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- Posts: 8948
- Joined: Feb 02, 2011
- Mon May 22, 2017 6:33 pm
#35267
Complete Question Explanation
Point at Issue. The correct answer choice is (D)
Point at Issue questions can be challenging if you insist on only selecting answers which were
addressed by both candidates. Within the context of an argument, it is possible for neither candidate
to state the correct answer, as long as both speakers’ positions with respect to that answer can be
clearly inferred.
Talbert’s argument consists of several factual statements in favor of the evaluation that chess
is beneficial for school-age children. Such an argument could be advanced as support for the
conclusion that children should learn chess. Sklar points out a particular drawback to teaching
chess to children, but does not object to any of Talbert’s specific facts, including the claim that
chess promotes mental maturity. Thus, although neither speaker specifically addresses the claim
that “children should be taught to play chess”, it is clear that Talbert favors this position and Sklar
opposes it.
Answer choice (A): This is a specific claim advanced in Talbert’s argument, which Sklar chooses not
to address. Although Sklar’s omission should not be interpreted as tacit support for this position, we
have no reason to believe that Sklar rejects this claim, either. We cannot choose an answer without
clear evidence that one speaker agrees with it and the other disagrees.
Answer choice (B): Neither speaker addresses this claim and neither provides evidence to infer their
position about it. In fact, only Sklar ever discusses an activity other than chess, and he does not claim
that there are many activities that offer similar promotion of mental maturity.
Answer choice (C): Sklar argues that science is socially valuable and chess is not, but Talbert does
not claim this answer choice, and it cannot be inferred from Talbert’s argument that he agrees with
this claim. It must be clear that one speaker agrees with the correct answer and the other disagrees,
so this choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (D): This is the correct answer choice. Point at Issue statements tend not to be
complex. You should take the statements at face value, and not look for tricks or exceptions. Point at
Issue speakers do not argue in favor of positions they reject or against positions they hold. Thus, if
Talbert’s argument would be used to support teaching chess to children and Sklar’s arguments would
be used against teaching children to play chess, it is reasonable to accept that each speaker holds
those respective positions. (D) is correct.
Answer choice (E): Like (A) and (B), this argument focuses on mental maturity. The simple fact that
only one speaker provides evidence for inferring a position regarding mental maturity is enough to
reject (E). Further, even Talbert does not make the claim that chess is necessary for mental maturity
(not to mention science); he only argues that it is beneficial.
Point at Issue. The correct answer choice is (D)
Point at Issue questions can be challenging if you insist on only selecting answers which were
addressed by both candidates. Within the context of an argument, it is possible for neither candidate
to state the correct answer, as long as both speakers’ positions with respect to that answer can be
clearly inferred.
Talbert’s argument consists of several factual statements in favor of the evaluation that chess
is beneficial for school-age children. Such an argument could be advanced as support for the
conclusion that children should learn chess. Sklar points out a particular drawback to teaching
chess to children, but does not object to any of Talbert’s specific facts, including the claim that
chess promotes mental maturity. Thus, although neither speaker specifically addresses the claim
that “children should be taught to play chess”, it is clear that Talbert favors this position and Sklar
opposes it.
Answer choice (A): This is a specific claim advanced in Talbert’s argument, which Sklar chooses not
to address. Although Sklar’s omission should not be interpreted as tacit support for this position, we
have no reason to believe that Sklar rejects this claim, either. We cannot choose an answer without
clear evidence that one speaker agrees with it and the other disagrees.
Answer choice (B): Neither speaker addresses this claim and neither provides evidence to infer their
position about it. In fact, only Sklar ever discusses an activity other than chess, and he does not claim
that there are many activities that offer similar promotion of mental maturity.
Answer choice (C): Sklar argues that science is socially valuable and chess is not, but Talbert does
not claim this answer choice, and it cannot be inferred from Talbert’s argument that he agrees with
this claim. It must be clear that one speaker agrees with the correct answer and the other disagrees,
so this choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (D): This is the correct answer choice. Point at Issue statements tend not to be
complex. You should take the statements at face value, and not look for tricks or exceptions. Point at
Issue speakers do not argue in favor of positions they reject or against positions they hold. Thus, if
Talbert’s argument would be used to support teaching chess to children and Sklar’s arguments would
be used against teaching children to play chess, it is reasonable to accept that each speaker holds
those respective positions. (D) is correct.
Answer choice (E): Like (A) and (B), this argument focuses on mental maturity. The simple fact that
only one speaker provides evidence for inferring a position regarding mental maturity is enough to
reject (E). Further, even Talbert does not make the claim that chess is necessary for mental maturity
(not to mention science); he only argues that it is beneficial.