Role in ArgumentDiff: Hardest
Logic Breakdown
Passage Summary: An astronomer argues that our solar system is a better-than-average place for life to start because we have plenty of the heavy chemical elements life needs, which is rare for a sun as old as ours.
Conclusion: Our solar system likely provided a better environment for life to begin than most other solar systems of a similar age.
Reasoning: Life requires a sufficient amount of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium, and our sun possesses a higher concentration of these elements than most stars of its age.
Analysis: This is a 'Role in Argument' question, so we must focus on the structural function of the specific claim. The statement that life depends on heavy elements acts as a general premise or principle. It establishes a necessary condition for life, which the astronomer then applies to the specific case of our sun to support the final conclusion. Notice how the argument moves from a general rule to a specific fact about our sun, finally landing on a comparative judgment.
Conclusion: Our solar system likely provided a better environment for life to begin than most other solar systems of a similar age.
Reasoning: Life requires a sufficient amount of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium, and our sun possesses a higher concentration of these elements than most stars of its age.
Analysis: This is a 'Role in Argument' question, so we must focus on the structural function of the specific claim. The statement that life depends on heavy elements acts as a general premise or principle. It establishes a necessary condition for life, which the astronomer then applies to the specific case of our sun to support the final conclusion. Notice how the argument moves from a general rule to a specific fact about our sun, finally landing on a comparative judgment.
Passage Stimulus
Passage Redacted
Unlock Full Passage8.Which one of the following most accurately describes the role played in the astronomer's argument by the claim that any conceivable form of life depends on chemical elements heavier than hydrogen and helium?
Correct Answer
A
A accurately describes the statement’s role: it’s a premise (no evidence for it is provided in the passage) and part of the evidence for the single conclusion about our solar system being more favorable to life.
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