PrepTest 134

Incorrect. The Editorial believes that it is true that the nonvoluntary system costs less, but that the resentment it engenders is a more important consideration. So the Editorial agrees with that statement, it doesn't try to disprove it (just argue against the system it supports).

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Argument Structure

Stimulus Summary:
System 1 - Force residents to sort their garbage
Upsides - Costs less
Downsides - Breed resentment
System 2 - Residents voluntarily sort garbage
Upsides - Less resentment
Downsides - Costs more
Conclusion - System 2 is better

Answer Anticipation:
This stimulus is heavily comparative. It looks at two systems of trash management and eventually concludes that one is better than another.

Why?

Because, while the system that isn't preferable costs less, it breeds more resentment, and so the Editorial sides with the system that results in less resentment.

The statement in question here is about the lower cost of the first system, so the answer should reflect that it's a premise supporting a system that the argument sides against.

Answer Explanation:
The Editorial does agree that the nonvoluntary system costs less, so it is a fact granted by it. Parsing the last sentence is difficult, but the practice the editorial believes is preferable is the voluntary system, and the alternative to that is the nonvoluntary system, which the costs from the first clause do support. So this (convoluted!) answer is correct!

Key Takeaway:
Noting whether the statement in question is background, opposing point, or a part of the author's argument, and whether it's a premise or conclusion should get you 90% of the way to the correct answer in Argument Structure questions!

Incorrect. The Editorial is less trying to refute a claim than to argue for one practice over another. Putting that aside for a second and saying that the nonvoluntary practice is being "refuted," the statement in question is a reason for that practice, not a difficulty it faces.

Incorrect. Since it's a premise that supports an alternative practice to the Editorial's preferred practice, it's not necessary for that argument.

Incorrect. It's a premise of the opposing point—so this answer couldn't be less correct!