PrepTest 152

While the budget can't be increased, the proposed solution could come in at budget. We also aren't told if the modest station with the tunnel is under budget, which would be required for this to be the answer.

The conclusion here selects one option out of two presented. This answer is just about considering all options, which isn't enough to strengthen the conclusion selecting a given option.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Principle (Strengthen)

Stimulus Summary:
In a new subway project, a majestic station can be built, or a more modest station can be built. The former would be over budget with a convenient tunnel; the latter wouldn't. Since the project can't be over budget, the modest station should be built.

Answer Anticipation:
This conclusion picks one option at the expense of another—the more modest station with a tunnel over the majestic station without it. When a conclusion makes a recommendation, the premises need to set up the criteria for the comparison, and then discuss how each station matches those criteria. Here, the comparison of the stations is made (majestic vs. modest; no tunnel vs. tunnel), but the criteria for selection are never established.

The correct answer, therefore, will establish the criteria. Here, the selection is being made based on the inclusion of the convenient tunnel, as opposed to the more majestic station.

Answer Explanation:
This answer establishes convenience over majesty. That criteria is what was missing from the argument, and it allows the recommendation in the conclusion to hold, which strengthens the author's argument.

Key Takeaway:
When an argument makes a recommendation in the conclusion, check to see if the author has established the criteria by which solutions will be judged. If she hasn't, then the correct answer will usually do just that.

Abandon the station? That's coming out of nowhere. The author concludes that the budget for the station should be cut to make it more modest but free up money for a tunnel. At no point does she suggest this is the only solution, or that the transit authority should walk away from the project completely.

Comparing the subway renovation project to all other potential projects is outside the scope of the argument.