Logical reasoning PrepTest 124 · Section 1 · Question 5

Incorrect. This answer ignores that this scientific innovation is creating a problem, not just failing to solve one.

Incorrect. The author never judges what should be done with this information, so this answer is out of scope.

Incorrect. This answer is way too broad in bringing up "[e]very enhancement" of quality of life, since the stimulus only discusses one such example. Additionally, the stimulus notes that the problem is "potentially" devastating, not "unavoidably" devastating.

Incorrect. This answer is too broad in discussing "[a]ll social institutions." At most, it discusses one (social welfare programs) or two (the medical establishment).

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Facts

Question Type:
Illustration

Stimulus Summary:
Medicine is letting people live longer, which is putting a strain on social welfare programs.

Answer Anticipation:
The correct answer here should feature a generalization that encompasses the situation in the stimulus.

There, a positive and negative of something are discussed. Modern medicine has a benefit—longer and pain-free lives. Modern medicine has a downside—more expensive social welfare programs—to the point that they could be "devastating" financially.

The correct answer will likely highlight that some changes/advancements have both positives and negatives. Be careful about any one that suggests the pros outweigh the cons or, more likely, vice versa. The stimulus doesn't state whether, on net, this is a good or bad thing. And even though it starts with the pro and pivots to the con, that doesn't mean the author sides with the con.

Answer Explanation:
This answer highlights the stimulus's discussion of a pro and con of a certain development. In solving the health problems that have allowed for a longer, more pain-free life, medicine has also created financial problems. This answer is also very weak ("can"), highlighting that there's only a single example in the stimulus.

Key Takeaway:
For these Illustration questions, be sure to note how broad the stimulus is. When there's only one example in the stimulus, the correct answer will necessarily be more limited since broad generalizations can't be supported by a single instance. That's why the answer here about what "can" happen was so appealing.