Philosopher: Effective tests have recently been developed to predict fatal diseases having a largely genetic basis....
JazzyJanuary 3, 2022
Regarding Choosing B over E
Hi:
I could use help to understanding 2 points between B vs. E:
1. B uses the word of "medicine". However genetic testing doesn't precisely define as "medicine" (as opposed to "Medical technologies" in C) does it? Or did I read into it too deep?
2. as for "of questionable value", the stimulus makes the conclusion that "whether...should be made available at all". Doesn't it imply the value of one thing? In other words, if one thing shouldn't be made available, it will basically have no or negative value. I think I can use a deeper explanation for this.
Thank you.
Replies
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1. I think the use of "medicine" in this context is fine, especially because this is an Illustration question. Remember, the correct answer will be a generalization on these questions. They can use words that are more general than the specific circumstance described in the passage. So while "new medical technologies" or "new medical tests" might be a more specific description of the tests described in the passage, both would certainly fall under the umbrella term "advance of medicine."
Ross-RinehartJanuary 3, 2022
2. "Raising the question ... whether such 'early warning' tests should be made available at all" is probably not enough to say that these tests are of "questionable value." That's in my opinion, at least. Raising the "question" and "questionable" mean two different things, in this context. Raising the question just means "worthy of discussion." The discussion could lead us to conclude that these tests are, on balance, worthwhile or worthless or somewhere in between. But we don't know yet. "Questionable" means "of doubtful or suspicious merit," in this context. So, in my opinion, this is enough to eliminate (E).
However, the above discussion is rendered moot by the simple fact that (E) is just too strong. The passage only describes one situation in which technology may create a "questionable" advancement. We use that one example to conclude that the advance of technology is always of questionable value. The correct answers on Illustration questions tend to be weak. Notice how the correct answer uses the weak modifier "can." I think most expert test-takers would eliminate (E) based on how strong it is, and never bother debating the issue of "questionable value."
