PrepTest 148

Incorrect. The debate isn't over the number of new computers. Merriweather takes issue over whether they bought computers that were more expensive than necessary, not that they bought too many.

Incorrect. Similar to (A), the debate is over the capabilities ("elaborate"), not the number of computers purchased.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument/Facts

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed/N/A

Question Type:
Point at Issue

Stimulus Summary:
S: The new computers aren't as expensive as people think, so too much wasn't spent.

M: The value isn't the problem—it's that the computers are overkill for what the school needs.

Answer Anticipation:
As with all Point at Issue questions, we should identify the areas of overlap.

Sanchez discusses what people think about the computer cost, which isn't mentioned in Merriweather's rebuttal. He also states that the school didn't spend too much on the computers—a point that Merriweather disagrees with in stating that they were more elaborate than necessary.

Since there's nothing else to Sanchez's argument, the correct answer must reflect whether the school spent too much money on the new computers.

Answer Explanation:
Sanchez concludes that the school didn't spend too much on computers, so he'd disagree with this answer. Merriweather states that the computers were more elaborate (and thus more expensive) than they needed to be, so she agrees with this statement. This is the point at issue between them.

Key Takeaway:
When the opening argument in a Point at Issue question is short, go through it point by point to see what the second speaker disagrees with. You can generally form a pretty strong anticipation by doing so!

Incorrect. Sanchez is on board with the purchase, and even Merriweather states that the issue isn't spending more on the computers than they are worth, so this is, if anything, a point of agreement.

Incorrect. Neither discusses harsh criticism, so this answer is out of scope.