Letter to the editor: Recently

Answer choices

1. A

   Out of Scope7% picked this

   The argument ignores the possibility that an action may achieve its secondary goals even if it does not

   Secondary goals are not relevant to the argument.

   7%
2. B

   Correct77% picked this

   The argument takes for granted that something cannot be the goal of an action performed unless the action will

   Why this is right

   This points to the difference between the goal (i.e., intention) of an action and the actual outcome of an action.

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

   77%
3. C

   Wrong Flaw1% picked this

   The argument dismisses a claim because of its source rather than because

   This correctly describes a common flaw, but not one committed in the argument. The support for the conclusion is not simply an attack on the city council.

   1%
4. D

   Too Strong9% picked this

   The argument takes for granted that an action that does not accomplish its stated goals will not

   The argument certainly permits the possibility that without accomplishing the stated goals, there may nonetheless be some beneficial effects.

   9%
5. E

   Wrong Flaw7% picked this

   The argument treats a condition that is necessary for achieving an action's stated goals as if this condition were

   While this is a common flaw, this argument rests on comparative reasoning rather than conditional reasoning.

   7%