PrepTest 133

Incorrect. It is a conclusion, but it's not the only conclusion ("For this reason" introduces a conclusion).

Incorrect. The two conclusions aren't unrelated—in fact, the main point specifically notes that the statement in question is the reasoning behind it.

Incorrect. The conclusion isn't a specific instance—it's as much of a generalization as the statement in question, applying to all records released through a major label.

Incorrect. While you could argue that it's a phenomenon that is explained in the argument (it's a bit of a stretch, but go with it for a second), the rest of the argument doesn't offer an explanation for it since the following sentence is a main point that relies on it.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Argument Structure

Stimulus Summary:
Release through record label - Label assumes most of the financial risk, so the band therefore takes less
Release independently - Band assumes the financial risk
Conclusion - The record label taking a lot of the profits is fair

Answer Anticipation:
This argument compares who bears the financial risk of releasing records when a band releases through a label to when a band releases records independently. From that comparison, it reaches a conclusion about what is "fair" in the former case.

The statement in question is a part of that comparison, so it supports the conclusion that it's fair for the label to take a large portion of the profits. It's therefore a premise. However, it's introduced by a "Hence," which indicates a conclusion. Since this statement has support (that the label takes on a lot of financial risk) but then goes on to support the main point, it's an intermediate conclusion.

Coming at this from a different angle, the statement in question is introduced with "Hence," making it a conclusion, and it's followed by a statement which starts with "For this reason," making that following statement a conclusion supported by the statement in question. Using just the structural indicator words, we can come to the same conclusion that the statement in question is an intermediate conclusion.

Answer Explanation:
This answer highlights the statement in question's role as an intermediate conclusion—a statement which both receives support and supports the main point.

Key Takeaway:
Logic, flow, and structure can all help determine the role of a statement in an Argument Structure question. The key isn't to rely exclusively on one of these, but to have a handle on all of them so that you can reinforce your anticipation and get to a correct answer more quickly and with a higher level of certainty.