PrepTest 127

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Facts

Question Type:
Paradox

Stimulus Summary:
Heart attacks are more likely on Mondays because it's the start of the workweek and thus stressful. But even retired people have more heart attacks on Monday.

Answer Anticipation:
Remember that, in Paradox questions, the correct answer will allow both sides of the paradox to remain true while explaining how they can coexist. Here, the explanation for the higher rate of heart attacks on Monday is related to work, but it applies even to those who are retired and don't have jobs. In order to resolve this paradox, then, we need to find something common between retired people and those who still work that links them together with the cause of heart attacks noted in the stimulus—stress. Anything that suggests retired individuals are under more stress on Mondays will allow the explanation to be applied to them, as well, and resolve the paradox.

Answer Explanation:
Beginning a project is akin to beginning the workweek, and thus would lead to an increased level of stress and a higher rate of heart attacks. This answer creates a relevant similarity between those who work and those who are retired, thus resolving the paradox.

Key Takeaway:
Paradox questions frequently rely on explaining how two situations are similar or different. If you can highlight the need to find an answer that brings up a relevant similarity or difference, you're more than halfway to the correct answer.

Incorrect. The stimulus specifically notes that "unemployed" retired people suffer higher rates of heart attacks on Monday, so those with part-time jobs are out of scope.

Incorrect. While this answer might highlight that a day with higher levels of stress is a likely culprit behind heart attacks since other aspects of health wouldn't change, it doesn't explain why retired people without jobs are facing such a heightened level of stress on Mondays.

Incorrect. While this answer choice does highlight why those under stress—such as those starting a workweek—have a higher rate of heart attacks, it doesn't explain why retired people are under stress on Mondays.

Incorrect. This still doesn't address why they happen for this group at a higher rate on Mondays.