Logical reasoning PrepTest 135 · Section 1 · Question 9

Question prompt

Some paleontologists have suggested Remaining source text redacted.
Why the credited answer is right

Credited answer: C

The notes below walk through why it fits the stem and how to eliminate the rest.

Argument or Facts

Argument

Valid or Flawed

Valid

Question Type

Main Point Questions

Stimulus Summary

Some paleontologists - Apatosaurus could gallop
Rebuttal - Experiments show it would have broken its bones
Conclusion - It’s unlikely the Apatosaurus galloped

Answer Anticipation

The argument starts with a belief of “[s]ome paleontologists,” phrasing that almost always leads to an opposing point. That’s proven to be the case when the author pivots (“however”) to a judgment on their conclusion - it’s “unlikely.” The rest of the argument describes an experiment, which is going to be support for that previous statement. So the correct answer will state that the conclusion of some paleontologists is unlikely true - in other words, Apatosaurus likely couldn’t gallop.

Answer choices

  1. A
    Galloping would probably have Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice A is not credited
    This might be the conclusion of the experiment, but those results were used to draw a judgment on the conclusion drawn by some paleontologists.
  2. B
    It is possible to Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice B is not credited
    This is a necessary assumption of the experiment, but not the main point of the argument (or even something explicitly stated).
  3. C
    The claim of paleontologists Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice C matches the stem
    This answer reflects the author’s opinion of the opposing point, backed up by experimental results, so this is the correct answer.
  4. D
    If galloping would have Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice D is not credited
    Another necessary assumption for the argument, so it can’t be the main point.
  5. E
    Modern bones are quite Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice E is not credited
    Yet another necessary assumption for the argument. This must be a record!

What this tests

Question analytics

Based on historical answer selection rates for this question.

Answer choice distribution

  1. A 10%
  2. B 4%
  3. C Credited 83%
  4. D 3%
  5. E 0%

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Discussion

  • Why C? 1 reply

    Started by mbarnett1

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