Q4 - Leona: Thompson’s article

[smiller]

Question Type:
Procedure

Stimulus Breakdown:
The question stem is asking us about Leona's "argumentative strategy," so let's be sure to understand her argument:

Premises:
1. Thompson describes a character as experiencing anxiety.
2. Thompson later describes the character as being a "self-identified agent" in that same situation.
3. Thompson states that a self-identified agent can not have anxiety.

Conclusion:
Thompson's article is puzzling.

Answer Anticipation:
Let's be clear about our task here. The question is not asking us to identify a flaw or an assumption in the argument. We're being asked to describe Leona's "argumentative strategy." The correct answer will describe, in general terms, how the argument is put together. We're expecting an answer that focuses on the apparent contradiction in Thompson's statements.

Correct answer:


Answer choice analysis:
(A) "Circular reasoning" has a very specific meaning when discussing arguments. It means that the conclusion essentially restates or repeats information that already appears in a premise. This is not what we see in Leona's argument.

(B) Leona isn't criticizing Thompson for failing to define "self-identified agent." Her argument is based on the way that Thompson defines the phrase.

(C) This answer might work if Leona stated that the character's "furrowed brow" and grim expression were not sufficient to conclude, as Thompson did, that the character was experiencing inner turmoil and anxiety. Leona doesn't make this kind of claim, though.

(D) Leona doesn't state that this is unlikely, only that Thompson is contradicting himself by describing the character this way.

(E) This is a perfect match for our prediction.

Takeaway/Pattern:
When a question stem mentions an argument or uses a related term like "argumentative strategy," take time to understand the argument in the stimulus and identify the argument core. Once we've done that, the next step is to understand what the question is asking about the argument. Are we being asked to find an assumption or describe a flaw in the argument? Are we being asked to strengthen or weaken the argument? Or, as is the case here, are we being asked to describe the argument in general terms? It's great to read a question stem and immediately recognize the question type. If that doesn't happen, remember that the question stem still contains information that you can use to answer the question.

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