Logical reasoning PrepTest 110 · Section 3 · Question 7

Incorrect. Dr. J does believe that access to these specialists will improve rural patient care, so she's committed to believing that they offer better advice at least within their specialties. Dr. C, however, doesn't discuss these specialists, so it's out of scope of his argument.

Incorrect. Both doctors seem to believe that telemedicine will be in areas other than rural areas. Dr. J says that it'll help "at least" rural areas suggesting it's possible it'll be used elsewhere. Dr. C specifically notes that this will replace doctors in urban areas. If both do have an opinion on this answer it's the same opinion.

Incorrect. They both seem to accept that it'll be widespread in the future, though they have different opinions on whether that's a good thing.

Incorrect. There's no discussion of "need" in either argument so this answer is out of scope.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument/Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed/Flawed

Question Type:
Point at Issue

Stimulus Summary:
DJ: Telemedicine will give rural patients access to specialists they'd otherwise not be able to see, so it'll help rural patients.

DC: Eventually, small hospitals will fire doctors and hire technicians, having patients "telemedicine in" to doctors elsewhere to the point where no one will actually see a doctor hurting medicine for all patients.

Answer Anticipation:
Both doctors discuss the impact of telemedicine. Dr. J believes that it'll help "at least" rural patients whereas Dr. C believes it'll cause both rural and urban patients to suffer. So the two disagree over the effect of telemedicine on rural patients.

Dr. J's argument is based on access to specialists and Dr. C doesn't dispute that there will be more access to specialists via telemedicine. Dr. C discusses what will happen in urban areas but Dr. J doesn't. These are fodder for trap answers but they're not points at issue.

Answer Explanation:
Dr. J states that telemedicine will result in "sustained improvement" in "at least rural care" committing her to agreeing with this answer ("long run" supported by "sustained"). Dr. C says that rural care will suffer "[e]ventually," disagreeing with this answer. It is therefore the point at issue between them.

Key Takeaway:
Always be sure to identify areas that both speakers discuss in Point at Issue questions. After all, something can't be a point at issue between two speakers if only one has an opinion on it!