WeakenDiff: Medium
Logic Breakdown
Passage Summary: Scientists found a specific piece of the hepatitis E virus that triggers the immune system, so they think they can use it to make a vaccine that protects people forever.
Conclusion: Doctors believe they can now create a vaccine that provides lifelong protection against hepatitis E.
Reasoning: A specific part of the hepatitis E virus's outer coating has been identified, and exposing the body to just this portion is as effective at triggering antibody production as exposure to the entire virus.
Analysis: The argument relies on the assumption that triggering an initial antibody response is sufficient for 'permanent' immunity. To weaken this claim, look for an answer that suggests the virus might change over time or that the immune response might fade. For instance, if the hepatitis E virus frequently mutates its outer coating, the antibodies produced by the vaccine would eventually fail to recognize the new versions of the virus. We need to find a reason why the 'permanent' part of the doctors' promise might be overconfident.
Conclusion: Doctors believe they can now create a vaccine that provides lifelong protection against hepatitis E.
Reasoning: A specific part of the hepatitis E virus's outer coating has been identified, and exposing the body to just this portion is as effective at triggering antibody production as exposure to the entire virus.
Analysis: The argument relies on the assumption that triggering an initial antibody response is sufficient for 'permanent' immunity. To weaken this claim, look for an answer that suggests the virus might change over time or that the immune response might fade. For instance, if the hepatitis E virus frequently mutates its outer coating, the antibodies produced by the vaccine would eventually fail to recognize the new versions of the virus. We need to find a reason why the 'permanent' part of the doctors' promise might be overconfident.
Passage Stimulus
Passage Redacted
Unlock Full Passage11.Which one of the following, if true, most strongly counters the doctors' claim?
Correct Answer
A
If most people who get hepatitis E as young adults were likely exposed in childhood, earlier exposure clearly did not confer permanent immunity, directly undercutting the claim that the vaccine would produce permanent immunity.
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