. "While streaming offers exposure, it pays artists fractions of a cent per play," Mendez argues. "Only superstars profit; independent artists can't sustain careers on streaming revenue alone. The 'democratization' benefits platforms and consumers, not creators."
How would Mendez (Text 2) most likely characterize Ross's view of streaming in Text 1?
As accurate regarding accessibility but incomplete regarding artist compensation
As fundamentally misunderstanding how the music industry operates
As biased in favor of record label interests
As based on outdated information about streaming technology
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the correct answer. Mendez doesn't deny streaming's accessibility benefits ("streaming offers exposure") but emphasizes what Ross overlooks—that artists can't survive on streaming income.
- Evidence: Mendez acknowledges exposure while criticizing insufficient payment.
- Reasoning: He challenges completeness, not accuracy, of Ross's positive framing.
- Conclusion: Ross's view is correct but doesn't account for the economic reality.
Choice B is incorrect because Mendez doesn't claim Ross fundamentally misunderstands. Choice C is incorrect because Ross criticizes gatekeepers, not supports them. Choice D is incorrect because technology accuracy isn't questioned.