Logical Reasoning

PT131 · S3 · Q21 Historian: The standard

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Historian: The standard "QWERTY" configuration of the keys on typewriters and computer keyboards was originally designed to be awkward and limit typing speed.

Given

The standard "QWERTY" configuration of the keys on typewriters and computer keyboards was originally designed to be awkward and limit typing speed.

This was because early typewriters would jam frequently if adjacent keys were struck in quick succession.

Experiments have shown that keyboard configurations more efficient than QWERTY can double typing speed while tremendously reducing typing effort.

However, the expense and inconvenience of switching to a new keyboard configuration prevent any configuration other than QWERTY from attaining widespread use.

21.

Which one of the following is most strongly supported by the historian's statements?

  1. Most people who have tried

    Too Strong

    The third statement supports the point that some people who have tried typing with non QWERTY keyboards can double their typing speed, but to say that this is true of most people who have tried non QWERTY keyboards goes too far.

    21% picked this

  2. Early QWERTY typewriters were less

    Contradiction

    The second statement indicates the opposite is more likely to be true.

    11% picked this

  3. If the designers of early

    Speculation

    The statements do not indicate whether the designers would have done anything differently had they known the problem of jamming keys would would be solved.

    18% picked this

  4. The benefit to society that

    Contradiction

    The fourth statement indicates the opposite is more likely to be true.

    4% picked this

  5. Correct

    If the keyboard had been

    Why this is right

    The reason why the keyboard was designed to limit typing speed was to prevent typewriters from jamming, which would occur when adjacent keys were struck in quick succession. Since computers do not have keys that could jam, there’s no reason to suspect that keyboards would be designed to limit typing speed.

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

    47% picked this

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