Logical reasoning PrepTest 102 · Section 3 · Question 15

Question prompt

Because of the lucrative Remaining source text redacted.
Why the credited answer is right

Credited answer: B

The notes below walk through why it fits the stem and how to eliminate the rest.

Argument or Facts

Argument

Valid or Flawed

Flawed

Question Type

Strengthen with Necessary Premise Questions

Stimulus Summary

Problem - The rhino horn trade has led to a species being hunted nearly to extinction Solution - Trim off the horns of rhinos

Answer Anticipation

This Strengthen with Necessary Premise question is based on a common argument pattern - the Problem/Solution pattern. And it’s the basic version of it - a problem is presented, and the author puts forward a solution. When that’s the case, the argument’s flaw is generally that the solution fails to fully address the problem it’s meant to solve. So let’s look at this argument through that lens - if we trim the rhino horns, why may the rhino still be in danger? Well, we’re introducing a change, and we don’t know all the consequences of that change. Cutting the rhino horns off might end up preventing them from surviving predation, or from attracting a mate. The process itself might lead to some type of trauma! Any time a change is introduced, there’s always the possibility of unexpected outcomes. Let’s find an answer that rules out a potential outcome of cutting off the rhino horn that would prevent their survival from being ensured.

Answer choices

  1. A
    Most poachers who are Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice A is not credited
    The conclusion is about the survival of rhinos, so what happens to other animals is out of scope.
  2. B
    At least some rhinoceroses Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice B matches the stem
    This answer rules out something that could happen due to the horns being trimmed that would ensure the rhinos didn’t survive. If no rhinos who have their horns trimmed can attract a mate, then there will be no more baby rhinos, and then no more rhinos. This answer is therefore a necessary premise.
  3. C
    Poachers hunt at least Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice C is not credited
    If anything, this answer undercuts the argument by showing that poachers might still hunt the rhinos even if the recommended solution is put into place.
  4. D
    The demand for rhinoceros Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice D is not credited
    This answer is too specific in stating that the demand will remain constant - even if demand changes a bit, the solution could still work if the market no longer requires poaching.
  5. E
    Rhinoceroses whose horns have Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice E is not credited
    This answer undermines the argument by suggesting the proposed solution could lead to rhinos being preyed upon more frequently.

What this tests

Question analytics

Based on historical answer selection rates for this question.

Answer choice distribution

  1. A 21%
  2. B Credited 61%
  3. C 4%
  4. D 11%
  5. E 3%

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Discussion

  • Alternative Reason 1 reply

    Started by Raheel

  • Explain C & A 1 reply

    Started by Maria-Marin

  • B vs D 2 replies

    Started by SorooshKosha

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