PrepTest 137

Incorrect. The second group "grants" the statement in question to the first group, so it's a point of agreement, not disagreement.

Incorrect. The statement in question is accepted by both of the two groups in the argument, but that's not necessarily "commonly accepted." Granting that it's using "commonly accepted" to mean just between these groups, the argument doesn't offer any independent evidence that they agree on the definition of "art."

Incorrect. The argument doesn't conclude that it's true that some paintings aren't works of art—just that it implies the groups that share that view have a definition in common.

Incorrect. The argument claims that the statement in question is a similarity and thus can't account for disputes.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Argument Structure

Stimulus Summary:
Group 1 - Postimpressionist paintings aren't art and shouldn't be studied/displayed
Group 2 - Postimpressionist paintings are works of art, but there are paintings that aren't and shouldn't be studied/displayed
Therefore - The Groups don't disagree over the definition of "art"

Answer Anticipation:
This argument compares the opinion of two groups, showing that they agree on some points and disagree on others. Because of one similar belief, the Linguist concludes that they share another belief.

Looking at the statement in question, it's noted as something that the second group "grants" to the first group. So that statement is the shared opinion between the two groups that allows the Linguist to reach a conclusion that they don't disagree (i.e., they agree, or have a similar view) on another point.

Answer Explanation:
The statement in question is cited as a point of agreement since it states that the second group "grants" that it's true (to the first group). And it's relied on as the primary premise ("But since . . . ") for a conclusion about the disagreement—that conclusion being that the disagreement isn't over the definition of "art."

Key Takeaway:
When arguments or viewpoints make concessions to an opposing point ("While . . . ", "Although . . . " or "Granting that . . . " being some of the most common language suggesting a concession), take note. They frequently become a focus of the correct answer.