PrepTest 117

Incorrect. There's no indication or inherent connection between a fulfilling life and self—sufficiency or well—being, so this answer is out of scope. It's also too strong in saying that physical labor is essential" to anything, especially in an argument whose stimulus describes such labor as "drudgery."

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Strengthen with Necessary Premise

Stimulus Summary:
Much modern technology causes people to become dependent thus losing self—sufficiency, so it hurts their well—being.

Answer Anticipation:
Strengthen with Necessary Premise questions frequently feature a new concept brought up in the conclusion that doesn't feature in the premises. When that happens, the correct answer will connect this concept to something that is established in the premises.

Here, the conclusion is that much modern technology diminishes the overall well—being of those who use it. While the premises are about much modern technology, it never discusses user well—being. Instead, it establishes that such technology leads to a loss of self—sufficiency.

As such, the argument is assuming that something that leads to a loss of self—sufficiency diminishes the overall well—being of users. The correct answer, then, should make that connection.

Answer Explanation:
This answer connects the ideas that form the core of the argument and represent the jump that the author makes. If self—sufficiency doesn't contribute to a person's well—being, then the argument falls apart—modern technology may decrease self—sufficiency, then, but it wouldn't therefore necessarily decrease well—being.

Key Takeaway:
Always be on the lookout for new concepts in the conclusions of Strengthen with Necessary Premise questions. When you see one, the correct answer will likely connect that concept to one that was established in the premises.

Incorrect. This answer features a shift between discussing self—sufficiency and discussing whether people are free, so it's out of scope.

Incorrect. The argument doesn't conclude whether much modern technology is justifiable or not, so this answer is out of scope.

Incorrect. The conclusion is about much modern technology, not all technology, so this answer is too broad in discussing the latter.