LR Question type confusion from Lesson materials.

[kirstenjm3]

Hi there,

May I please have some clarification as to why these are two different question types?

1. "Which one of the following most accurately expresses the conclusion drawn by the (person) above?" (Main Point Question) - taken from Lesson 1, pg 1-14.

2. "Which one of the following most accurately expresses the principle underlying the argumentation above?" (Justify-Principle Question) - taken from Lesson 10, pg 10-1.

Thank you.

[Jon Denning]

Hey Kirsten,

Thanks for the message!

The first type, Main Point, is fairly straightforward, as you're simply asked to find an answer that gives the conclusion of the author.

The second type is a bit more confusing. What you're asked to find is essentially the general idea (Principle) that proves the argument is correct (that's the Justify portion). In other words, we want to know basically what idea the author believes in order to feel his/her conclusion is true. So it depends on the argument itself like Main Point, but is really driving at why the author makes it and thinks it's correct. And the fact that Principle is involved means it's slightly more generalized than a typical Justify.

I hope that helps!

Jon

[kirstenjm3]

Thanks, Jon!