PrepTest 137

Incorrect. The main point is the author's view that what people often believe is "misguided."

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Argument Structure

Stimulus Summary:
People argue something, but it's misguided, because of these two premises.

Answer Anticipation:
Don't get bogged down in the content of this argument—it's intentionally obtuse to trap you in it! Instead, focus on the structure and what we know about common forms on the exam.

The argument starts with what "[p]eople often" think, which is almost certainly an opposing point. The argument then pivots ("But") to an opinion of that point—it's "misguided." An opinion of an opposing point is almost certainly the main point, and that's backed up by the next two statements talking about concepts that support it—truth and the basis for poetic excellence. Those two statements don't build into each other—the fact that most people's common beliefs are true doesn't support that poetic excellence comes from something rare. So there's no intermediate conclusion. The statement in question is one of these two points, so it's a premise supporting the conclusion.

Answer Explanation:
This answer highlights that the statement in question is one of two premises that build together to support the conclusion, so it's the correct answer.

Key Takeaway:
When the question is solely about the argument's structure, focus on that and not the logic! If the logic is relevant in the answer choices, you can always go back after narrowing it down. And, here, you didn't really need to understand the argument to define the role of the statement in question.

Incorrect. While it is a premise for the conclusion, it's not the only one—the statement preceding it is also a premise, establishing that truth isn't rare.

Incorrect. It addresses the basis for poetic excellence. While that's a term shift from the "aesthetic merit" of the conclusion, the author clearly believes the two are related, so it's offered as support.

Incorrect. The argument doesn't try to explain why a poem's excellence is related to something that is rare—at most, it rules out something that some consider related to the greatness of a poem.