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- Fri Jan 20, 2017 12:00 am
#64115
Complete Question Explanation
Method of Reasoning. The correct answer choice is (A)
Sahira argues that governments are justified in subsidizing artists (this is the main conclusion of her
argument), because without such subsidies, she asserts, artists with great potential would have to
create popular works “instead of their best work.” Sahira’s clear implication here is that the popular
works created would not represent such artists’ best work.
Rahima points out that the above conclusion depends on a questionable notion: that talented artists’
popular creations would represent something other than their best work. Rahima says that this is not
necessarily the case.
The dialogue between Sahira and Rahima is followed by a Method of Reasoning question, so we
should prephrase the answer if possible: In her argument, Rahima questions Sahira’s implication that
popular works would not represent these artists’ best work.
Answer choice (A): This is the correct answer choice. Rahima’s response is to question Sahira’s
assumption that appealing to the masses would lead to something other than the best work from
artists of great potential.
Answer choice (B): Rahima disagrees with Sahira; she does not present independent support for
Sahira’s argument but rather takes issue with it.
Answer choice (C): Rahima questions Sahira’s conclusion because it is based on a questionable
notion. Since Rahima does not accept Sahira’s conclusion, this answer choice cannot be correct.
Answer choice (D): Rahima does not “use” Sahira’s premises; instead, she questions an unstated
premise (i.e., an assumption) of Sahira’s argument.
Answer choice (E): Rahima asserts that one of Sahira’s assumptions may be invalid—Rahima does
not claim that there has been any self-contradiction.
Method of Reasoning. The correct answer choice is (A)
Sahira argues that governments are justified in subsidizing artists (this is the main conclusion of her
argument), because without such subsidies, she asserts, artists with great potential would have to
create popular works “instead of their best work.” Sahira’s clear implication here is that the popular
works created would not represent such artists’ best work.
Rahima points out that the above conclusion depends on a questionable notion: that talented artists’
popular creations would represent something other than their best work. Rahima says that this is not
necessarily the case.
The dialogue between Sahira and Rahima is followed by a Method of Reasoning question, so we
should prephrase the answer if possible: In her argument, Rahima questions Sahira’s implication that
popular works would not represent these artists’ best work.
Answer choice (A): This is the correct answer choice. Rahima’s response is to question Sahira’s
assumption that appealing to the masses would lead to something other than the best work from
artists of great potential.
Answer choice (B): Rahima disagrees with Sahira; she does not present independent support for
Sahira’s argument but rather takes issue with it.
Answer choice (C): Rahima questions Sahira’s conclusion because it is based on a questionable
notion. Since Rahima does not accept Sahira’s conclusion, this answer choice cannot be correct.
Answer choice (D): Rahima does not “use” Sahira’s premises; instead, she questions an unstated
premise (i.e., an assumption) of Sahira’s argument.
Answer choice (E): Rahima asserts that one of Sahira’s assumptions may be invalid—Rahima does
not claim that there has been any self-contradiction.
Conclusion C