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- Logical Reasoning
- Analyzing Arguments
- Section 1
Directions :
Read the paragraph carefully and determine the main point the author is trying to make. What conclusion can be drawn from the argument? Each paragraph is followed by five statements.One statement supports the author's argument better than the others do.
6.
A few states in this country are considering
legislation that would prohibit schools from
using calculators before the sixth grade.
Other states take a different position. Some
states are insisting on the purchase of graphing
calculators for every student in middle
school.
This paragraph best supports the statement
that in this country
- A.there are at least two opinions about the use of calculators in schools.
- B.calculators are frequently a detriment to learning math.
- C.state legislators are more involved in education than ever before.
- D.the price of graphing calculators is less when schools buy in bulk.
- E.the argument against calculators in schools is unfounded.
- Answer & Explanation
- Report
Answer : [A]
Explanation :
Explanation :
| The paragraph clearly states that there are two differing opinions with regard to the use of calculators in the classroom. Although some people may believe that choice b is true, the paragraph does not indicate this. Choice c has no relation to the paragraph. Choice d makes logical sense, but the paragraph says nothing about cost. Choice e is an opinion that is not given in the paragraph. |
7.
One New York publisher has estimated that
50,000 to 60,000 people in the United States
want an anthology that includes the complete
works of William Shakespeare. And what
accounts for this renewed interest in Shakespeare?
As scholars point out, his psychological
insights into both male and female
characters are amazing even today.
This paragraph best supports the statement
that
- A.Shakespeare’s characters are more interesting than fictional characters today.
- B.people today are interested in Shakespeare’s work because of the characters.
- C.academic scholars are putting together an anthology of Shakespeare’s work.
- D.New Yorkers have a renewed interested in the work of Shakespeare.
- E.Shakespeare was a psychiatrist as well as a playwright.
- Answer & Explanation
- Report
Answer : [B]
Explanation :
Explanation :
| The last sentence in the paragraph clearly gives support for the idea that the interest in Shakespeare is due to the development of his characters. Choice a is incorrect because the writer never makes this type of comparison. Choice c is wrong because even though scholars are mentioned in the paragraph, there is no indication that the scholars are compiling the anthology. Choice d is wrong because there is no support to show that most New Yorkers are interested in this work. There is no support for choice e either. |
8.
The criminal justice system needs to change.
The system could be more just if it allowed
victims the opportunity to confront the person
who has harmed them. Also, mediation
between victims and their offenders would
give the offenders a chance to apologize for
the harm they have done.
This paragraph best supports the statement
that victims of a crime should
- A.learn to forgive their offenders.
- B.have the right to confront their offenders.
- C.learn the art of mediation.
- D.insist that their offenders be punished.
- E.have the right to impose a sentence on their offenders.
- Answer & Explanation
- Report
Answer : [B]
Explanation :
Explanation :
| This answer is clearly stated in the first sentence of the paragraph. There is no support in the passage for choices a, d, or e. As for choice c, although mediation is mentioned, the statement does not indicate that victims should be the mediators. |
9.
Generation Xers are those people born
roughly between 1965 and 1981. As employees,
Generation Xers tend to be more challenged
when they can carry out tasks
independently. This makes Generation Xers
the most entrepreneurial generation in
history.
This paragraph best supports the statement
that Generation Xers
- A.work harder than people from other generations.
- B.have a tendency to be self-directed workers.
- C.have an interest in making history.
- D.tend to work in jobs that require risk-taking behavior.
- E.like to challenge their bosses' work attitudes.
- Answer & Explanation
- Report
Answer : [B]
Explanation :
Explanation :
| The support for choice b is given in the second sentence of the paragraph. Generation Xers like to work independently, which means they are self-directed. No support is given for either choice a or choice c. Choice d is not related to the paragraph. Although the paragraph mentions that Generation Xers like to be challenged, it does not say they like to challenge their bosses’ attitudes; therefore, choice e can be ruled out. |
10.
If you’re a fitness walker, there is no need for
a commute to a health club. Your neighborhood
can be your health club. You don’t need
a lot of fancy equipment to get a good workout
either. All you need is a well-designed
pair of athletic shoes.
This paragraph best supports the statement that
- A.fitness walking is a better form of exercise than weight lifting.
- B.a membership in a health club is a poor investment.
- C.walking outdoors provides a better workout than walking indoors.
- D.fitness walking is a convenient and valuable form of exercise.
- E.poorly designed athletic shoes can cause major foot injuries.
- Answer & Explanation
- Report
Answer : [D]
Explanation :
Explanation :
| By stating that fitness walking does not require a commute to a health club, the author stresses the convenience of this form of exercise. The paragraph also states that fitness walking will result in a good workout. Choice a is incorrect because no comparison to weight lifting is made. Choice b may seem like a logical answer, but the paragraph only refers to people who are fitness walkers, so for others, a health club might be a good investment. Choice c is not in the passage. Although choice e seems logical, the paragraph does not indicate that the wrong shoes will produce major injuries. |
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