Logical reasoning PrepTest 115 · Section 2 · Question 23

Incorrect. CX's conclusion is conditioned on acceptance of the need for a new generating station, so he doesn't necessarily agree that one needs to be built—just if one does, the proposed one is the option that must be accepted. CY also only discusses a plant of the type specified, so we don't know her feelings on the overall need for such a plant. As such, neither speaker has a definitive position on this answer.

Incorrect. CX discusses only an obligation to minimize electricity rates, but he doesn't state that the council lacks other responsibilities, so we don't know his opinion on this answer.

Incorrect. CY uses this as her reasoning for an implied conclusion against the specified plant, so she agrees with this answer. CX, on the other hand, doesn't discuss air quality, so this answer is out of scope of his argument.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument/Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed/Valid

Question Type:
Point at Issue

Stimulus Summary:
CX: We're obliged to get the lowest electricity rates, and the proposed plants would make that happen, so if we're approving a new plant, it must be this one.

CY: We also have to worry about quality of life, and the air quality would be lowered to the point it's not worth the cheaper rates.

Answer Anticipation:
CX and CY definitely disagree over whether the currently proposed plant must be approved. CX believes it should be, whereas CY says that the downsides outweigh the benefits.

However, we should also consider the reasoning behind these two viewpoints. CX believes that the proposed plant needs to be built—assuming that a new plant must be built—because it'll allow for the lowest electricity rates. CY doesn't disagree that it'll allow for such rates, but she brings up another consideration—how it'll affect quality of life. She views the impact of the proposed plant on air quality as outweighing the benefits of lower electricity prices.

Either the relative weighting of these two factors or the overall recommendation could lead to the correct answer, so let's head to the choices with both in mind.

Answer Explanation:
This answer reflects the overall recommendations of the two council members. CX believes that, if a new plant must be built, then it "must be the design" proposed. CY, on the other hand, believes that that type of plant's benefits are "outweighed" by the downsides, so she'd disagree with this answer. It is therefore the point at issue between them.

Key Takeaway:
You won't know if the correct answer in a Point at Issue question is going to deal with conclusions or the reasoning behind them when both are in contention, so be sure to think through both so that you're ready for either type of answer!

Incorrect. CX bases his argument on this, so he agrees with this answer. CY doesn't contest the effect of the plant on electricity rates; she just believes air quality considerations outweigh them. She therefore doesn't necessarily disagree with this answer, so it's not a point at issue between them.