Parallel ReasoningDiff: Medium
Logic Breakdown
Passage Summary: Theodore is in a bind: the only way he can finish his taxes on time is by using an accountant who doesn't ask for extra paperwork, but any accountant he hires will definitely ask for that paperwork.
Conclusion: Theodore will be unable to file his tax return on time.
Reasoning: Filing on time requires an accountant and no requests for extra documentation, but hiring an accountant will inevitably result in a request for extra documentation.
Analysis: The structure of this argument is a logical 'catch-22.' It sets up a necessary condition for an outcome (To get X, you need Y AND Z), but then states that one part of that condition triggers the failure of the other (If you have Y, you cannot have Z). Therefore, X is impossible. To match this, look for an answer choice that establishes a goal requiring two components that are shown to be mutually exclusive. The content doesn't matter, but the 'A requires B and C; B precludes C; therefore no A' logic must be identical.
Conclusion: Theodore will be unable to file his tax return on time.
Reasoning: Filing on time requires an accountant and no requests for extra documentation, but hiring an accountant will inevitably result in a request for extra documentation.
Analysis: The structure of this argument is a logical 'catch-22.' It sets up a necessary condition for an outcome (To get X, you need Y AND Z), but then states that one part of that condition triggers the failure of the other (If you have Y, you cannot have Z). Therefore, X is impossible. To match this, look for an answer choice that establishes a goal requiring two components that are shown to be mutually exclusive. The content doesn't matter, but the 'A requires B and C; B precludes C; therefore no A' logic must be identical.
Passage Stimulus
Passage Redacted
Unlock Full Passage15.The pattern of reasoning in which one of the following arguments most closely parallels the pattern of reasoning in the argument above?
Correct Answer
E
E mirrors the structure: Relaxing vacation (R) only if (Children behave well (B) ∧ ¬Suspicion (¬S)); but B → S. Thus R → (B ∧ ¬S) and B → S, so R implies S and ~~¬S~~—impossible. Therefore, not R. This matches the original pattern exactly.
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