Logical reasoning PrepTest 113 · Section 4 · Question 24

Question prompt

Robert: Speed limits on Remaining source text redacted.
Why the credited answer is right

Credited answer: B

The notes below walk through why it fits the stem and how to eliminate the rest.

Argument or Facts

Argument/Argument

Valid or Flawed

Flawed/Flawed

Question Type

Methods of Reasoning Questions

Stimulus Summary

R: Problem - Drivers ignore speed limits and endanger pedestrians, and there aren’t enough police to enforce the limits
Solution - Install speed bumps in areas where there are pedestrians
S: Hitting a speed bump at too high a speed is dangerous, so that’s a bad idea

Answer Anticipation

This question asks us to describe the “relationship” of Sheila’s statement to Robert’s. In general, the second speaker will rebut the first speaker (though there are exceptions - especially when the second speaker agrees with the conclusion but for different reasons). That is the case here, where Sheila starts by calling Robert’s conclusion a “bad idea.”
How does she support that view of Robert’s solution to the problem? She doesn’t question whether the problem exists, or that a certain solution (more enforcement of speed limits) isn’t possible.
Instead, she focuses on his solution, showing that it would itself create problems. Let’s find an answer reflecting that.
Note that these arguments fall into a common argument pattern - the problem/solution pattern. As such, there’s a good chance that the language in the correct answer will reflect that. Sheila’s argument is a common variation on the problem/solution pattern - she points out a problem with a solution.

Answer choices

  1. A
    raises the objection that Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice A is not credited
    Sheila doesn’t say anything about how big of a problem speeding is, or pedestrians being endangered by speeders. While Robert must believe that his solution poses fewer issues than the underlying problem, that doesn’t mean that Sheila thinks the underlying problem is any less serious - she could think that the downsides of his solution are more problematic than he does!
  2. B
    argues that the solution Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice B matches the stem
    Sheila brings up a problem with Robert’s solution. He advocates speed bumps to stop speeding cars from endangering pedestrians. She brings up the danger posed by speeders hitting speed bumps. This answer encapsulates that.
  3. C
    defends an alternative course Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice C is not credited
    Sheila doesn’t bring up any alternative solution.
  4. D
    concedes that the solution Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice D is not credited
    Sheila thinks Robert’s solution is a “bad idea,” so she doesn’t concede that his solution would be effective.
  5. E
    charges that Robert's proposal Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice E is not credited
    This answer is too specific. Sheila believes that there is a big downside to Robert’s proposal, but there’s no indication if she believes it will mean that the danger level to pedestrians is the same as before. In fact, with her believing his solution is a bad idea, she may even believe it’ll make the problem worse.

What this tests

Question analytics

Based on historical answer selection rates for this question.

Answer choice distribution

  1. A 5%
  2. B Credited 88%
  3. C 3%
  4. D 1%
  5. E 3%

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