Logical reasoning PrepTest 154 · Section 4 · Question 1

Incorrect. This is a trap. The argument mentions the belief that swimming immediately after eating is dangerous, but doesn't actually dispute it. Instead, it disputes one possible reason that swimming after eating could be dangerous. There could still be some other reason it is.

Incorrect. The argument doesn't agree with this statement. Our author only says that digestion does not divert enough blood away from the muscles to cause cramps. It might still be true that reduced blood flow could cause cramps. For example, if you tied a tourniquet around your leg, it might cramp up (don't try that).

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Valid

Question Type:
Main Point

Stimulus Summary:
The stimulus takes issue with the common belief that swimming immediately after eating causes muscle cramps. It disputes this conclusion by knocking down a couple of potential theories about how, exactly, swimming after eating could cause muscle cramps. Ultimately the argument concludes that this idea is bunk.

Answer Anticipation:
One easy way to find a conclusion is to look for words that indicate a shift in tone, usually from relaying facts to relating the author's point of view. One such word is "but," which usually indicates a shift from describing an idea to giving the author's conclusion about that idea. That's the case here, where the sentence beginning with "but" concludes that there's no reason to believe swimming after eating causes cramps. You're gonna have to find another excuse to take a nap by the pool after lunch instead of having a dip . . . maybe a fear of sharks?

Answer Explanation:
This is exactly what we anticipated. The author introduced an idea and concluded "there's no reason to believe that." So, the correct answer choice takes the form "there is no reason to believe (idea)."

Key Takeaway:
Look for tonal shifts to identify a conclusion quickly. Other shift-to-author's-POV words may include "so," "however," "in the final analysis," "thus," "in fact," and more. Any transition word or phrase that boils down to "okay, I described the situation, now I'm going to tell you how I feel about it" usually introduces a conclusion.

Incorrect. This is true according to the argument, but it's a premise. Notice that the only reason we have to believe it is "the author says so." If it was a conclusion, we'd have at least one premise directly supporting it.

Incorrect. The argument disagrees with this answer choice. It implies there is blood going to the stomach to aid in digestion after a meal, and it does reduce blood flow to the muscles, just not enough to result in a cramp.