Critical Reasoning: Conclusion Strengthening Questions
Most professional volleyball players retire under the age of 35 due to injuries and the extreme fitness that is needed to play the sport. Angela Leapj, however, is well-known for her skills and the fact that she is still playing professionally at the age of 40. She credits her long career to her determination in keeping a healthy mind, and not just body, by resting often, and by performing meditation exercises.
Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports Leapj's explanation of her long career?
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]While this answer choice may explain why Angela still plays professionally at 40, it does not support her explanation (the argument's conclusion) as required by the question stem. To do so, an answer choice must relate to what Angela thinks is the reason for her prolonged career.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice is irrelevant to our task as it does not support Angela's explanation of why she is still playing professionally at the age of 40. To do so, an answer choice must relate to what Angela thinks is the reason for her prolonged career.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice weakens Angela's explanation. It does so by presenting the negative effect meditation may have on the body's physical performance: slower reflexes. Don't forget, we are looking for a statement that supports Angela's explanation.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice weakens Angela's explanation. It does so by undermining the reason that she gives for her long career: rest. Constant exercise and resting often contradict one another. Don't forget, we are looking for a statement that supports Angela's explanation.
Superb work!
[[snippet]]This answer choice gives us evidence to prove that Angela's explanation is correct: if Angela's mind is relaxed, her body functions better. This clearly supports her explanation.
