The fact that politicians in a certain country are trying to reduce government spending does not by itself explain wh...

Ravi on May 31, 2019

@Karry-Jiao,

Happy to help. Let's take a look at (B) and (E).

(B) says, "The fact that Brooks has a part-time job does not by itself
explain why he is doing poorly in school. Many students with part-time
jobs are able to set aside enough time for study and thus maintain
high grades."

(B) provides us with a conclusion that's similar to the one in the
stimulus, but the structure of its premise is different from the
stimulus. This argument is saying that because others in similar
circumstances perform better, his performance isn't totally explained
by his part-time job commitment. Thus, (B) is out.

(E) says, "The fact that Thelma's goal is to become famous does not by
itself explain why she took up theatrical acting. It is easier to
become famous through writing or directing plays than through
theatrical acting."

(E) is saying that Thelma's goal of becoming famous doesn't totally
explain why she started theatrical acting because, just as with the
government, there is a more efficient way for her to achieve her goal.
The structure of the premise in (E) matches the premise's structure in
the stimulus, and the conclusions mirror each other, so this is why
(E) is correct.

Hope this helps. Let us know if you have any more questions!

Karry-Jiao on June 2, 2019

Thanks very much Ravi! Now I get it.

Ravi on June 3, 2019

@Karry-Joao, great to hear! Let us know if you have any more questions!

JPB on August 6, 2021

Beware language to get you emotionally involved and trick you:
"eliminate all government–supported scholarship programs"
"instead they had cut back on military spending"
I am learning to not take the bait and see these as neutral entities

Ravi on February 7, 2022

@JPB, that's great to hear that you're keeping your emotions out of what you read. That's integral to doing well on this exam.