Logical reasoning PrepTest 111 · Section 3 · Question 9

Question prompt

A running track with Remaining source text redacted.
Why the credited answer is right

Credited answer: C

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

Paradox Questions

Stimulus Summary

Phenomenon - A hard, dry running track allows people to run faster than a soft one
Explanation - Feet remain on the ground for less time on a hard track than a soft one

Answer Anticipation

The question stem here actually tells us quite a bit! We know that the argument features an explanation, which also tells us that we should identify the phenomenon it’s meant to explain. Additionally, it tells us that this explanation is a partial one - so it does provide an explanation, but it doesn’t cover the entire phenomenon. Since we’re trying to show that this explanation is only a partial one, we’re looking for an answer that weakens it as a complete explanation, so let’s keep that in mind.
Looking at the stimulus, we can see that the phenomenon is explained in the first half. On dry, hard surfaces, people can run faster than on soft, dry surfaces. What’s the provided explanation? That the runner’s foot is on the ground for less time on that hard surface than on a soft one. (Note that it also provides a reason to suggest that the soft surface would lead to faster run times - the longer step length - which we can ignore because that doesn’t help to support the conclusion.)
Now, remember, we’re looking for an answer that provides evidence this explanation is only a partial one, which actually changes how we should approach this question! Normally, we’d be looking to undermine this by showing that the explanation provided isn’t a true explanation. Here, however, that’s not the goal - the stem tells us that this is a part of the explanation, just not the whole thing.
So we can eliminate one common type of answer anticipation - one that calls the explanation provided into question. Instead, we should be looking for anything that says there is another factor that also contributes to an explanation. Let’s head to the answer choices and find what that other factor might be.

Answer choices

  1. A
    Dry running conditions can Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice A is not credited
    The argument applies only in dry conditions, so how frequently that obtains is out of scope.
  2. B
    In general, taller runners Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice B is not credited
    First, this answer brings up the factor that was brought up as a concession to the argument, so it doesn’t address the explanation that supported it. Second, even ignoring that, we don’t know how taller and shorter runners compare on running speed, making this comparison out of scope.
  3. C
    Hard tracks enhance a Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice C matches the stem
    This answer brings up another factor in running speed that’s better on hard tracks than soft ones. In establishing another factor, this answer suggests that the explanation provided is only part of the story, thus addressing the question stem and making this the correct answer.
  4. D
    The tracks at which Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice D is not credited
    This answer provides another factor in running speed, but not one directly related to track hardness/softness, so it’s out of scope.
  5. E
    To remain in top Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice E is not credited
    If this answer established that the soft tracks require more difficult maintenance procedures, then it might provide another factor in the superior running speed on hard surfaces (as a track that requires more maintenance is more likely to not be in top condition). Since it doesn’t do that, it’s incorrect. Even then, we’d still have to assume that a track not in top condition affects running speed - maybe the poor condition affects injury rate, but not speed!

What this tests

Question analytics

Based on historical answer selection rates for this question.

Answer choice distribution

  1. A 12%
  2. B 4%
  3. C Credited 79%
  4. D 4%
  5. E 1%

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Discussion

  • Why D instead of B? 2 replies

    Started by Williamg

  • B vs C 1 reply

    Started by Abigail-Okereke

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