Language in Determine the Function Answer Choices

[camerojg]

Hi all, quick question: in determine the function questions, the answer choices will sometimes say things like ____ "is used to disprove the critic's claim that..." In that example, should I take the word "disprove" to mean the option is, in fact, suggesting the critic's claim is disproven, or should I take it to mean it's an attempt to disprove? And on a related note, could I use the word "disprove" as reason for elimination if I don't believe the critic's argument is disproven?

In more general terms, I guess my question is whether the wording in a determine the function answer choice can be read in absolute terms -- that when a choice states a clause/sentence is use to disprove a claim, that claim is in fact disproven -- or if more flexibility is necessary. Thanks!

[maryadkins]

should I take the word "disprove" to mean the option is, in fact, suggesting the critic's claim is disproven, or should I take it to mean it's an attempt to disprove?

It's hard to answer without seeing a specific question, but I'll say that an attempt to disprove is probably fine. That is, if the other answer choices aren't good, don't be skeptical of the remaining one solely because the quoted text doesn't wholly and completely disprove the opposing claim, in your view. I'd really prefer to see a specific question to confirm, though.

In more general terms, I guess my question is whether the wording in a determine the function answer choice can be read in absolute terms -- that when a choice states a clause/sentence is use to disprove a claim, that claim is in fact disproven -- or if more flexibility is necessary.

Again, "disproven" is a pretty strong term. It means prove false. That said, I don't recall questions where I've seen the right answer hinge on picking up on the difference between this and an answer choice that uses a milder phrase like "calls into question" or "undermines." I really would have to see specific questions, though. It's hard to offer a confident answer here based on memory.