PrepTest 145, Section 2, Question 11
Farmers who use genetically engineered plants on a(50 more words not shown)
Which one of the following(11 more words not shown)
- AA farmer who(13 more words not shown)
- BIt is not(9 more words not shown)
- CThe price paid(16 more words not shown)
- DA study could(15 more words not shown)
- EConsumers have very(6 more words not shown)
Reading the argument
A damaging study could appear. Does that possibility establish a great financial risk?
Imagine saying that ordinary tomato farmers face a great risk because a future study might suddenly frighten consumers away from tomatoes. We'd want to know how likely that is, not just whether we can imagine it. The same question applies here: the author moves quickly from the possibility of bad news to a strong assessment of risk.
But follow where the argument goes next. The claim about risk isn't the final point. The author uses it, along with the claim that prices don't compensate for the risk, to argue that growing these crops is unwise. It's a recommendation based on the balance between financial danger and potential return.
What we’re looking for
We're asked for the conclusion of the whole argument. Even if we question the assessment of risk, we can identify what the author wants farmers to believe: growing genetically engineered crops is not a wise choice.
Working the answers
- A
This is a claim the author uses to support the recommendation. The possible study is offered as a reason to see financial risk, and that risk then helps support the further conclusion that farmers should not grow the crops. A stops before that final step.
- BCorrect
'Not prudent' means not wise. This restates the author's judgment that growing genetically engineered crops is unwise. The claims about risk and inadequate prices explain why the author reaches that judgment.
- C
This is the final sentence's supporting point about price and risk. It gives a reason growing the crops would be unwise: the return doesn't compensate for the danger. It is not inaccurate simply because it is a wrong answer. It is the wrong role—we need the recommendation this reason supports.
- D
This describes the possible event used to support the claim of financial risk. That claim then helps support the recommendation. D is farther back in the chain of support, not the overall conclusion.
- E
Low consumer confidence is part of the setup for the author's worry about a damaging study. If confidence is already fragile, a new report could undermine it further. The main point goes beyond that description to advise against growing the crops.
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