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- Tue May 17, 2016 11:45 am
#24971
Complete Question Explanation
Method of Reasoning—AP. The correct answer choice is (A)
As with any Method of Reasoning question, we begin our review of the stimulus with an analysis of the structure of the argument. By their very nature, Method of Reasoning questions require us to understand how the author moves from the premises to the ultimate conclusion. In this case, the author argues by analogy, stating that just as oil and gas improved industrial productivity, so too will superconductors improve industrial productivity. The author supports this claim by stating how the two cases are similar. In both situations, the technology encouraged productivity by improving the method of moving the energy.
This question asks us to determine what role the claim that superconductor development will probably improve industrial productivity played in the argument. Since we already analyzed the structure of the argument, we already have a head start. We know that the claim is supported by the rest of the argument, which makes it the conclusion of the argument. While the answer choices may be more complex than simply recognizing that the claim is the conclusion of the argument, it should help us narrow down the answer choices.
Answer choice (A): This is the correct answer choice. This is the only answer choice that correctly identifies the argument part as the conclusion. As described above, the general structure of the argument is an argument by analogy, the example of fossil fuels is used to support the conclusion.
Answer choice (B): This answer choice is incorrect. The listed part is not a generalization, as it is not a broad statement to be applied to a wide variety of situations.
Answer choice (C): This answer choice is incorrect as it confuses the premise and the conclusion. The ultimate conclusion of an argument will never itself support another part of the argument. The main point of the argument is not that the superconductor will allow energy to be transported farther will less energy lost, but that superconductors will lead to improved productivity.
Answer choice (D): Like in answer choice (C), this answer choice is incorrect as it confuses the conclusion for the premise.
Answer choice (E): The term “evidence” is another word for premise. Therefore, since it incorrectly identifies the conclusion as a premise, this answer choice is also incorrect.
Method of Reasoning—AP. The correct answer choice is (A)
As with any Method of Reasoning question, we begin our review of the stimulus with an analysis of the structure of the argument. By their very nature, Method of Reasoning questions require us to understand how the author moves from the premises to the ultimate conclusion. In this case, the author argues by analogy, stating that just as oil and gas improved industrial productivity, so too will superconductors improve industrial productivity. The author supports this claim by stating how the two cases are similar. In both situations, the technology encouraged productivity by improving the method of moving the energy.
This question asks us to determine what role the claim that superconductor development will probably improve industrial productivity played in the argument. Since we already analyzed the structure of the argument, we already have a head start. We know that the claim is supported by the rest of the argument, which makes it the conclusion of the argument. While the answer choices may be more complex than simply recognizing that the claim is the conclusion of the argument, it should help us narrow down the answer choices.
Answer choice (A): This is the correct answer choice. This is the only answer choice that correctly identifies the argument part as the conclusion. As described above, the general structure of the argument is an argument by analogy, the example of fossil fuels is used to support the conclusion.
Answer choice (B): This answer choice is incorrect. The listed part is not a generalization, as it is not a broad statement to be applied to a wide variety of situations.
Answer choice (C): This answer choice is incorrect as it confuses the premise and the conclusion. The ultimate conclusion of an argument will never itself support another part of the argument. The main point of the argument is not that the superconductor will allow energy to be transported farther will less energy lost, but that superconductors will lead to improved productivity.
Answer choice (D): Like in answer choice (C), this answer choice is incorrect as it confuses the conclusion for the premise.
Answer choice (E): The term “evidence” is another word for premise. Therefore, since it incorrectly identifies the conclusion as a premise, this answer choice is also incorrect.
