Parallel ReasoningDiff: Medium
Logic Breakdown
Passage Summary: If there were ever aliens on the moon, we would see evidence of them. Since we haven't found any evidence after looking many times, there must not have been any aliens.
Conclusion: There has never been life on the Moon.
Reasoning: If life existed, there would be signs; since no signs have been found, life must not have existed.
Analysis: The structure here is a valid logical form known as Modus Tollens: If P, then Q; Not Q; therefore, Not P. The argument is very certain, using 'would be' and 'never.' To find the parallel, look for an answer that sets up a conditional requirement (If A, then B), notes the absence of that requirement (No B), and concludes the original condition is false (No A). Ensure the strength of the language in the correct answer matches the definitive tone used in the stimulus.
Conclusion: There has never been life on the Moon.
Reasoning: If life existed, there would be signs; since no signs have been found, life must not have existed.
Analysis: The structure here is a valid logical form known as Modus Tollens: If P, then Q; Not Q; therefore, Not P. The argument is very certain, using 'would be' and 'never.' To find the parallel, look for an answer that sets up a conditional requirement (If A, then B), notes the absence of that requirement (No B), and concludes the original condition is false (No A). Ensure the strength of the language in the correct answer matches the definitive tone used in the stimulus.
Passage Stimulus
Passage Redacted
Unlock Full Passage9.The pattern of reasoning in the argument above is most similar to that in which one of the following?
Correct Answer
E
E mirrors the pattern exactly: If their army is planning an attack, there would be observable indicators (troop movements or weapons transfer). Intelligence shows no such indicators, so conclude no planned attack. That’s modus tollens with a disjunction in the consequent, just like the stimulus.
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