Logical reasoning PrepTest 150 · Section 3 · Question 5

Incorrect. While the argument does trade in the effect of this sharp division (close elections), it never confuses that with being a cause of the division (close elections causing division?).

Incorrect. The stimulus never makes a judgment as to whether this is unfortunate or needs to be addressed, so this answer is out of scope.

Incorrect. The conclusion and premise are wildly different, so this circular reasoning answer doesn't apply.

Incorrect. For this answer to be correct, the conclusion would have to be broader, dealing with other cities or serving as a generalization. That doesn't happen, so this answer is wrong.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Errors in Reasoning

Stimulus Summary:
The last four elections have been close, so the parties must be sharply divided on the issues.

Answer Anticipation:
This argument just straight up makes a jump between close elections and sharp divisions. Maybe the vote is so close because the two parties are almost identical, and so a voter's preference is essentially random!

Answer Explanation:
This answer choice reflects the assumption in the argument, the gap between the premise and conclusion.

Key Takeaway:
When an argument jumps between two different ideas from the premise to the conclusion, look for the answer that connects them.