Logical reasoning PrepTest 138 · Section 3 · Question 14

Incorrect. This answer suggests a reason that the recycling projects could minimize pollution, thus making the paradox worse.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Facts

Question Type:
Paradox

Stimulus Summary:
Problem - Enormous amounts of garbage are leading to environmental problems
Solution - New recycling projects to reduce amount of garbage
Paradox - That's counterproductive

Answer Anticipation:
The Mayor ties the problem to the enormous amounts of garbage that must be dealt with. However, a potential solution that reduces that amount is noted as being "counterproductive." This is an important word—it means not just that the recycling centers won't solve the problem, but it'll actually make it worse.

And this is the paradox—why is a solution that addresses the cause of the problem making that problem worse? There must be something about recycling projects that will exacerbate the environmental problems associated with the waste.

Answer Explanation:
This answer highlights a downside to the recycling projects. If they're so costly that other projects couldn't be implemented, then spending the money here might make the overall environmental problems worse.

Key Takeaway:
When a stimulus states that something is "counterproductive," that doesn't mean just that it won't work. It has to actively work against the goal. This can be key in analyzing different answer choices, so note when that language is used.

Incorrect. This answer suggests that recycling could be used to minimize the amount of trash that is incinerated, thus lowering the environmental impact. This makes the paradox worse.

Incorrect. Another positive of implementing a recycling program, thus making the paradox worse.

Incorrect. It's important to take a second to make sure you understand an answer like this. In stating that recyclers feel less justified in consuming more than they need, this answer establishes that recycling changes people's behavior in a manner that would decrease the amount of waste they create, thus suggesting recycling projects would help the environmental problems, making the paradox worse.