Argument Evaluation Questions - - Question 7

Science Academy study: It has been demonstrated that with natural methods, some well managed farms are able to reduce...

Dela August 18, 2019

plz help!

Is the "most adequate evaluation of the logical force" in the question stem, "method of reasoning" question type? The answer choice seem more method of reasoning than evaluation. How is it evaluating critic`s remark?

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Ravi August 27, 2019

@Dela,

The question is asking us to evaluate the critics' response and give a
reason for our conclusion regarding their argument. It's not quite a
method of reasoning question, but it's close. This is a very old
question type that doesn't really show up on new tests.

The study says that it's possible to increase yields with natural methods.

The critics respond that the farms studied were the most likely to be
successful anyway, so the study is incorrect.

The critics and the study are concerned with two different things. The
study simply wishes to establish that it's possible to use natural
methods to increase yields. The critics argue that the study isn't
representative of farming at large. However, that does not matter
because that is not the goal of the study, so the response fails for
this reason.

(E) says, "The issue is only to show that something is possible, so it
is not relevant whether the instances studied were representative."

(E) looks great. The critic accuses the study of making a sampling
flaw that simply is not there, and (E) describes this well. Thus, it's
the correct answer choice.

Does this make sense? Let us know if you have any other questions!

Dela August 31, 2019

Thanks!

Ravi September 9, 2019

@Dela, you're welcome! Let us know if you have any other questions!