PrepTest 116

Incorrect. This answer supports a part of the Fenwicks' explanation—that they had left the back door unlocked. It doesn't prove it, but it does support it, which is enough to rule this answer out.

Incorrect. This answer supports the part of the Fenwicks' explanation as far as who they think the guilty party is, so it can be eliminated.

Incorrect. This answer is a little funny. In putting the bottles in the fridge, it makes it less likely that the cat is the culprit. After all, what cat can open a fridge door? By providing evidence against an alternative theory, this answer strengthens the theory the Fenwicks put forward.

Incorrect. Another answer that lends credence to the theory that the Fenwicks put forward. If children breaking into houses is a recurring issue in their neighborhood, it increases the likelihood that that's what happened to them.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Bizarro Strengthen

Stimulus Summary:
Phenomenon — There were two broken bottles on the kitchen floor when the Fenwick's returned from vacation
Explanation — They left the backdoor open and neighborhood kids raided the fridge
Other info — There was no forced entry, and they have a pet cat

Answer Anticipation:
Whenever an argument concludes a specific explanation for a phenomenon, it's usually flawed because it ignores other potential explanations. So in this Bizarro Strengthen question, any answer that suggests any other potential explanation is wrong (or all of them are, i.e., an answer that supports the given explanation) will be incorrect (since it's asking for the answer that doesn't support the argument).

We shouldn't spend too much time brainstorming, but the cat seems like a potential alternative that should be good for an answer or two.

Answer Explanation:
When they returned doesn't support a theory as to whether neighborhood children or someone else was responsible for the crime. Since this answer doesn't affect the argument, it's correct.

Key Takeaway:
When an argument falls into the Phenomenon/Explanation pattern, the argument is usually flawed in that it ignores alternative explanations. Look for answers that support the given explanation or provide evidence against alternatives to strengthen such an argument.