Logical reasoning PrepTest 145 · Section 2 · Question 20

Incorrect. A focus on themes/ideas cutting us off from emotions is a reason for why we shouldn't interpret any works, so it's a premise, not the conclusion.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Argument Structure

Stimulus Summary:
Opposing point Ð "Literary" fiction should be interpreted; "Genre" fiction is just for pleasure
Critic Ð Interpreting works for themes/ideas prevent experiencing the emotional impact, so the opposing point is wrong because no work should be interpreted.

Answer Anticipation:
The Critic's argument starts off with a common argument—which is certainly going to be an opposing point. That's reinforced by the pivot ("But") about halfway through. Pivots can be to a conclusion or a premise, but when the pivot is to the author's opinion of the opposing point, it's almost always the main point. Here, the pivot does bring up an opinion of the opposing point—the distinction it draws is "specious" because we shouldn't interpret any works.

Why, you might ask? Well, because focusing on themes/ideas cuts us off from the work's emotional impact—the statement in question. So the correct answer should reflect that the statement in question is a premise supporting the conclusion.

Answer Explanation:
A focus on themes/ideas cutting us off from emotions is a reason for why we shouldn't interpret any works, so it's a premise, as this answer states.

Key Takeaway:
Even harder Argument Structure questions sometimes come down to noting whether the statement in question is a part of the opposing point or the author's argument, and whether it's a premise, intermediate conclusion, main point, or background.

Incorrect. It doesn't discuss the practical implications of the conclusion—that would be discussing the implications of not interpreting works, such as criticism being invalid. It's a reason to believe the Critic's conclusion—a premise.

Incorrect. The Critic believes that the distinction is specious—it's wrong. The author doesn't consider it, and the statement in question doesn't address it.

Incorrect. While it may support the conclusion and thus, potentially, serve as evidence against a counterpoint, it's not meant to anticipate an objection—there's no indication that the Critic is expecting pushback that this would address.