Logical reasoning PrepTest 149 · Section 4 · Question 13

Incorrect. Neither Rhonda nor Brad talks about maximizing benefits for the most people. Rhonda limits her recommendation to things that aren't too costly, and Brad to just friends/family members.

Incorrect. Rhonda's reasoning is about leading a richer life, so this principle is out of scope of her argument. Even Brad says that you should help others so that they help you, not that you should help others because you'd expect them to help you.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Strengthen (Principle)

Stimulus Summary:
R: Charitable people lead richer lives, so you should spend your time helping others (as long as it's not too costly).

B: Friends and family will return help you give them, so you should focus your help on them instead of strangers.

Answer Anticipation:
Note that the question stem is asking us to find a principle that justifies both arguments from the stimulus, not just one. As such, we need to find a single statement that applies to both scenarios, and so we should start by identifying the overlap between them.

Both Rhonda and Brad talk about what people "should" do, so the correct answer should establish a principle that provides for what people should do. Both discuss helping others (though who is being helped is different), but for different reasons. Rhonda says you should help others because it leads to a richer life; Brad because those you help will be more likely to help you. While the details here are different, we can connect these ideas more generally—both say you should help others because it provides you with a benefit (a richer life; eventual help). The correct answer, therefore, will likely provide a principle similar to:

One should take actions that will provide them with a benefit.

Answer Explanation:
This answer highlights the connection between the reasoning provided by both speakers. Rhonda recommends helping others because it'll provide you with a richer life; Brad because it'll result in others helping you. Both highlight a benefit as the reason behind helping others, so this justifies both of their reasoning.

Key Takeaway:
When you're tasked with justifying two arguments, start by identifying the overlap between them. And even if the details are different, see if there's a more general principle that connects those different details.

Incorrect. Others returning the favor is a part of Brad's argument, but it's out of scope of Rhonda's.

Incorrect. Neither speaker mentions pride, so this answer is out of scope.