Logical reasoning PrepTest 111 · Section 4 · Question 3

Incorrect. The stimulus notes that style does serve this function, but there's no indication that it's the "primary" function of style.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Facts

Question Type:
Must be True

Stimulus Summary:
Spoken word - When language is ambiguous, people use tone/gestures to understand
Written word - Author's can't use tone/gestures, instead using style (arrangement of words/sentences)

Answer Anticipation:
It's hard to anticipate a specific answer here, but the stimulus does bring up two situations where language can be ambiguous, and the different elements that listeners/readers rely on to interpret that language. That comparison will likely serve as the basis for the correct answer, but the correct answer might end up being supported by a single one of the two situations discussed. Let's stay flexible as we analyze the answers.

Answer Explanation:
The stimulus notes that "[w]riters" rely on style, which is defined as the arrangement of words and sentences. Therefore, those features of a piece of writing are used by the writer to convey intended meaning. Note that the second statement is about what writers do, allowing us to read their intent.

Key Takeaway:
Many Must be True questions are more about understanding the stimulus and analyzing the answers than anticipating something specific, so don't get hung up too much on that step of the process if there aren't statements that clearly build together to form an inference!

Incorrect. The stimulus notes that readers and listeners both use these other clues to infer meaning, but it never indicates which one has an "easier" time of it. This answer is an unwarranted comparison.

Incorrect. This answer is too extreme. While the reliance on style might lead to different interpretations, there's no way to infer that the intent will always be interpreted differently—it seems likely that at least two readers would read the same intent on at least one piece of writing!

Incorrect. Aesthetic value is unmentioned and thus out of scope. This answer is also too strong in saying that the arrangement "completely" determines anything.