PrepTest 146, Section 1, Question 18

What we’re looking for

Working the answers

• A

  Focusing on one project doesn't tell us which project deserves the time. We could follow A by devoting everything to the already-late project, which is the opposite of the worker's recommendation. We need a rule that favors the second project specifically.

• B

  This concerns finishing projects, not meeting their deadlines. The worker hasn't said that either project can never be completed; the stated problem is that time spent on the first rules out completing the second on time. B doesn't explain why an uncertain attempt to meet the second deadline should take priority over finishing the overdue work.

• C

  We aren't told that one project is mandatory and the other optional. We know they are equally important. A rule favoring required projects over optional ones doesn't give us a basis for choosing between these two.

• D

  This initially sounds close: don't let the already-late project spoil the chance of finishing the second on time. But look at what D actually regulates—worry. It tells us not to let anxiety about a missed deadline interfere with another project.

  The worker is deciding where to put working time, not how to manage worry. Someone could be perfectly calm and still have to decide which project to do first. D doesn't directly justify devoting all the available work time to the second project.

• E
  Correct

  This favors attempting to finish a project on time over working on an already-late project that has no higher priority. That is our situation: the projects are equally important, the first is late, and the second still might be completed on time. The rule supports directing the effort toward that remaining opportunity.

  Notice that it says 'attempt.' The worker doesn't need a guarantee of success for this principle to support the choice. The possibility of meeting the second deadline is enough to distinguish it from the already-missed first one.