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Complete Question Explanation

Main Point. The correct answer choice is (E)

As with many Main Point questions, the conclusion here is not the last sentence. Also, the argument structure is more complex than in a typical Logical Reasoning question. The second sentence begins with the conclusion indicator phrase “as a result…,” but is not the main conclusion. Rather, it is an intermediate conclusion based on the premise that adobe conducts heat very slowly. The author then takes this conclusion about adobe’s ability to maintain a pleasant temperature, and contrasts it with the negative qualities of other building materials in order to conclude, ultimately, that adobe is an ideal material for building in the desert. This first sentence of the stimulus is therefore the main conclusion:
  • Premise: Adobe conducts heat slowly.

    Sub. Conclusion: A house built of adobe retains the warmth of the desert sun during the cool evenings and then remains cool during the heat of the day, thereby helping to maintain a pleasant temperature.

    Premise: Houses built of other commonly used building materials, which conduct heat more rapidly, grow hot during the day and cold at night.

    Conclusion: Adobe is an ideal material for building in desert environments.
You will often see this feature in Main Point questions. One way the test makers make the main conclusion of an argument more difficult to identify is to use multiple conclusions within the argument. Only one of these conclusions can be the main conclusion, yet the other intermediate conclusions can be used to formulate attractive incorrect answers. In addition, these intermediate conclusions often use conclusion indicator language, making them even more attractive as incorrect answer choices. The best way to differentiate between the main and the intermediate conclusions it to ask yourself which assertion logically supports the other. The one supported by the other will be the main conclusion of the argument.

Answer choice (A): This answer choice is exaggerated and goes beyond the author’s argument. The author never claims adobe to be a “substitute” for other materials. The author is merely arguing that adobe’s heat conduction properties make it a good choice for building in the desert.

Answer choice (B): This statement is true based on the stimulus, and reflects part of the second sentence. However, the second sentence is an intermediate conclusion, not the main conclusion of the argument. The statement is used to support the main conclusion that adobe is an ideal material for building in the desert.

Answer choice (C): This answer choice represents an intermediate conclusion of the argument as well. This statement is another reason why abode is such an ideal material.

Answer choice (D): Be careful with the language in this answer choice. The author stated that adobe helps maintain a pleasant temperature, but did not go so far as to say that an ideal building material for houses in the desert should enable houses to maintain a pleasant, constant temperature. This is an exaggeration of the second sentence of the argument, and so does not follow from the information in the stimulus.

Answer choice (E): This is the correct answer choice. This answer choice is a restatement of the first sentence of the stimulus, that adobe is an “ideal material for building in desert environments.” The words “especially suitable” in the answer choice line up well with the word “ideal” in the argument itself.

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