#22 - An effective acting performance does not call the audience’s attention to the fact

[Administrator]

Complete Question Explanation

Justify the Conclusion. The correct answer choice is (E).

Answer choice (A):

Answer choice (B):

Answer choice (C):

Answer choice (D):

Answer choice (E): This is the correct answer choice.

This explanation is still in progress. Please post any questions below!

[alphonse92m@gmail.com]

Can someone explain why E is the answer and not B?

[Jeff Wren]

Hi Alphonse,

Let's start by rearranging the premises and conclusion.

P: Effective dramatic performances do not detract from the audience’s appreciation of a play.
P: Calling the audience’s attention to the fact that it is a performance would make it more difficult for the audience to empathize with the character the actor is playing.

C: An effective acting performance does not call the audience’s attention to the fact that it is a performance.

The gap in the argument is between making it more difficult for the audience to empathize with the actor’s character and detracting from the audience’s appreciation of the play. Answer E properly connects those terms and justifies the argument when added to the premises.

Answer B is basically saying if a performance doesn't call attention, then it won't detract. This is a Mistaken Reversal of what we would need to justify the argument. Notice that doesn't call attention (the term in our conclusion) is the sufficient condition here, which is backwards.