Critical Reasoning: Boldface Type Questions
Disease Z is a medical condition which is transmitted by an airborne virus. The Epidemic Control Center of Country X has conducted tests in all the countries in the breakout area of Disease Z and found that countries that had a popular public transportation system suffered from a higher rate of infections. Therefore, it was determined that countries with advanced mass transit systems are more liable to experience a breakout of Disease Z. However, it is also known that all of these countries have a good health system which is able to prevent a breakout by quickly identifying the first infections.
In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]While this answer choice defines the first boldface part correctly, it defines the second incorrectly. The second portion in boldface is a premise and not a conclusion since it simply presents a known fact and does not make any judgment based on other premises.
Very good!
[[snippet]]The first boldface portion provides data that supports the main conclusion presented in the argument - that of the Epidemic Control Center. The second is additional data that weighs against the ECC's conclusion.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]The first portion in boldface is not a conclusion, it's a premise which presents the findings of the tests that were conducted. This is purely factual information. You can immediately eliminate answer choices that incorrectly define the first boldface part; do not waste time reading the rest.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]The first portion in boldface is not an opinion. It's a premise which presents the findings of the tests that were conducted. This is purely factual information. You can immediately eliminate answer choices that incorrectly define the first boldface part; do not waste time reading the rest.
