Logical reasoning PrepTest 140 · Section 1 · Question 19

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Facts

Question Type:
Cannot Be True (Principle)

Stimulus Summary:
not Acting in person's interest → Shouldn't intentionally misrepresent another's beliefs

Answer Anticipation:
This question is a rare example of a Cannot Be True (Principle) question. The principle from the stimulus establishes a conditional rule for when an action shouldn't be taken, so the correct answer will establish a scenario where the sufficient condition is met but the person does what the principle states they shouldn't do. So we'll need a scenario where someone isn't working in someone's interest, but they intentionally misrepresent that person's beliefs anyway.

Answer Explanation:
In this scenario, Ann isn't working in Bruce's interests since she was acting to make him look ridiculous. Since she intentionally misrepresented his beliefs ("even though she knew . . . ), Ann's action violated the principle, so this is the correct answer.

Key Takeaway:
Principles are largely presented as conditionals in Must Be True and Cannot Be True questions. Get the diagram written out so you can quickly analyze the scenarios in the answer choices. And for Cannot Be True questions, remember that you're looking for an answer that establishes the sufficient condition and then states the necessary condition doesn't happen.

Incorrect. Claude's actions were done to prevent someone from bothering Thelma, so he was acting in her interest and the principle doesn't apply.

Incorrect. John was acting to make people think highly of Maria, so the conditional doesn't apply to his actions.

Incorrect. Harvey didn't misrepresent any belief of Josephine, so the conditional doesn't apply.

Incorrect. While Wanda wasn't acting in George's interest, it's never established that George doesn't think Egypt is in Asia, so we don't know if Wanda misrepresented his beliefs.