Logical reasoning PrepTest 138 · Section 3 · Question 22

Incorrect. This argument has a qualified conclusion ("if cost is our greatest concern"), which doesn't match with the stimulus. There, the conclusion was unqualified ("we should"), whereas the intermediate conclusion was qualified, with that qualification leading to the unqualified main point.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Valid

Question Type:
Parallel Reasoning

Stimulus Summary:
Options - 1) Stick to classical music, or 2) expand to more popular music
Option 1 isn't generating enough money, so it risks going out of business
We shouldn't take that risk, so we should go with Option 2

Answer Anticipation:
This argument follows a common method of reasoning—ruling out alternatives (well, alternative in this case).

The argument starts by establishing the two options that the radio station can choose between. It then shows that one of them will create a risk that the station can't accept, and so it concludes that the other option must be selected. Let's find an answer that similarly establishes two options, shows that one is unacceptable, and then concludes that the other should be done.

Answer Explanation:
This answer establishes two options (curtains or blinds), shows that one is unacceptable (buying blinds will cause a wait that they don't have time for), and concludes they should go with the other option. That's the same argument structure as the stimulus, so this is the correct answer.

Key Takeaway:
Identifying a common method of reasoning in a Parallel Reasoning question can help you find the relevant elements quickly in both the stimulus and the correct answer. This is similar to finding a common error in reasoning or a conditional structure—between these three, you've got 90% of Parallel Reasoning questions covered.

Incorrect. This answer offers the option of doing both, which isn't an option in the stimulus (if they stick to classical music, then they can't expand their musical offerings), so this answer is incorrect.

Incorrect. This answer brings up a third option—buying blinds—after the initial two are established, so it's not parallel.

Incorrect. This answer has three parts to it—blinds, curtains, and valances. Since it has more elements in it than the stimulus, this answer isn't parallel.