Q2 - It is well documented that

[demetri.blaisdell]

This is another question that we usually cover in class during our analyze the argument structure lesson. First step is to pin down the argument:

People have positive and negative reactions to nonsense words ----> People respond to the sound of a word, not just to its meaning

Fairly straightforward argument. The part they ask about is a premise so (B) and (E) aren't even in the running.

(D) gives us a succinct statement of the argument. We already know it's a premise but this one has the right conclusion. It's a winner.

The wrong answers are fairly typical here:

(A) is good from afar but far from good. The conclusion is that people react to the way words sound. That does not mean they have a reaction to every word. In fact, people are probably neutral on most words.

(B) is the wrong role. It's not a conclusion. Move on.

(C) is in trouble right from the start. I've never seen a role question with the right answer of a "generalization." But the premise they are asking about isn't general at all; it's based on the results of a specific study.

(E) is the wrong role again. It's not a conclusion. Don't waste time reading the rest of this.

I hope this helps. If you still have a question after reading this, post away!

Demetri

[WaltGrace1983]

When we get to questions like this (especially in the first 10 of a section), should we just read "conclusion," think "NOPE!" and then cross it out? I just want to make sure that I don't sacrifice anything and only gain speed for these "easy" questions.

[ohthatpatrick]

Yes, for sure. That's a great example of where we can "let the Easy questions be easy" and pick up some time.

If you know you're looking for premise and you see 'conclusion', that answer is dead. (or vice versa)

If you were looking for premise and you see something more fuzzy like 'illustration' / 'example' / 'support' / 'evidence', you obviously need to give it a chance since many of those could function as a synonym for 'premise'.