Logical reasoning PrepTest 130 · Section 4 · Question 7

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Facts

Question Type:
Paradox

Stimulus Summary:
Best way to make popcorn—Dry the kernels in the field by the sun
Farmer's method—Dry them in a warm, dry room

Answer Anticipation:
The Farmer notes what the best method to make popcorn is, but she then goes on to state that she uses a different method to dry the kernels. In order to resolve this paradox, we need an answer that explains why she can't use the best method, or why the alternative (inferior) method works better for her.

Answer Explanation:
This answer highlights that the best method isn't available to the farmer—the sun is blocked by clouds when the popcorn would start to dry, and thus it wouldn't reliably dry at the right speed. If that's the case, then it explains why she needed to find an alternative method.

Key Takeaway:
When one method is used over another, there must be a reason for it—especially when the chosen method is inferior to another option. Either the better option must be unavailable, or the alternative must be preferable for some reason other than it's overall quality.

Incorrect. If the best method is also the cheapest, then it's even more confounding why this farmer would choose to use a different method!

Incorrect. While this answer establishes that there are multiple methods to make popcorn, it doesn't explain why a farmer would choose to use a method other than the best one.

Incorrect. This may explain why a less-than-optimal method still results in poppable popcorn, but it doesn't explain why someone would use that less-than-optimal method instead of the best one.

Incorrect. Ruining popcorn is out of scope of this argument about two methods that create good popcorn.