Logical reasoning PrepTest 147 · Section 1 · Question 14

Incorrect. The Activist's argument isn't stable, and he also suggests that his country's election procedures aren't resistant to illegitimate manipulation.

Incorrect. The Activist doesn't address stability, President Zagel does, and she suggests her resignation would worsen the country's international reputation for political stability.

Incorrect. There's no indication as to which scandals are more scandalous, so there's no guarantee this answer would lead to Zagel resigning.

Incorrect. First, the Activist only established that it's widely believed Zagel rigged the election, not that there's definitive proof of it. Second, being removed from office and resigning are different things.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument/Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed/Flawed

Question Type:
Principle (Strengthen)

Stimulus Summary:
A: Many believe Zagel rigged the election, so she can't govern and should resign.

PZ: Our country's presidents keep resigning. If I do it, too, the world will think we're unstable, which is unacceptable, so I will remain in office.

Answer Anticipation:
Note the question stem here—it doesn't ask us to justify the President's argument, the Activist's argument, or to form a response that the Activist could use after the President's comments. It asks us to justify the Activist's argument in the face of the President's argument. Thus, we need to justify the conclusion that the President should resign despite it creating the perception that the country is unstable.

To do so, the principle will have to establish that the Activist's reasoning "outweighs" the President's. The Activist's reasoning is based on the inability for President Zagel to govern effectively. Therefore, the correct answer should establish that effective governance is more important than an outside view of stability.

Answer Explanation:
This answer justifies the Activist's reasoning for Zagel's resignation over Zagel's reasoning for staying in office. If effective governance is more important than being viewed as stable, then the President should resign.

Key Takeaway:
When a question stem asks something slightly different than the norm, think through the implications of the differences. A lot of the time it'll allow your anticipation to be more precise.