Logical reasoning PrepTest 150 · Section 2 · Question 23

Incorrect. It is a hypothesis with which the author disagrees, but not because of a logical inconsistency. The author believes that the opposing point failed to consider a possibility.

Incorrect. The argument contends that it's been too hastily reached, but that's not the same as being probably false. One could think a conclusion likely to be true but not yet fully supported by the evidence.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Argument Structure

Stimulus Summary:
Some argue the T. rex was so big and slow it must have been a scavenger, since it couldn't chase down prey. But hold up, because what if the T. rex was hunting massive dinosaurs that were even slower?

Answer Anticipation:
The first statement is the one being asked about in this question. Since it's introduced with "It has been argued that . . . " we know it's an opposing point; this is backed up by the shift later on, indicated by the word "however." The "since" after the statement in question, which introduces a supporting premise, also tells us that we're dealing with the opposing point's conclusion.

Answer Explanation:
The argument attacks the hypothesis by bringing up an alternative possibility, thus suggesting the evidence presented isn't sufficient (since it didn't rule out that possibility).

Key Takeaway:
For Argument Structure questions, focusing on whether the statement in question is part of the opposing point or the argument, and whether it's a premise or conclusion, will usually get you most of the way to a correct answer.

Incorrect. First, the argument doesn't reach a conclusion that a hypothesis is false. Second, it is a hypothesis, and it isn't offered in support of anything else.

Incorrect. Since it's the opposing point, it can't be offered as evidence for the argument's main point.