Logical reasoning PrepTest 131 · Section 1 · Question 13

Incorrect. This is an intermediate conclusion—it being introduced by "After all" is a key giveaway that it's supporting the previous statement, and it being followed by "for" shows that that next statement is a premise supporting it.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Valid

Question Type:
Main Point

Stimulus Summary:
An old belief is mistaken because its conclusion is impossible for a reason.

Answer Anticipation:
Don't get too wrapped up in the content of a Main Point question, especially when one has as many strong structure words as this one does!

The argument starts with the author calling a certain view a mistake. The author's opinion of an opposing point is usually a main point, so we're presented with something we should consider as a correct answer right out of the gate. This statement is followed up with a statement starting with "After all," highlighting it as a premise supporting the previous statement—more evidence it's the main point. This premise is itself supported by the next statement since that next statement starts with "for," highlighting it as reasoning for the preceding statement.

The semicolon before the last clause is essentially functioning as an "and" (semicolons normally will serve as a linker, usually "and"), showing that it serves the same function as the previous statement. So it, too, is a premise, and we're left with all the statements (even that intermediate conclusion) building to support the opening statement.

That said, we should anticipate an answer reflecting the meaning of the first statement, not the literal words. What we mean by that is that the answer might not state that an opposing view is mistaken—it might state what it means for that view to be mistaken. So on top of the conclusion as written, we should also anticipate an answer saying that natural selection won't eventually create an organism perfectly suited to its environment.

Answer Explanation:
This answer is the meaning of the main point—that the view that natural selection will lead to a perfectly adapted organism is mistaken—so it's the correct answer.

Key Takeaway:
Don't get too wrapped up in the logic or content of a Main Point question. Especially when it features a lot of strong structure words, focus on that structure instead.

Incorrect. This is a premise that builds with a separate premise to support the intermediate conclusion.

Incorrect. This answer reflects the intermediate conclusion and one of its premises.

Incorrect. This answer reflects the opposing point that the author concludes is mistaken.