Because it permits a slower and more natural rhythm of life, living in the country is supposed to be more healthy and...

Malik on September 26 at 10:57PM

Must be True for Viewpoints/Arguments

Here's a clearer version of your message: Hi, I got confused by the question stem. I could tell that it was building toward the conclusion stated in answer choice A, but the question type was "Must Be True" rather than "Argument Completion." So I thought I needed to pick an answer that would make all the statements above true, which led me to treat it more like a paradox question. I chose C because if that statement is true, it explains how rural areas can still result in better health, while keeping the fact that rural residents get sick just as often consistent. I didn't think A had to be true because it seemed broader than the evidence the author provided. Just because people in rural areas get sick as often and experience similar levels of stress doesn't necessarily mean they aren't healthier or more relaxed overall. There could be plenty of other factors contributing to their better health and relaxation compared to city dwellers. This approach usually works for me in "Must Be True" questions, but it didn’t here. Could you provide some insight on how to handle this type of "Must Be True" question, where the argument seems to lead to a conclusion but doesn’t fully reach one? Or when opposing points are presented but undermined? I often find these situations tricky.

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Emil-Kunkin on October 2 at 10:25PM

Starting with your approach in the first paradox, I'm not sure if I understand your reasoning. The question is a must be true, so you need to lick the thing that the passage proves is true. Not the answer choice that would make the passage true. Nothing in the question here is asking you to explain the passage.

As to your second point, I agree that A doesn't necessarily,have to be true in the sense that it is 100 percent guaranteed. Rather, as you noted, it's the logical conclusion of the argument. Sure there could be some other reason that it is healthier that for whatever reason does not impact the rate at which people become I'll, but that seems quite unlikely. The evidence supports the idea that it is neither healthier nor more relaxing. Therefore, that is the most strongly supported answer choice. It may not be 100 percent supported, but the passage supports the claim in A. For most strongly supported questions, particularly ones which seem to be leading up to a conclusion like this, I want you to remember that it's possible the right answer only 95 percent supported, as I think it is here.

I'd also want to note that argument completion questions are essentially just must be trues.