PrepTest 129

Incorrect. While this farmer seems to have some knowledge of cow physiology, there's no indication that other farmers don't make their cows comfortable without that knowledge—maybe they just want their cows to have a good life! This answer also completely neglects the ultimate goal of the Farmer's actions—increasing profits.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Illustration

Stimulus Summary:
Goal: Increase udder blood flow, thus increasing milk production and leading to more profit
Approach: Making the cows comfortable

Answer Anticipation:
Whenever the stimulus establishes a goal, be sure you take note of it. When a stimulus can be framed as a Goal/Approach, doing so will frequently unlock the correct answer for you.

Here, it's noted that the goal ("are intended to") was ultimately to raise profits. The approach in achieving that goal was to make the cows more comfortable—including by providing them with special mattresses.

Since this is an illustration question, we're looking for an answer that generalizes from this specific scenario. Anything that connects the approach to the goal—increasing comfort leading to increased profits—should be considered.

Answer Explanation:
This answer connects the approach and the goal. The Farmer notes that certain changes were made to increase profits—and increasing profits wherever possible is necessary to maximizing profits. The changes made were improvements that increased the cows' comfort—i.e., it improved their living conditions. Since the stimulus serves as a specific example (i.e., illustration) of this generalization, it's the correct answer.

Key Takeaway:
Illustration questions generally present an example and then provide you with generalizations. Match the details from the stimulus up with the answer choices to see which ones align.

Additionally, always note goals when they're presented in a stimulus. They're usually key to unlocking the correct answer.

Incorrect. The stimulus doesn't note how other animals react to positive changes to their environments, so this answer is out of scope.

Incorrect. The stimulus doesn't discuss the quality of the milk, just the volume of output, so this answer is out of scope.

Incorrect. Tempting! While having a concern for the dairy cows' environment can definitely help to maximize profits, this answer is too strong in saying that it's the "key" to doing so. This might just be one minor action that can be taken, whereas other actions are much more integral to increasing profits.