Logical reasoning PrepTest 122 · Section 1 · Question 6

Incorrect. What has resulted in the parents using directed learning is out of scope of the argument, which only cares about whether it'll work.

Incorrect. First, if anything, this answer is more aligned with the parents directing learning. That said, there's no indication that parents can't help guide children through general learning opportunities provided by the world.

Incorrect. This answer undercuts the argument by suggesting that the disfavored method actually contributes positively to the favored method of Patti.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Strengthen with Necessary Premise

Stimulus Summary:
Goal — Get preschoolers to learn as much as possible
Approach 1 — Direct their learning
Approach 2 — Use their natural curiosity to have them grow and adapt to the world and provide general opportunities to learn
Conclusion — Approach 1 is unlikely to improve preschool education

Answer Anticipation:
Patti brings up a goal before discussing two methods of working towards that goal. She suggests that the latter is more natural, and thus states that the former is unlikely to work.

However, there is a big issue there: these methods aren't necessarily mutually exclusive—it's possible that they can work together to enhance learning more than either could individually. Even if directed learning doesn't work as well as providing general learning opportunities, it could be the case that the two in concert results in the best learning. Patti is assuming that you have to pick one or the other, when it's possible that both could be used. The correct answer, therefore, should deal with this split.

Answer Explanation:
This answer highlights the assumption made by Patti—that the two methods don't overlap. If directed learning is a necessary part of the type of learning Patti believes is superior, then her conclusion that it won't result in an improvement to preschool education falls apart. This answer is thus necessary for the argument to work and is therefore correct.

Key Takeaway:
Viewing this argument through the lens of presenting two approaches to reaching the same goal is very helpful in seeing that the argument is treating them as mutually exclusive. Definitely identify this type of argument when it's present and use it to guide your understanding of the question!

Incorrect. This argument discusses preschool education—education that happens before (pre—) school—so formal education (i.e., school) is out of scope.