Logical reasoning PrepTest 131 · Section 3 · Question 21

Incorrect. While experiments have shown that people can type faster using other configurations, that's not enough to support that most have. It's possible that it requires a solid amount of training to switch from QWERTY to another layout, and only those who stick it out manage to see the benefits of those layouts, while most quit too quickly.

Incorrect. There's no discussion of early vs. late model typewriters, so this answer is out of scope.

Incorrect. Even if they had foreseen that development, they still would have had to contend with the current models that would jam, so there's no indication they would have made a different decision as to layout. They may have prioritized solving a problem short-term versus the long-term benefits of another layout.

Incorrect. The expense is noted as being one reason the switch hasn't been made, and that cost isn't directly compared to the benefits, so there's no basis for this answer choice.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Facts

Question Type:
Must Be True

Stimulus Summary:
QWERTY keyboards were designed to slow people down so typewriters wouldn't jam. Other layouts would be better, but expense/inconvenience stops the change.

Answer Anticipation:
This stimulus is long and doesn't have statements that lend themselves to combination and inference, such as conditionals. Instead, it's describing a phenomenon, how it came about, and why it hasn't changed. These relationships are going to be important to determining an answer, but it's going to be hard to anticipate what that answer is going to look like, so we should head to the answers and work through them as soon as possible, freeing up time to compare the details back when an answer discusses topics that are in scope.

Answer Explanation:
Since the reason given for selecting the QWERTY layout was to prevent the jamming of typewriter keys, which wouldn't be a problem for computer keys. If the reason for a suboptimal decision is removed, then it's reasonable to assume that a different decision would have been made.

Key Takeaway:
In Must Be True questions that don't feature a lot of clear overlapping statements that can lead to inferences, head to the answer choices as soon as possible because anticipations are going to be difficult and you'll want more time to consider the answers.