Question Type:
Strengthen, though we're trying to strengthen a prediction instead of an argument.
Stimulus Breakdown:
Prediction: Ranchers will purchase this device at the current price
Facts: Outfitting all cows with the device is more expensive than alternatives
Answer Anticipation:
Interesting Strengthen question that reads more like an Explain a Result question. We'll need to either find a reason that ranchers will adopt this product despite the expense, or find a reason that the expense won't be as large as expected.
Correct answer:
(B)
Answer choice analysis:
(A) Out of scope. The prediction is about purchasing the item at the current price.
(B) Bingo. If this is true, the device needs to be installed on only some of the cattle. While outfitting each cow would be too expensive, the ranchers can get away with the lower cost of outfitting only some cows.
(C) Out of scope. The stimulus doesn't state that stress is a relevant consideration. Additionally, it's never stated what stress is caused by the other methods. Finally, the argument and prediction are about price.
(D) Out of scope. This answer, again, doesn't get at the cost effectiveness of it. If it's as effective as fences but more expensive, why wouldn't you just use fences?
(E) Out of scope. The prediction is about purchasing the item at the current price, not at a bulk-discounted price.
Takeaway/Pattern:
Be a bit flexible on question stems that are a little outside the norm! Even though this is a Strengthen prompt, treating it as an Explain question helps out.
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