Q5 - Government official: Although the determination

[mshinners]

Question Type:
Principle Support (Strengthen/Sufficient)

Stimulus Breakdown:
Judgment: The government shouldn't help rebuild the hiking trails.
Situation/Premises: Future landslides (which are dangerous) are very likely.

Answer Anticipation:
If something is likely to happen and cause danger, the government shouldn't do anything to help contribute to that situation.

Correct answer:
(D)

Answer choice analysis:
(A) Out of scope. The conclusion is about what the government shouldn't do, not what residents should be able to do. While this answer mentions the government, it doesn't state that they shouldn't do something (just that their assistance is necessary to say residents should do something).

(B) Opposite. The argument actually states that the government shouldn't assist despite determination.

(C) Opposite. This answer translates to: If people aren't strongly committed to their community, the government shouldn't assist them. This group is strongly committed, though, so this answer doesn't apply to the situation. I would absolutely need to read this answer to the end to analyze it, however, as it starts off okay (with what the government shouldn't do).

(D) Bingo. This project is likely to lead to the trails being reopened, which could lead to serious injury. Therefore, according to this answer, the government shouldn't assist.

(E) Out of scope. This answer is about what the residents should/shouldn't do, not the government. It's also just about being discouraged, not about actually doing it, as the stimulus states.

Takeaway/Pattern:
Principle Strengthen questions are all about details and direction. Make sure the details of the answer match the details of the stimulus. Make sure the conditional logic of the answer follows the direction of the argument (from premise to conclusion).

#officialexplanation