LR Question 15 Explanation
QUESTION TEXT: Ambiguity inspires interpretation. The saying “We are the measure of…
QUESTION TYPE: Role in Argument
CONCLUSION: Ambiguity inspires interpretation.
REASONING: The phrase “We are the measure of all things” is given as an example of the conclusion. The phrase is ambiguous and so we attempt to interpret it.
ANALYSIS: If there are no conclusion words such as “thus” and “therefore” then the first sentence of an argument is often the conclusion.
The claim that “we are the measure of all things” is just an example that illustrates the conclusion.
___________
- No, it is the conclusion. The example supports it.
- The claim is an illustration of the conclusion. This answer choice gets it backwards.
- No, it is the argument’s conclusion.
- CORRECT. The phrase “we are the measure of all things” is ambiguous and demands interpretation. This example supports the claim that everything is ambiguous.
- The argument doesn’t claim that ambiguity or interpretation are problems.
More Resources for Role in Argument Questions
- Intro Course lesson: This intro course lesson covers Role in Argument questions.
- Mastery Seminar lesson: This LR Mastery seminar lesson covers role in argument questions.
what would be an example of answer choice C? “It is compatible with either accepting or rejecting the argument’s conclusion”
PT107.S4.Q15
C describes a statement that’s neutral with respect to the argument’s conclusion. That means the statement could still be true whether the conclusion is right or wrong (so it’s compatible with the conclusion being accepted or rejected).
So imagine an argument that says: “There has been an increase in injuries in the city, so the city should ban electric scooters.”
An example of C could be: “Electric scooters became popular in the city five years ago.”
It could be compatible with accepting the conclusion (if the increase in injuries has been related to the increase of scooters then yes we should ban them) and it could be compatible with rejecting it (maybe the injuries have nothing to do with the scooters so no we shouldn’t ban them). It’s neutral in terms of the conclusion.
That’s just one example off bat, but hope that helps. Let me know if you have further questions!