Logical reasoning PrepTest 152 · Section 4 · Question 7

This answer supports the argument. It shows an example of missing a given cause (exercise) and missing a given effect (strong bones), thus strengthening that connection.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Bizarro Strengthen

Stimulus Summary:
This is a weird stimulus, in that it has an argument and a recommendation, but they're not intertwined by anything other than topics.

The argument is that bones thicken when exercised, so exercise is essential to preventing osteoporosis.

The view is that a diet to prevent osteoporosis isn't high in calcium, but rather low in protein, meat, and dairy, and high in fruits and vegetables.

Answer Anticipation:
Answers that support a causal connection between exercise and bone strength will support the argument. Answers that connect fruits/veggies to strong bones and protein/dairy/calcium to weak bones will support the view.

Answer Explanation:
The diet mentioned in the argument is called "essential" for the prevention of osteoporosis. If there are medical therapies that prevent the condition but don't involve a special diet, that would completely undermine the Nutritionist's view. Since it weakens the argument, it serves as a correct answer here.

Key Takeaway:
When being tasked with strengthening a causal argument, look for answers that provide examples of the stated cause and effect both being present or absent.

This answer gives an example of the cause (low protein diet) and the effect (no osteoporosis) going together, thus strengthening the claimed causal relationship.

This answer supports the author's view that a high-calcium diet won't prevent osteoporosis by giving an example of a population where that connection holds.

Another answer which connects the diet recommended by the Nutritionist to the desired outcome—fruits/vegetables and low protein to no osteoporosis.