Q14 - Inez: Space-exploration programs pay for themselves

[mshinners]

Question Type:
Procedure

Stimulus Breakdown:
I: Space programs result in crazy technological advances that help with our lives. Therefore, they pay for themselves.

W: I feel like I’m taking crazy pills! Why not just invest in developing those technologies directly?

Answer Anticipation:
W seems to agree with I's premises and conclusions - space programs do develop interesting technologies, and these make them worthwhile. However, she disagrees with this being a justification for space programs because there is a better way to get the same benefit. The answer will probably reflect this idea that W points out a more direct way to achieve the same results.

Correct answer:
(E)

Answer choice analysis:
(A) W doesn't disagree that there are potential benefits; just that these benefits could be achieved another way.

(B) W doesn't bring up evidence; she just brings up another potential course of action.

(C) There's no contradiction in I's argument, and W definitely doesn't point one out.

(D) If anything, W is saying there is a cheaper way to achieve these outcomes - switch to direct funding instead of the space program. While "cheaper" doesn't mean "cheap", W definitely doesn't claim that a great expense is necessary.

(E) Blastoff! W's whole point is that I's goal of interesting tech benefits could be achieved through direct funding instead of the space program that I argues for.

Takeaway/Pattern:
Match up the ideas in these abstract answers with the specifics from the argument. If an idea doesn't match up, eliminate that answer.

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