PrepTest 123, Section 3, Question 1
Situation: Someone living in a cold climate buys(30 more words not shown)
The analysis provided for the(12 more words not shown)
- AA person buys(14 more words not shown)
- BA parent buys(29 more words not shown)
- CA couple buys(23 more words not shown)
- DA person sets(26 more words not shown)
- EAn acrobat convinces(25 more words not shown)
Reading the argument
A stylish coat that leaves you shivering? That wouldn't be my first choice in a cold climate. But I can understand the trade: this person cares more about looking sophisticated than about staying warm.
So the analysis seems fair. We aren't being told that people always choose appearance over comfort. We're given someone who does, which is enough to show that people sometimes make that choice.
What we’re looking for
Now we need another situation that the same analysis explains. I'd try inventing one before reading the choices: someone dislikes smoking but does it because they think it makes them look cool. They're giving up something pleasant, or accepting something unpleasant, for the impression they make. Look for both parts. Wanting to impress people isn't enough unless there's a sacrifice of comfort or pleasure; discomfort isn't enough unless appearances are the reason for it.
Working the answers
- A
Where is the discomfort? Buying a car doesn't tell us this person will have a less pleasant commute. And where is the concern about appearances? The answer gives neither the sacrifice nor the motive we need. Quick, reliable public transportation doesn't supply those missing facts.
- B
The parent chooses the more comfortable seat. That's the opposite of sacrificing comfort. The extra color may make the seat attractive, but the choice doesn't trade the child's comfort away to create an impression.
- CCorrect
They would enjoy their favorite wine more, yet they buy the other wine to impress their guests. That's the trade in the coat example: give up the more pleasant experience for the appearance of sophistication. The higher price isn't what makes this fit. The important sacrifice is the better taste they could have enjoyed.
- D
A colder house supplies the discomfort, but why accept it? To reduce environmental damage. The answer doesn't say she wants to look environmentally responsible to other people. Caring about the harm and caring about how you appear are different motives. D gives us the first; we need the second.
- E
The acrobat wants to impress the audience, so the motive fits. But what comfort or pleasure does he give up? An expensive outfit needn't be uncomfortable, and the circus is buying it. We can't invent a sacrifice just because the outfit is meant to look impressive.
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