PrepTest 150, Section 2, Question 6
John's literature professor believes that the ability to(50 more words not shown)
Which one of the following(12 more words not shown)
- AJohn's literature professor(9 more words not shown)
- BAnyone who is(13 more words not shown)
- CSpecialized training like(17 more words not shown)
- DLiterature professors do(6 more words not shown)
- EThe vast majority(15 more words not shown)
Reading the argument
According to this professor, most readers lack something they need to judge literary greatness.
What we’re looking for
We might question whether years of specialized training really are required. But that is her view, and the question tells us to assume what she believes is true. Under that assumption, lacking the training rules out the ability. The vast majority of the reading public cannot access the training, so they cannot acquire the ability she describes.
Working the answers
- A
Becoming a literature professor requires the training. Accurately judging literary greatness also requires it. But meeting that shared requirement doesn't guarantee the ability to judge. John's professor could have completed the training and still lack some other quality needed to judge accurately. A treats required training as though it were enough by itself.
- B
Someone could complete the specialized training without becoming a literature professor. Perhaps the person chooses a different career. Such a person wouldn't be missing the stated requirement for accurate judgment merely because they lack the job title. We are told the training is needed for both activities, not that only professors can receive it.
- C
We aren't given a reason everyone ought to receive the training. Perhaps broader access would be good; perhaps there are other priorities or costs. The passage describes what the professor thinks the ability requires and who lacks access. It doesn't supply a recommendation about how that access should change.
- D
The vast majority lacking access still leaves room for a minority who have it. Literature professors could belong to that trained minority of the reading public. The passage therefore doesn't force us to place all professors outside the public. We don't need to settle exactly who belongs to see that D doesn't follow.
- ECorrect
The required training isn't available to the vast majority of the reading public. If the professor is right that this training is needed to acquire accurate judgment, those readers lack the required route to that ability. E applies her claim to the group she identifies, without saying every reader lacks the ability or every trained person possesses it.
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