Logical Reasoning

PT11 · S2 · Q23 A group of scientists studying calcium

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A group of scientists studying calcium metabolism in laboratory rats discovered that removing the rats’ parathyroid glands resulted in the rats’ having substantially lower than normal levels of calcium in their blood.

Your task

Break the argument into its conclusion and evidence, then do exactly what the question stem asks with that structure.

Common trap

Answers that sound relevant to the topic but don't connect to the argument's actual reasoning.

Winning move

Predict what a right answer must do, then test each choice against the conclusion-evidence gap.

23.

Which one of the following, if true, explains the surprising discovery in a way most consistent with the scientists’ hypothesis?

  1. Correct

    The adrenal gland acts to

    Why this is right

    Answer A is correct.

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

    71% picked this

  2. The adrenal gland and the

    Trap

    8% picked this

  3. The absence of a parathyroid

    Trap

    14% picked this

  4. If the adrenal gland, and

    Trap

    5% picked this

  5. The only function of the

    Trap

    2% picked this

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