PrepTest 126, Section 1, Question 18
There is little plausibility to the claim that(53 more words not shown)
Which one of the following(10 more words not shown)
- ATo be judgmental(13 more words not shown)
- BIt is absurd(6 more words not shown)
- CThere is some(14 more words not shown)
- DNot all assessments(8 more words not shown)
- EThere is wisdom(6 more words not shown)
Reading the argument
Can we criticize someone for being too quick to criticize? The author doesn't think that's absurd.
Imagine Karen criticizing Uncle Bobby, and then someone criticizing Karen for judging him without trying to understand his situation. That second criticism isn't automatically unreasonable just because it is also criticism. We need to ask what kind of criticism each person is making.
The passage allows that people must assess each other and that some assessments will be negative. Then it defends the warning against being judgmental. Those ideas can fit together because “judgmental” gets a specific meaning: judging someone negatively before making a serious effort to understand. A careful negative assessment and a rush to judgment aren't the same thing.
What we’re looking for
For the main conclusion, ask what that definition explains. It explains why there is wisdom in warning people not to be judgmental, even though negative assessments are sometimes unavoidable. That's the point the argument develops. It isn't a rule that we should never criticize anyone.
Working the answers
- A
This gives the definition used to support the conclusion. By distinguishing a hasty negative assessment from a considered one, the author can defend the warning against being judgmental. The definition explains the point; it isn't the main point itself.
- B
This is the claim the opening sentence rejects as having little plausibility. The author does not accept that criticizing someone for being critical is absurd. B puts the author on the wrong side of the discussion.
- C
The opening says there is little plausibility to this claim; C emphasizes some plausibility instead. In any event, the argument's developed conclusion concerns the wisdom of avoiding judgmental behavior. C doesn't express that point.
- D
This is a concession: we do need to assess each other, and some assessments will be negative. The author then explains why that fact doesn't defeat the warning against being judgmental. D supplies part of the context for the main point, rather than the point itself.
- ECorrect
There is wisdom behind the injunction—the warning or instruction—against being judgmental. The final sentence explains why: being judgmental involves judging before trying to understand. The author can defend that warning while still allowing careful criticism.
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