Logical Reasoning

PT157 · S3 · Q6 Winchester Township cannot afford to keep

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Winchester Township cannot afford to keep its several small branch libraries supplied with a wide selection of current books.

Evidence

If the branch libraries were closed, then Winchester could afford to open one large library.

The large library could carry broader and more current selections [books].

Conclusion

Winchester would better meet its residents’ needs by closing its small branch libraries and opening one larger, well-supplied library.

Evaluate

The conclusion makes a recommendation about building a new library. It does this by introducing a new concept of better meeting residents' needs. A couple of assumptions are required to reach this conclusion.

First, the argument assumes that one large library would better meet residents' needs than several smaller ones. We can easily envision a situation where it's convenient for residents to visit the branch libraries that are close to their neighborhoods, while a single main library would be farther away and therefore less accessible.

The argument also assumes that a broader and more current selection of books would better meet residents' needs. But people use libraries for many reasons other than borrowing books. Libraries often have computers, study rooms, and meeting rooms that residents can use. Libraries often offer classes and events. And people are likely to borrow older books from libraries, not just current ones.

Goal

A correct answer is likely to focus on one of these unintended consequences of closing branch libraries and having one large library, a consequence which would prevent one large library from serving residents better than the existing branch libraries.

6.

Which one of the following, if true, most weakens the argument above?

  1. Many Winchester residents never use

    Opposite (if anything)

    If many residents never use the branch libraries because of irregular hours, this actually supports closing them. Residents who are not using the branches have nothing to lose from their closure and might gain access to a larger library with more consistent hours. This answer strengthens the argument for consolidation by suggesting that the branch libraries are already failing to serve some residents.

    1% picked this

  2. Most Winchester residents have complained

    Opposite (if anything)

    If residents are already complaining about the book selection at branch libraries, this supports the argument for a larger library with better selection. The complaints validate the argument's premise that branch libraries are inadequately supplied and suggest residents would welcome a better-stocked alternative.

    1% picked this

  3. Correct

    The only possible site for

    Why this is right

    This answer identifies the key unintended consequence of consolidation. If the only possible site for a new library is not readily accessible to most Winchester residents, then the improved book selection becomes irrelevant for the majority of the community. A library that people cannot easily reach does not meet their needs regardless of how well-stocked it is. The branch libraries, despite their limited selections, at least provided convenient local access. Replacing accessible but poorly supplied libraries with an inaccessible but well-supplied library could easily leave residents worse off overall.

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

    88% picked this

  4. It would cost Winchester a

    Out of Scope

    The argument already accounts for the financial dimension by stating that closing branches would allow Winchester to afford a larger library. The word "significant" does not tell us whether the cost would exceed the savings from closing branch libraries. Without information about whether the cost exceeds available resources, this answer does not clearly weaken the argument.

    5% picked this

  5. Each of Winchester’s branch libraries

    Too Weak

    The phrase "attempts to cater" significantly weakens this answer. If each branch library merely attempts to serve the entire township's tastes, that does not mean it succeeds. The branch libraries could be attempting and failing to meet diverse tastes, which would actually support the argument for a larger, better-stocked library. This answer would be stronger if it said each branch library successfully caters to local neighborhood tastes.

    5% picked this

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