Logical reasoning PrepTest 138 · Section 2 · Question 19

Incorrect. This answer reflects the last statement of the argument, which was a premise supporting the prediction in the first sentence.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Main Point

Stimulus Summary:
Devices can compute a lot, but the current focus will lead to machines without emotional/noncognitive thought, so this research won't yield a truly intelligent device.

Answer Anticipation:
This argument features an interesting use of a pivot keyword ("but"). Pivots usually highlight a shift from an opposing point to the author's argument, but this one functions a bit differently. Let's dig in to see how this is structured!

The stimulus starts with a prediction—research into AI won't lead to true intelligence without a change in focus. Predictions tend to be conclusions, so we have a candidate for main point right off the bat.

The next sentence includes the pivot, but it starts out with a statement that doesn't have a structure keyword. And, as far as the content is concerned, it seems to cut against the first statement—this brings up something that the author believes devices are capable of, which certainly doesn't support a conclusion that devices aren't capable of something. This isn't an opposing point, though, as it's something the author has established. So this must be a concession the author is making, and this pivot is from a concession back to the original point.

That the pivot is back to the original point is highlighted by the content—it overlaps with that first statement in talking about the present focus on research, and how it will lead to devices that will lack key features of what the author of the argument believes is true intelligence (emotional and noncognitive responses). By highlighting the features that the current research's focus lacks but are necessary for the development of true intelligence, this statement supports that first sentence, making it the main point.

Answer Explanation:
This answer reflects the first sentence, which is supported by the ending statement, making it the main point.

Key Takeaway:
Predictions tend to be conclusions.Also, pivots are generally from an opposing point to the author's argument, but they can also pivot "within" the author's argument from a concession (fact that would seem to support an opposing point) to facts that support the conclusion.

Incorrect. The argument is about what will happen, not what is currently true, so this answer is an implication of the argument but not directly stated.

Incorrect. This answer is an assumption of the argument, so it's not the main point.

Incorrect. This answer is, similarly, an assumption of the argument.