Logical reasoning PrepTest 138 · Section 2 · Question 3

Incorrect. Since this is about the surface of Venus, it doesn't explain how heat is expelled from the core.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Facts

Question Type:
Paradox

Stimulus Summary:
E/V similarities - Hot molten core that must expel heat
E/V differences - Earth expels the heat through volcanoes and fissures, neither of which Venus has

Answer Anticipation:
This stimulus is all about the comparison between Earth and Venus. The two planets are similar in that they both have a hot core that "must" expel the heat. However, they're different in that Earth expels the heat through two mechanisms that aren't present on Venus. Since it's been noted that Venus "must" expel that heat, it must have some way of doing it other than the mechanisms present on Earth—so let's find an answer that explains how the heat is expelled on that planet.

Answer Explanation:
This answer describes a mechanism by which Venusian heat is expelled—it radiates into space through the surface. By explaining this mechanism, this answer resolves the paradox.

Key Takeaway:
When similarities and differences are noted in the stimulus of a Paradox question, make sure you understand them and see how they create a situation that needs resolution. Usually, the stimulus will jump from a noted similarity to an unexpected difference (as here), or vice versa.

Incorrect. But how does the heat get expelled, especially during a peak of heat? This answer fails to answer that question, so it doesn't resolve the paradox.

Incorrect. This surface movement isn't noted as helping to dissipate heat, so this answer doesn't provide an explanation for how Venus's core expels the heat it generates.

Incorrect. There's no indication this heat is coming from the core, so this doesn't get at the paradox in the stimulus.