PrepTest 124, Section 2, Question 24
Newscaster: In order for the public to participate(56 more words not shown)
Which one of the following(9 more words not shown)
- AOne must know(31 more words not shown)
- BIn order to(28 more words not shown)
- COne cannot confuse(33 more words not shown)
- DIn order to(29 more words not shown)
- EOne must at(31 more words not shown)
Reading the argument
The mayor has cleared one hurdle. That doesn't mean the public is guaranteed to participate meaningfully.
The issues must be stated in understandable terms before meaningful participation is possible. The mayor has done that. Other obstacles could remain: someone might still fail to understand the speech or lack information needed to contribute. But the newscaster doesn't claim all obstacles have vanished. The conclusion says the public “at least might” be able to participate. That modest wording matters.
What we’re looking for
For the parallel, carry over the sequence: an outcome requires something; that required thing is present; the outcome might now be possible. We're looking for the same cautious move. An answer that guarantees the outcome, starts with its occurrence, or tells us the requirement is missing changes the reasoning.
Working the answers
- A
Rachel lacks the required knowledge of Russian, so the argument rules out her reading the original text. The newscaster says the requirement has been met, then allows that the outcome might occur. To match, A would need Rachel to know Russian and conclude that she might be able to read the original.
- B
Laura has already reached her goals, and the argument concludes that she must have met a requirement for doing so. That starts with the outcome and works back to the requirement. Our argument starts with the fulfilled requirement and allows a possible outcome. The order of the reasoning is different.
- C
Wanting to be a good teacher doesn't establish that Hugo avoids confusing his students. We need the required piece to be in place before considering the possible outcome. A match would say Hugo does not confuse the majority of his students, then conclude that he might be a good teacher. C instead starts with his desire.
- D
This starts well: using a good dictionary is required, and Paul has used one. But then it concludes he must have discovered the meanings. Meeting one requirement doesn't guarantee success. Perhaps he never looked up the relevant words. The newscaster's “might” avoids this stronger claim.
- ECorrect
Warm clothing corresponds to stating the issues understandably: each is required for the relevant outcome. Surviving the cold corresponds to meaningful participation. Jerome has obtained the clothing, just as the mayor has supplied the understandable presentation.
Then comes the matching conclusion: he might survive. Other requirements, such as shelter or food, could still matter, but E doesn't claim certain survival. It makes the same limited move after identifying one fulfilled requirement.
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