PrepTest 136

Incorrect. If the conservative estimates are enough to make it clear action is needed, then the less conservative estimates will make the need for action even clearer.

Incorrect. Doing nothing and doing something are mutually exclusive options. The Mayor treats her plan as the only viable option, not two separate plans as mutually exclusive. This answer would be correct if the Mayor brought up two plans and concluded only one could be done.

Incorrect. A decrease in the rate of traffic is still an increase, and if gridlock happens before then, it'd only get worse as the traffic keeps increasing—even if that growth slowed down.

Incorrect. While it doesn't directly attack cost, it does state that allowing the gridlock is not a viable option, so whether that's because of the economic impact or otherwise, it's off the table.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Errors in Reasoning

Stimulus Summary:
M: We need to accommodate traffic. We either adopt my plan, or do nothing. We can't do nothing, so we must adopt my plan.

Answer Anticipation:
The conclusion of this argument is a recommendation to adopt a plan. Why? Because doing nothing isn't an option, and this plan is on the table.

Whenever a conclusion makes a recommendation, you should consider whether the argument properly compares the recommended action to viable alternatives. Here, the Mayor does establish that one option—doing nothing—isn't viable, but she never talks about other options. She treats her plan as the only viable one, thus creating a false choice. The correct answer should point that out.

Answer Explanation:
This answer highlights the Mayor's false choice—either adopt my plan, or do nothing. There could be other ways to prevent the gridlock from developing!

Key Takeaway:
When a recommendation is made, start to think about whether the argument has brought up all relevant options, the criteria for making a selection, and a comparison of that criteria across all options. Short of that, the recommendation is flawed!