Logical reasoning PrepTest 123 · Section 2 · Question 12

Question prompt

Suppose I have promised Remaining source text redacted.
Why the credited answer is right

Credited answer: A

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

Argument or Facts

Argument

Valid or Flawed

Valid

Question Type

Parallel Reasoning Questions / Sufficient & Necessary Questions

Stimulus Summary

Hypothetical: Someone has promised to keep a secret, and they're asked a question that requires them to reveal that secret to answer truthfully. They can't answer truthfully and keep the secret/promise, so it can't be true that people have an obligation to both be truthful and keep all promises.

Answer Anticipation

This entire argument is about setting up a situation where there are two mutually exclusive actions, and then the author points out that they're mutually exclusive. The correct answer will do the same thing.

Answer choices

  1. A
    It is claimed that Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice A matches the stem

    (A) Does this weaken the belief that people move to the suburbs because they want the freedom and lifestyle associated with cars?

    No. If anything, this calls the viewpoint of the New Urbanists into question by suggesting that urban centers involve more time spent traveling between tasks. It doesn't directly undermine their argument since this time might be spent getting to know members of the community, but it's certainly aligned more against their viewpoint than that of their critics.

  2. B
    Some politicians could attain Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice B is not credited

    (A) Is this consistent with the changes proposed by the New Urbanists?

    The New Urbanists do say that traffic leads to zoning laws that separate housing from stores/businesses/schools (P1, S3). However, this answer goes too far in saying that, with the changes the New Urbanists recommend implemented, there would be no need for zoning laws to help regulate traffic. Surely, even in the neighborhoods described, there'd have to be some limitations on traffic patterns to keep traffic flowing and pedestrians safe!

  3. C
    If we put a Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice C is not credited

    (A) Does this connect economic segregation and driving to a lack of civility and respect?

    Not exactly, but it does address an aspect of the New Urbanists' argument: economic segregation. So, let's dive into this answer choice to see if they believe it's true.

    The New Urbanists argue that suburban housing is built in a way that results in "de facto economic segregation" because houses in different areas are identical in cost (P2, S1). That assumes that the cost of housing perfectly reflects people's economic situation. This answer choice must be true for that to be the case.

    If most people who move to the suburbs could afford a more expensive house, then they'd be living among some people who bought a house in the suburbs that was the most expensive one they could afford. That would mean the 'burbs feature people living together who have different levels of wealth, undercutting the New Urbanist's argument that the suburbs feature de facto economic segregation. This answer is, therefore, correct. We’d be justified in selecting it and wrapping up this passage.

  4. D
    If creditors have legitimate Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice D is not credited
    Incorrect. The two options in the conclusion here aren't mutually exclusive—they're just set up so that at least one of them can be true. For mutually exclusive options, at most one can be true. This answer is the opposite of what we're looking for.
  5. E
    If we extend our Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice E is not credited
    Incorrect. While this argument does present several options that won't work, those options aren't mutually exclusive. Instead, they're options that can't be taken because of a third consideration. That's a different structure than the stimulus, so we can rule this answer choice out.

What this tests

Question analytics

Based on historical answer selection rates for this question.

Answer choice distribution

  1. A Credited 77%
  2. B 8%
  3. C 7%
  4. D 4%
  5. E 4%

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Discussion

  • Answer A 2 replies

    Started by Melody

  • Ans Choice E 3 replies

    Started by ankita96

  • Answer Explanation 1 reply

    Started by Julie-V

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