- PowerScore Staff
- Posts: 8917
- Joined: Feb 02, 2011
- Mon Jul 17, 2017 4:52 pm
#37377
Complete Question Explanation
Main Point. The correct answer choice is (D)
The author cautions against the use of weeds in gardening, because weeds can deplete the soil of
nutrients, and might attract other kinds of damaging pests. The main conclusion can be found in the
second clause of the second sentence, which is supported by the observation contained in the third
sentence of the stimulus.
When reworded, the stimulus has the following structure:
Researchers’ argument:
argument structure is more complex than usual, as the first sentence introduces a viewpoint that is
subsequently rejected (it is typical for anti-conclusions to be introduced by words such as “people,”
“critics,” “researchers,” “others,” etc.).
Answer choice (A): This answer choice is exaggerated and goes beyond the scope of the author’s
argument. The author never claimed that we should eliminate the use of insecticides in gardening.
She only conceded that it is wise to avoid unnecessary use of insecticides.
Answer choice (B): This statement is likely to be true based on the stimulus, and reflects an
implication of the information contained in the third sentence. However, the third sentence is the
premise, not the main conclusion of the argument. The statement about attracting other kinds of
damaging pests is used to support the observation that weeds should probably not be allowed to
grow among garden vegetables.
Answer choice (C): This answer choice represents the researchers’ conclusion, not the author’s
conclusion. Whenever you encounter a stimulus containing an argument/counterargument structure,
be careful to keep track of whose position you are being asked to represent.
Answer choice (D): This is the correct answer choice. This answer choice is a restatement of the
second part of the second sentence in the stimulus (“the researchers’ advice is premature”). Note that
to fully understand the meaning of this claim, you need to refer to the researchers’ advice outlined in
the beginning of the stimulus.
Answer choice (E): The author does not reject the proposition that weeds can reduce the presence
of caterpillars in the garden. By conceding that “it is wise to avoid unnecessary use of insecticides,”
she tacitly agrees with the researchers’ claim that the use of weeds has some benefits. Ultimately,
however, the author cautions against their use because of other factors.
Main Point. The correct answer choice is (D)
The author cautions against the use of weeds in gardening, because weeds can deplete the soil of
nutrients, and might attract other kinds of damaging pests. The main conclusion can be found in the
second clause of the second sentence, which is supported by the observation contained in the third
sentence of the stimulus.
When reworded, the stimulus has the following structure:
Researchers’ argument:
Premise: Weeds can repel caterpillars from the garden.
Conclusion: Weeds must be allowed to grow among garden vegetables.
- Premise: The weeds can deplete the soil of nutrients and moisture that garden crops
depend on, and might even attract other kinds of damaging pests.
Conclusion: The researchers’ advice is premature (i.e. weeds should not necessarily be allowed
to grow among garden vegetables).
argument structure is more complex than usual, as the first sentence introduces a viewpoint that is
subsequently rejected (it is typical for anti-conclusions to be introduced by words such as “people,”
“critics,” “researchers,” “others,” etc.).
Answer choice (A): This answer choice is exaggerated and goes beyond the scope of the author’s
argument. The author never claimed that we should eliminate the use of insecticides in gardening.
She only conceded that it is wise to avoid unnecessary use of insecticides.
Answer choice (B): This statement is likely to be true based on the stimulus, and reflects an
implication of the information contained in the third sentence. However, the third sentence is the
premise, not the main conclusion of the argument. The statement about attracting other kinds of
damaging pests is used to support the observation that weeds should probably not be allowed to
grow among garden vegetables.
Answer choice (C): This answer choice represents the researchers’ conclusion, not the author’s
conclusion. Whenever you encounter a stimulus containing an argument/counterargument structure,
be careful to keep track of whose position you are being asked to represent.
Answer choice (D): This is the correct answer choice. This answer choice is a restatement of the
second part of the second sentence in the stimulus (“the researchers’ advice is premature”). Note that
to fully understand the meaning of this claim, you need to refer to the researchers’ advice outlined in
the beginning of the stimulus.
Answer choice (E): The author does not reject the proposition that weeds can reduce the presence
of caterpillars in the garden. By conceding that “it is wise to avoid unnecessary use of insecticides,”
she tacitly agrees with the researchers’ claim that the use of weeds has some benefits. Ultimately,
however, the author cautions against their use because of other factors.