Critical Reasoning: Boldface Type Questions
The roads connecting two distant cities in the country of Kahuya allow travelers to drive at a speed of 20 miles per hour. If there are no monsoons which render the roads unusable, and if one makes only one half-hour stop every 4 hours, the journey can be made in 5 days.
In the argument, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]The first boldface part does not relay any information (notice the word If with which it begins) so it cannot be a premise. You can immediately eliminate answer choices that incorrectly define the first boldface part; do not waste time reading the rest.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]An inference is a judgment based on premises; however, the first portion is not a judgement (notice the word If with which it begins). You can immediately eliminate answer choices that incorrectly define the first boldface part; do not waste time reading the rest.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]An conclusion is a judgment based on premises; however, the first portion is not a judgement (notice the word If with which it begins). You can immediately eliminate answer choices that incorrectly define the first boldface part; do not waste time reading the rest.
Well done.
[[snippet]]The first part of sentence 2 beginning with if limits the generality of the premise at the end of the argument. The journey cannot always be made in 5 days; the premise is only true if the condition in the first boldface part is fulfilled.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]An opinion is the expression of a position: I think that ___. The first boldface part, however, does not express a position. You can immediately eliminate answer choices that incorrectly define the first boldface part; do not waste time reading the rest.
