Logical reasoning PrepTest 142 · Section 1 · Question 16

Incorrect. Conceding an assumption, if it has support, isn't a flaw unless the assumption validates the conclusion and the opponent doesn't recognize this. Additionally, there's no assumption pointed out by the Respondent, let alone conceded to.

Incorrect. The Respondent's statements aren't about teaching methods—they're about the order material is taught.

Incorrect. The two conclusions are about whether hierarchy is a strength or weakness in lecturing, so other characteristics are out of scope.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument/Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed/Flawed

Question Type:
Errors in Reasoning

Stimulus Summary:
D: Lecturing is hierarchical (teacher/student), but students learn best from peers, so hierarchy is a lecturing weakness.

R: All teaching is hierarchical (simple/complex), so hierarchy is a lecturing strength.

Answer Anticipation:
As with all flaw-based questions where a second speaker rebuts the argument of the first, we should start by seeing if the second speaker addresses the actual argument made by the first speaker. And a great place to start is in that key word that both use multiple times, including in the conclusion—"hierarchy."

When the Respondent discusses hierarchy, he refers to the way material is laid out—from the simple to the complex. However, when the Debater discussed it, she laid it out as the split between an elevated teacher and the student. They're using "hierarchy" to refer to two very different subjects, and so the Respondent's statements are flawed in that he's not addressing the actual point that the Debater made.

Answer Explanation:
This answer highlights the shift in how the Respondent uses the term "hierarchy" compared to the Debater. The Debater uses it to define the relationship between the teacher and student; the Respondent to define how material relates to other material and builds in complexity. Since the rebuttal uses a key term in a different sense, it's flawed in that it doesn't address the initial argument.

Key Takeaway:
When in a flaw-based question with two speakers, always check to see if the second speaker addresses the actual point made by the first speaker. Especially when both are focused on a key concept, there's frequently a shift in how a key term is being used. When the second speaker addresses a different concept/argument than the first speaker makes—even when using the same word—that rebuttal is flawed.

Note that this doesn't apply when the second speaker specifically attacks a definition used by the first speaker. If the rebuttal is that the first speaker misuses a key term, then this flaw (a straw man) isn't present (as long as the challenged definition is actually the one used by the first speaker).

Incorrect. The Respondent establishes that "all teaching and learning must proceed from the simple to the complex." While mathematics is cited as an example of this, in establishing the general principle, the argument doesn't assume math is representative as that principle exists outside of the example.