PrepTest 149

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Main Point

Stimulus Summary:
Those who say our nation is in decline are all anxious, so they're wrong.

Answer Anticipation:
The Editorial here dismisses a claim made by a group because their writing shows that they're anxious. That's attacking the source rather than the argument or claim being made. In fact, there's no actual discussion of the reasoning behind the claims that the nation is in decline, so the Editorial couldn't address the opposing argument. Since this stimulus ignores the argument and instead discusses the people behind it in dismissing their conclusion, it commits an ad hominem flaw.

Answer Explanation:
This is the ad hominem answer. Instead of addressing the argument being made, the Editorial discusses those making it.

Key Takeaway:
Whenever an argument describes the state of mind or characteristics of those making the opposing point, consider whether there's an ad hominem flaw. If the rebuttal doesn't address any points made in favor of the opposing point, you've found your flaw.

Incorrect. There's no other situation being discussed. This answer would be correct if the Editorial brought up another nation that was (or wasn't) in decline and failed to properly compare the two nations in question.

Incorrect. The decline in question is never described, so there can be no confusion as to what type of decline is being claimed.

Incorrect. The Editorial concludes there's no reason to believe the nation is in decline, not that it's thriving. She leaves open the possibility that it is doing just okay.

Incorrect. This answer can be tempting because it would be easy to see the anxiety of the "nation in decline" essays to be driven by that decline. However, there are many reasons that someone could be anxious outside of living in a nation in decline, so that's not evidence supporting that view.