PrepTest 118

Incorrect. While the argument does state that cotton and nylon are used for similar purposes, it doesn't say what they are or whether they're natural. It also relies on the source of nylon's ingredients to justify its conclusion, not its purpose.

Incorrect. The Spokesperson talks about the source of the components, not the process by which they're turned into nylon. She certainly doesn't suggest that these processes are natural.

Incorrect. This answer sets an upper limit on how natural something is—it doesn't establish that something is natural based on its components.

Incorrect. The Spokesperson is trying to argue that nylon, like cotton, is natural—not that one substance is more natural than another.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Principle (Strengthen)

Stimulus Summary:
Nylon's components all come from nature at some point in their past, so they're natural and thus so is nylon.

Answer Anticipation:
The Spokesperson is relying on going back pretty far in time to find the "natural source" for some of these components. That's not definitely justified, so the correct answer should establish a principle allowing it:

If the main components for something came from nature at any point, then that thing is natural.

Answer Explanation:
The Spokesperson justifies her conclusion that nylon is natural based on the natural origins of the components of the substance. This answer choice justifies that argument, so it's correct.

Key Takeaway:
Principle (Strengthen) questions connect the premises to the conclusion. Especially when this question type shows up earlier in the section, don't overcomplicate it—find an answer that justifies the conclusion based on the premises present.