PrepTest 125

Incorrect. Teresa's argument relies on at least some big-budget films having mass audiences to reach the conclusion, not all of them. If 1/1000 big budget films don't attract mass audiences, they still might be key in maximizing profits.

Incorrect. Teresa's argument relies on studios deciding to focus on big-budget films over small-budget ones, which could be a focus they decide on instead of a split focus. Since other studios releasing both types of films wouldn't impede another from maximizing profits by focusing just on big-budget films, this answer isn't necessary.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Strengthen with Necessary Premise

Stimulus Summary:
Goal - Maximize profits
Approach - Focus on big-budget films over small-budget ones
Comparative support - Small-budget films cost less, but big-budget films sometimes attract mass audiences while small-budget films never do

Answer Anticipation:
The argument starts with a recommended course of action based on a goal (which is presented as a condition on the conclusion— "If their goal is to. . . "). From there, it supports that conclusion by comparing the two types of films discussed in that conclusion.

As such, we should analyze the comparison to see what difference justifies Teresa's conclusion that studios interested in profits should focus on big-budget films instead of small-budget ones.

So what elements of the comparison can do so? Since the argument is "siding" with big-budget films, it'll probably be a "pro" of those films over the small-budget ones. And the only one that is raised is the mass audiences that are sometimes attracted to them, whereas small budget films never see such audiences.

Those mass audiences aren't established as being either necessary or sufficient for maximum profitability, so the correct answer will likely connect those ideas.

Answer Explanation:
This answer establishes that the approach recommended by Teresa will meet a necessary condition to achieve the goal of maximizing profits. If a studio can maximize profits even if they don't attract mass audiences to at least some of their films, then the argument's reasoning falls apart.

Key Takeaway:
Always frame your understanding of the argument around the conclusion. Here, since Teresa recommended going with big-budget films, the comparison that we focused on was the benefit of that type of movie. By ignoring all the other information, we were able to form a much more succinct and accurate anticipation, making it a lot easier to find the correct answer.

Incorrect. This answer cuts against the conclusion that big-budget films will lead to maximum profits (which take costs into account), so it's incorrect.

Incorrect. The conclusion is based on the condition that a studio's goal is to maximize profits, so the argument doesn't assume that it is the goal or that it should be the goal. If the conclusion didn't have that condition, then this answer might be in play.