PrepTest 155

Incorrect. This answers is a premise—statements of fact tend to be premises.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Valid

Question Type:
Main Point

Stimulus Summary:
E has a rocky core and ice on its surface. A space probe found that between the two is something denser than ice. That could only be liquid water, so between the layers there must be a lake.

Answer Anticipation:
In this stimulus, the author uses language to denote that they're making an inference based on facts, and that generally means they're drawing a conclusion. Here, the phrase "must be" shows that the author isn't making a statement, but rather a logical inference. Since the rest of the argument about what this layer is based on density supports the inference, this second sentence is our conclusion.

Answer Explanation:
This answer is the conclusion. The "must be" shows that the author isn't stating it as a fact, but rather as an inference. Since it's supported by the rest of the argument, it's the main point.

Key Takeaway:
When an argument makes a logical jump to a statement, and uses language showing that the author is drawing an inference (e.g., it "must be"), then you've likely found the conclusion.

Incorrect. This answer is background, or a premise.

Incorrect. This answer is a premise supporting the intermediate conclusion that there must be liquid water in this layer of E.

Incorrect. This answer is another premise, since it's put forward without support.