Sociologist: The intended function of

Answer choices

1. A

   Too Strong: should not15% picked this

   News that serves its intended function should not

   This answer choice is tempting because it connects the concepts of entertainment and intended function. However, it states that news servicing its intended function should not be entertaining at all, which goes beyond what the sociologist needs to assume. The crucial point is whether being primarily entertaining stops it from fulfilling its intended function, not that it shouldn't entertain at all.

   15%
2. B

   Out of Scope: viewers' preferences1% picked this

   Most viewers prefer that news be

   This answer discusses the preferences of most viewers, which the argument never directly addresses. The conclusion revolves around the outcome of news as entertainment, rather than the preferences leading to its design in that way. (The word "most" is wrong on Nec Assump 99% of the time we see it)

   1%
3. C

   Too Strong: only one function3% picked this

   News has only one important

   While the sociologist emphasizes one function of the news, the argument doesn't require that news has only one important function. This claim is about how well news can serve its intended informational role, regardless of whether it may have other roles as well.

   3%
4. D

   Correct79% picked this

   News that primarily entertains does not give us information on which

   Why this is right

   This choice provides the missing link: if news is primarily entertaining, then it won't fulfill its intended function of providing actionable information. It addresses the core conflict identified in the argument—the assumed incompatibility between being primarily entertaining and serving its intended function.

   Skill tested: Necessary Assumption · how this choice captures the argument's function is the move to repeat next time.

   79%
5. E

   Too Strong: inevitably3% picked this

   A news industry that aims to make a profit inevitably presents

   The argument isn't concerned with whether a profit-seeking news industry always presents news as entertainment. Instead, it's focused on whether currently, under these consumer society circumstances, the entertaining nature prevents news from being actionable.

   3%