Logical Reasoning

PT111 · S3 · Q9 A running track with a hard surface

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A running track with a hard surface makes for greater running speed than a soft one, at least under dry conditions, because even though step length is shorter on a hard surface, the time the runner’s foot remains in contact with the running surface is less with a hard surface.

Given that ...

Step length is shorter on a hard surface (than on a soft one)

Why is it that ...

A hard surface running track (under dry conditions) makes for greater running speed than a soft one?

Explanation

It's because the runner's foot remains in contact with the running surface for less time when running on a hard vs. soft surface.

Evaluate / Goal

This is weird question stem, because it isn't asking us to weaken the argument (which would make us think, ).

It's asking us to support the idea that the provided explanation is only a partial one, which means

So we just need to find a new reason why hard surfaces are better for speed than soft surfaces are. (We don't need to worry about the partial reason already mentioned)

Which one of the following, if true, is evidence that the explanation given above is only a partial one?

Dry running conditions can be
No Impact
This doesn't make any distinction between hard and soft running surfaces. We're looking for a reason why hard surfaces are faster than soft ones.
16% picked this
In general, taller runners have
No Impact
This doesn't make any distinction between hard and soft running surfaces. We're looking for a reason why hard surfaces are faster than soft ones.
7% picked this
Correct
Hard tracks enhance a runner’s
Why this is right
This gives us a reason why hard surfaces are faster than soft ones: hard tracks enhance a runner's speed by [honestly who cares, as long as you're telling me a reason why hard tracks are faster]
Skill tested: Weaken · how this choice captures the argument's function is the move to repeat next time.
69% picked this
The tracks at which the
No Impact
This doesn't make any distinction between hard and soft running surfaces. We're looking for a reason why hard surfaces are faster than soft ones.
5% picked this
To remain in top condition,
Unclear Impact
The adjective "different" doesn't convey any information about why hard tracks are faster than soft tracks. Are softer tracks harder to maintain? Easier? We don't know. They're just "different".
3% picked this

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