PrepTest 115

Incorrect. The argument just points out that poor writers use overly complex syntax and vocab. That's not the same as saying that simpler writing is going to be better—just that overly complex writing is often poor.

Incorrect. There's no indication that the argument believes a certain subset of writers should be written off (pun intended). Rather, those readers are going to be misled by a certain style of writing—that recommends against the style of writing!

Incorrect. This answer doesn't really provide a principle that writers can abide by. Also, it talks about a group that isn't brought up—good writers.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Facts

Question Type:
Argument Completion (Must Be True)

Stimulus Summary:
Phenomenon - Poor writers use fancy vocab to express boring ideas
Result - Inattentive readers are impressed but confused; alert readers aren't impressed
Therefore - Writers should __________.

Answer Anticipation:
This argument completion question has a fill-in that's introduced with, Thus, letting us know that we're being provided with the premises and will need to fill in the conclusion. However, we do receive a hint as to the content of that conclusion—we're told that we're looking for a "good principle" for writers—something that they should do.

In looking at the premises, the argument brings up something that poor writers do—use "elaborate syntax and esoteric vocabulary" to mask "mundane ideas" (seems like this argument is written by a poor writer . . . ). This confuses some readers and is seen right through by others.

Since the argument characterizes this writing style as "poor" and highlights how it is impressive to some readers who are confused by it, and not impressive to others, the argument is building towards a recommendation against using fancy words to describe boring ideas. Let's find an answer reflecting that.

Answer Explanation:
The issue identified by the argument is when mundane ideas are expressed with complex style, confusing some and being apparent to others. As such, the argument is building towards a recommendation against using such style for those ideas—leading to the recommendation in this answer.

Key Takeaway:
While Argument Completion (Must Be True) questions have you fill in the conclusion, they frequently lead into the conclusion with some hint as to what you should be looking for in the answer. Don't discount that provided information! Here, it was what let us know that we were looking for a recommendation in the form of a principle.

Incorrect. The argument gives an example of inattentive readers being sensitive to the writing style—they are impressed by it!