Logical reasoning PrepTest 107 · Section 4 · Question 2

Question prompt

Economist: To the extent Remaining source text redacted.
Why the credited answer is right

Credited answer: A

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

Argument Structure Questions

Stimulus Summary

We shouldn’t consider profit motive a problem with homelessness, as far as availability is concerned, because investors like money.

Answer Anticipation

As we’re reading through an Argument Structure question, we should be even more focused on defining the role of each statement.
Here, the statement in question is the first half of the first sentence. Since that sentence is a “should” sentence, there’s a good chance that it’s the main point of the argument. And an introductory clause to a conclusion that talks about the conditions under which it applies (“To the extent”) makes this a conditional or qualified conclusion.
From there, the argument goes on to suggest why profit motive isn’t at fault. None of the following statements have language suggesting that they’re conclusions - instead, they talk about why profitability isn’t an issue in providing housing, to an extent.
So the statement in question is one that qualifies the conclusion as only applying to a discussion of homelessness due to a lack of available housing. Let’s find an answer reflecting that.

Answer choices

  1. A
    It limits the application Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice A matches the stem
    The Economist is discussing homelessness, but only “to the extent” that it’s because of a lack of available housing. Homelessness that’s the result of other causes is explicitly out of scope of the argument she’s making. This qualification on the conclusion is reflected in this answer, making it correct.
  2. B
    It suggests that the Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice B is not credited
    There’s no language here suggesting the Economist views a lack of available housing as the primary cause of homelessness, just one contributing factor that her argument is limited to discussing.
  3. C
    It is offered as Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice C is not credited
    It’s a part of the conclusion - one which qualifies the scope of it.
  4. D
    It expresses the conclusion Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice D is not credited
    Close! However, it’s the second half of this sentence that serves as the content of the conclusion that’s being supported. This opening clause only limits the scope of it.
  5. E
    It suggests a possible Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice E is not credited
    If anything, it suggests a possible cause of homelessness - lack of available housing.

What this tests

Question analytics

Based on historical answer selection rates for this question.

Answer choice distribution

  1. A Credited 81%
  2. B 6%
  3. C 5%
  4. D 7%
  5. E 2%

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