Logical reasoning PrepTest 139 · Section 4 · Question 1

Incorrect. This answer is a detail that's a part of the counterexample, supporting the conclusion that a certain belief needs to be reassessed. As such, it's a premise.

Incorrect. This answer is a detail that's a part of the counterexample, supporting the conclusion that a certain belief needs to be reassessed. As such, it's a premise.

Incorrect. This answer is a detail that builds into a counterexample supporting the author's view, so it's a premise.

Incorrect. This answer represents the opposing viewpoint that the author pivots away from.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Valid

Question Type:
Main Point

Stimulus Summary:
Scientists generally believe something, but new evidence calls it into question, so they need to reassess their belief.

Answer Anticipation:
The argument starts with what is "generally believe[d]," which is almost always an opposing point. The author then pivots ("but") to her opinion of that view—it's not necessarily wrong, but it needs reassessment. Why? Because there is some new evidence in the form of a certain sea creature. A counterexample to a view is almost always support, and in this case it supports the view that the general belief needs reevaluation. So the main point is that opinion of the opposing point—that it needs reassessment.

Answer Explanation:
This answer is the author's opinion of the opposing point, supported by the new counterexample raised, so this is the main point.

Key Takeaway:
An author's opinion of an opposing point is almost always the main point of an argument.