WeakenDiff: Hard
Logic Breakdown
Passage Summary: A researcher claims soybeans help prevent human cancer because they contain chemicals that stop certain hormones in sheep and rats, or might block cholesterol.
Conclusion: Certain chemical compounds found in soybeans are effective at preventing cancer in humans.
Reasoning: Soybeans contain isoflavones, which inhibit cancer-promoting estrogen in animals, and phytosterols, which may have anticancer effects by slowing cholesterol absorption.
Analysis: Since this is a 'Weaken EXCEPT' question, four of the answers will actively undermine the researcher's claim, and the correct one will not. The argument relies heavily on an analogy between humans and other animals (cheetahs, sheep, rats) and a speculative link regarding cholesterol. To weaken the argument, an answer might suggest that humans process these chemicals differently than sheep do, or that the amount of these chemicals in a normal diet is negligible. The 'except' answer will likely be irrelevant to the link or perhaps even slightly support the researcher's claim.
Conclusion: Certain chemical compounds found in soybeans are effective at preventing cancer in humans.
Reasoning: Soybeans contain isoflavones, which inhibit cancer-promoting estrogen in animals, and phytosterols, which may have anticancer effects by slowing cholesterol absorption.
Analysis: Since this is a 'Weaken EXCEPT' question, four of the answers will actively undermine the researcher's claim, and the correct one will not. The argument relies heavily on an analogy between humans and other animals (cheetahs, sheep, rats) and a speculative link regarding cholesterol. To weaken the argument, an answer might suggest that humans process these chemicals differently than sheep do, or that the amount of these chemicals in a normal diet is negligible. The 'except' answer will likely be irrelevant to the link or perhaps even slightly support the researcher's claim.
Passage Stimulus
Passage Redacted
Unlock Full Passage24.Each of the following, if true, would reduce the support given by the researcher for the claim that several chemical compounds in soybeans are effective agents for human cancer prevention except:
Correct Answer
A
A does not undercut efficacy. Saying the derivatives used in studies aren’t widely available concerns availability, not whether the compounds themselves are effective anticancer agents in humans. Thus it leaves the researcher’s evidentiary support intact.
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