Q14 - Until fairly recently, classroom computers were consid

[ohthatpatrick]

Question Type:
Inference (most supported)

Stimulus Breakdown:
Computers used to be a luxury in classrooms. Now they're considered necessary to prepare for modern workforce. However, schools that emphasize computer technology spend less time on math/reading.

Answer Anticipation:
Correct answers usually find a way to speak about this situation in general terms, with weak strength of language. Incorrect answers often exaggerate how common / how extreme this situation is.

I would predict something like, "A need to focus more on developing one important skill may come at the expense of developing other important skills".

Correct Answer:
D

Answer Choice Analysis:
(A) Too strong: X is "no more valuable" than Y. We can't say whether computers are more/less important than math and reading.

(B) Very strong but maybe: They CAN'T emphasize computers without neglecting others? It's the right idea, but we'll see if there's a safer wording out there.

(C) Too strong: a COMPLETE rethinking is REQUIRED? We don't have to call for a total overhaul of academia.

(D) YES! This captures the same essence as (B) but with safer language. Focusing on computers CAN RESULT in neglecting basic skills like math and reading.

(E) Too strong: we can't say what the PRIMARY goal of education should be.

Takeaway/Pattern: Like all Inference questions, we find strong language to be a red flag. We can only support really strong claims if the facts we were given made really strong claims. This fact set did not, so we should be wary of (B) and embrace the softer claim of (D).

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