PrepTest 152

If we were trying to strengthen an argument about whether these leaves have a certain effect, then this would be a great answer—it'd rule out an alternative possibility. However, the argument establishes that the leaves have the desired effect. Instead, we need to find an answer that connects the time the apes are eating them to that effect.

While we know chimpanzees are related to bonobos, we don't know if they're similar in gastrointestinal constitution. One ape's medicine might be another's poison! Additionally, the conclusion of this argument focuses on a specific shrub, not rough-surfaced leaves generally.

If anything, this weakens the argument by suggesting that the apes don't eat these leaves because they're medicinal, but rather because they're easy to find. It provides an alternative explanation for the behavior. Additionally, it's not tied specifically to the rainy season.

If anything, this weakens the argument by suggesting an alternative explanation for the increased leaf consumption during the rainy season. The bonobos aren't eating the leaves because they're medicinal, but rather because they're easier to eat. That said, this answer just mentions that they're easier to eat during the rainy season, not that they're easy to eat. Dirt is easier to eat with some ketchup on top, but that doesn't mean we're going to put it on the menu.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Strengthen

Stimulus Summary:
Some apes eat more shrubbery during the rainy season. The author's explanation? The shrub's medicinal properties, since it helps eliminate worms. Gross way to start out the section, LSAT.

Strategy Overview:
Once created for a question type, we can just reuse that for future questions.

Answer Anticipation: The conclusion talks about the medicinal properties of the leaves, which is established in the final clause, so that connection is unlikely to factor into correct answer. Instead, we should focus on the first premise. Why are the apes eating more during the rainy season? If we want to strengthen this argument, we should connect that season to the need for medicine to eliminate worms.

Answer Explanation:

Exactly what we were looking for! This answer ties the rainy season to the need for medicine. If the bonobos tend to get stomach worms during the rainy season, it increases the likelihood that they're eating worm medicine to make themselves feel better.

Key Takeaway:
For a Strengthen question where the answer choice serves as an explanation for a phenomenon, anything that provides an alternative explanation serves as a weakener and can be eliminated (in a Weaken question, it'd be correct). Instead, focus on connecting facts from the premises to the explanation.