Logical reasoning PrepTest 106 · Section 2 · Question 17

Question prompt

Using fossil energy more Remaining source text redacted.
Why the credited answer is right

Credited answer: E

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

Weaken Questions

Stimulus Summary

Major efficiency improvements in the use of fossil fuels are unlikely without the government stepping in. Objection - Such decisions are better left to the market.

Answer Anticipation

The question stem here asks us to undermine the objection. However, that objection doesn’t really have much meat to it - it just states that decisions about energy use are best left to the market. No reasons for that recommendation, just a recommendation. Since we’re flying in blind, we actually have quite a lot of space to work! Any reason that calls into question the ability of the market to make good decisions about energy use (specifically, the use of fossil fuels, as brought up by the rest of the stimulus) will weaken the objection. We don’t have anything that lets us get more specific than that, so let’s head to the answer choices to see what we can find.

Answer choices

  1. A
    It would be unrealistic Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice A is not credited
    This answer doesn’t indicate who would best make the changes in an order that makes sense, so it doesn’t speak to the government versus the market.
  2. B
    There are products, such Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice B is not credited
    This answer suggests that people would become aware of energy inefficiency in certain items that they purchase. If that’s the case, then the market might be able to solve the problem, as people stop buying those inefficient items. This answer is too limited to affect the objection, but inasmuch as it does, it leans in the direction of the market.
  3. C
    Whenever a new mode Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice C is not credited
    There’s no indication as to whether the government or the market is better set up to create these support systems, so this answer is neutral to the objection.
  4. D
    When energy prices rise, Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice D is not credited
    This answer suggests that the market could lead to more efficient use of energy, aligning with the objective.
  5. E
    Often the purchaser of Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice E matches the stem
    This answer suggests that buying decisions for items that use energy are made by people who don’t pay for the energy. If that’s the case, then the market wouldn’t push for more efficient energy use, and the objection that the market can address this problem is undermined. This answer is therefore correct.

What this tests

Question analytics

Based on historical answer selection rates for this question.

Answer choice distribution

  1. A 15%
  2. B 7%
  3. C 9%
  4. D 7%
  5. E Credited 62%

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Discussion

  • Question 3 replies

    Started by meisen

  • Correct answer 1 reply

    Started by melissahamilton316

  • C 1 reply

    Started by tomgbean

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