Logical reasoning PrepTest 125 · Section 2 · Question 11

Incorrect. This is the opposing point—the author thinks these people are wrong.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Valid

Question Type:
Main Point

Stimulus Summary:
Despite rumors, there will be no new hardware store. Why? Because: Open hardware store → Publicize it. not Publicize it.

Answer Anticipation:
We used some conditional logic to summarize this stimulus, but there'd be no need to do that on the actual exam since we only need to find the conclusion. However, it can be helpful in seeing how the argument works, since this is an example of an application of the contrapositive of a conditional to a specific case!

That said, we can focus just on structure to arrive at the same point.

Here, the argument starts with what "recent speculation[]" has said, but then pivots to say that it's wrong. Since this opening line has a viewpoint that, in the second half, the author contradicts, this is likely the main point—the author's opinion of an opposing point is usually the conclusion of the argument.

That's backed up by the following statements supporting that conclusion, by establishing what would happen if the opposing point were true, and showing that it's not happening.

Let's find an answer stating that a hardware store will be opening in the shopping plaza.

Answer Explanation:
This answer is the conclusion, backed by a conditional rule on what would be true if one were opening, and a premise establishing that that hasn't happened.

Key Takeaway:
Don't get too wrapped up in the logic of a Main Point question if you don't have to! Use structure clues to figure out what is likely the main point, using logic to help support that determination.

Incorrect. This is the conditional premise that is then applied (in its contrapositive form) to a specific case to justify the conclusion.

Incorrect. At no point in the stimulus is opening a hardware store noted as being unwise.

Incorrect. This is the premise that triggers the contrapositive of the conditional premise, allowing the conclusion to be drawn.