PrepTest 143, Section 4, Question 16
Many nursing homes have prohibitions against having pets,(48 more words not shown)
Which one of the following(10 more words not shown)
- AAs the average(17 more words not shown)
- BResidents of nursing(12 more words not shown)
- CThe policy that(15 more words not shown)
- DHaving a pet(11 more words not shown)
- EThe benefits older(16 more words not shown)
Reading the argument
I'd like the companionship too. But who is going to take care of the pet? The author gives good reasons to consider allowing animals: less stress, possible health benefits, and a more rewarding life in the nursing home. Still, some residents might need help feeding or exercising a pet. There could also be costs to consider. Benefits alone don't settle those practical questions.
What we’re looking for
We aren't being asked to settle the policy, though. We're being asked what policy the author advocates. Everything after the opening recommendation explains why pets would help residents. The conclusion is that nursing homes should lift their pet prohibitions. We can identify that recommendation while still wanting answers about how it would work.
Working the answers
- A
The growing importance of rewarding life in nursing homes is part of the support for the recommendation. It explains why the pet issue may matter to more people. The conclusion goes further and asks for a change to the pet policy.
- B
This is a broad principle about giving nursing-home residents the same rewarding experiences as everyone else. The author doesn't state that general equality principle. The specific claim being supported is that residents should be allowed to have pets.
- CCorrect
The policy should change so residents can have pets. That restates the opening recommendation to lift the prohibitions. Reduced stress and a more rewarding experience supply reasons for the change; they aren't the final point on their own.
- D
This is one reason the author wants the ban lifted. Pets can reduce stress and improve health. Ask what that benefit is supposed to persuade us to do: allow pets in nursing homes. D supplies the benefit while leaving out the recommendation.
- E
The author wants more than recognition that pets are beneficial. A nursing home could acknowledge those benefits and keep its ban anyway. The argument's conclusion calls for changing the policy, which E never says to do.
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