Logical reasoning PrepTest 149 · Section 4 · Question 9

Incorrect. This is a premise supporting the idea that the opposing point's recommendation would be dangerous to follow—these countries wouldn't disarm.

Incorrect. This is a premise of the opposing point, so it can't be the main point of the argument.

Incorrect. The stimulus doesn't discuss disclosure of nuclear capabilities, so this answer is out of scope.

Incorrect. The Politician argues that unilateral disarmament would be dangerous, not that disarmament is unlikely to ever happen.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Main Point

Stimulus Summary:
Some people argue in favor of unilateral nuclear arms reduction, but this ignores countries on the verge of civil war, so that course of action would be dangerous.

Answer Anticipation:
The stimulus starts by introducing an argument made by "[s]ome proponents," which generally sets up an opposing point. About halfway through the stimulus, the Politician pivots (without a pivot word!) and gives her opinion on that opposing point—it would be dangerous. That statement of opinion on the opposing point is then supported with a premise ("because" being a keyword that introduces a premise for whatever comes before it), highlighting it as a conclusion. The final sentence further explains the premise just presented, so the main point is that acting on the argument of the proponents of nuclear arms reduction would be dangerous.

Answer Explanation:
This answer restates the main point of the conclusion—that unilateral disarmament in the hopes of others disarming would be dangerous. While it uses different language—"risky" vs. "dangerous"—anything that carries a risk, by definition, involves danger of failure.

Key Takeaway:
There are a lot of indicators that the main point is that acting on a certain argument would be dangerous. First, that's an opinion that needs backing up. It's also an opinion on the opposing point, which are almost always main points. Finally, it's followed by an indicator word that is used to introduce a premise supporting what was just discussed ("because"). There are a variety of tools to help you analyze the structure of an argument and the function of its different parts, and you should get comfortable with each of them for test day so you can fly through your initial read and get a clear idea of that structure.