Read the statement and the two conclusions, then select the correct option.…
2021
Read the statement and the two conclusions, then select the correct option.
Statement
Adversity makes a man wise.
Conclusions
The poor are wise.
A person learns from bitter experience.
Answer: B. Only conclusion 2 follows — CONCEPTIn statement–conclusion reasoning, a conclusion follows only when it is a direct restatement or a necessary inference from the given statement. A…
- A.
Only conclusion 1 follows
- B.
Only conclusion 2 follows
- C.
Neither 1 nor 2 follows
- D.
Both 1 and 2 follow
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
CONCEPT
In statement–conclusion reasoning, a conclusion follows only when it is a direct restatement or a necessary inference from the given statement.
A conclusion that introduces a new class, condition, or assumption is not licensed by the statement.
APPLICATION
Adversity means hardship or bitter experience. Becoming wise through adversity therefore expresses learning from that experience.
The statement does not mention poverty and does not say that every poor person has faced the adversity described. The claim about the poor adds an unstated group assumption.
Thus, conclusion 2 is supported, whereas conclusion 1 is not supported by the statement alone.
CROSS-CHECK AND CONTRAST
“Only conclusion 1 follows” depends on equating adversity with poverty and drops the learning-from-experience relation.
“Neither 1 nor 2 follows” overlooks the direct relation between adversity, experience, and acquired wisdom.
“Both 1 and 2 follow” combines the supported learning relation with the unsupported poverty assumption.
Therefore, only conclusion 2 follows.