Critical Reasoning: Boldface Type Questions

A rise in the price of raw materials has recently caused hardship for glass manufacturers. A method of firing experienced workers and keeping those with the lowest salaries has been adopted by a number of companies, supposedly in order to contend with the economical difficulties. There is strong evidence that the raw materials will soon return to their former price, but before then, companies will have lowered the quality of their products, and therefore reduced their sales value, by employing inexperienced workers. It is unwise for glass manufacturers to filter the employment of workers by the lowest required salary.

In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

Incorrect.

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The first boldface portion deals with the prediction of a future event and cannot, therefore, be referred to as evidence. You can immediately eliminate answer choices that incorrectly define the first boldface part; do not waste time reading the rest.

Incorrect.

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The first boldface portion describes a situation in order to support the argument's position rather than challenge it. You can immediately eliminate answer choices that incorrectly define the first boldface part; do not waste time reading the rest.

Incorrect.

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While this answer choice defines the first boldface part correctly, it defines the second incorrectly. The second boldface portion does not present us with any factual information and cannot, therefore, be referred to as evidence.

Incorrect.

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While this answer choice defines the first boldface part correctly, it defines the second incorrectly. The second boldface portion is the argument's conclusion and cannot, therefore, object to its position.

Superb!

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The action - firing experienced workers.
The predicted outcome - lower quality products and reduced sales value.
The conclusion - the action should not be taken.

The first is evidence that has been used to support the argument's position; the second is that position.

The first is the result of an action opposed by the argument's position; the second is evidence which further supports that position.

The first is the prediction of the outcome of an action that the argument's conclusion opposes; the second is that conclusion.

The first describes a situation in order to challenge the position that the argument seeks to establish; the second is that position.

The first is a prediction that has been used as support for the argument's position; the second is an objection to that position.

Critical Reasoning: Boldface Type Questions

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