Q10 - Megan: People pursue wealth

[maryadkins]

10. (E )
Question Type: Analyze Argument Structure (Identify the Disagreement)
Megan and Channen are debating people’s motives for pursuing money or wealth beyond what they need to satisfy basic needs. Megan’s argument is that it’s for status or prestige, and Channen responds by pointing out that some people may want it but not to impress others. In other words, they are having a factual dispute about motives, which (E) captures. It is important to note for the other answer choices that neither Megan nor Channen offers a judgment about motives.

(A) is incorrect. Megan and Channen don’t dispute whether people ever pursue wealth beyond their means, but why.
(B) is incorrect. Rationality or irrationality is not at issue"”remember, they are not making judgments.
(C) is incorrect. Again, rationality is not what’s in dispute. They disagree about people’s motivations.
(D) is incorrect. Once again, the answer choice is presenting a statement on rationality which is outside the scope of the argument. Note that three of the five answer choices do this! Since the discussion is about motives"”not a judgment about whether motives are rational"”mention of an opinion like this is a red flag. Look for a better answer choice.