Logic Breakdown

Passage Summary: Joanna thinks Adam shouldn't judge because of a conflict of interest. Mariah disagrees with Joanna's reasons but agrees with her conclusion because Adam doesn't know how to grade essays.

Conclusion: Adam should not be a judge for the essay contest.

Reasoning: Although the potential for bias is mitigated by anonymous grading and a lack of personal friendships with the entrants, Adam lacks the necessary experience to critique essays.

Analysis: Mariah reaches the same conclusion as Joanna but for a different reason. To justify Mariah's argument, we need a principle that makes 'lack of experience' a sufficient reason to disqualify someone from judging. Look for a rule that bridges the gap between the premise (lack of experience) and the conclusion (should not judge). A strong candidate would be a principle stating that relevant expertise is a mandatory requirement for any individual serving as a judge in a competition.

Passage Stimulus

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3.

Which one of the following principles, if valid, most helps to justify Mariah's argument?

Correct Answer
B
If expertise is the primary prerequisite for judging, then Adam’s lack of experience in critiquing essays justifies the conclusion that he should not judge. This principle bridges Mariah’s factual premise to her conclusion.
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