"Surprising" Phenomenon
Why do runners who train by running for shorter periods of time every day perform better than those who train by running longer periods of time?
Objective
The correct answer will present an unsatisfactory hypothesis, one that fails to explain why athletes who train on shorter times perform better in marathons. Every wrong answer, meanwhile, will state a difference between runners who train by running 90 minutes a day and those who train by running 120 minutes a day that explains this discrepancy.
A
The longer the period of time that one runs daily, the greater the chances of suffering adverse health effects due to air pollution.
This would explain why runners who train on shorter times achieve better results. Those who run for shorter periods are less likely to suffer consequences from air pollution that would hinder their training or slow them down during a race.
B
The longer the period of time that one runs daily, the easier it is to adjust to different race lengths.
This would explain the opposite discrepancy. If runners who train on longer time periods can adjust more easily, then if anything they should perform better than runners who train on shorter time periods.
C
The longer the run, the more frequent is the occurrence of joint injuries that significantly interfere with overall training.
This is a reason runners who train on shorter periods achieve better results. Less time spent training means a lower risk of injury, which means a higher chance of training consistently.
D
Runners who train over 90 minutes per day grow bored with running and become less motivated.
This would explain why runners who train on shorter time periods achieve better results. Those who run 90 minutes a day are less likely to lose motivation, and thus more likely to maintain their training and perform to their abilities.
E
Runners who train over 90 minutes per day deplete certain biochemical energy reserves, leaving them less energy for marathons.
This would explain why runners who train for 90 minutes a day achieve better results. They do not deplete their energy reserves before race day, while those who train on longer time periods use some of those reserves in training.
Ralph: Many very lonely people live in towns. What is needed to avoid loneliness is not only the proximity of other people but also genuine interaction with them.
Summarize Argument
In response to Laura’s claim that Harold should move into town, Ralph concludes that avoiding loneliness requires proximity to other people and genuine interaction with them. As evidence, he states that there are many very lonely people who live in towns.
Describe Method of Reasoning
Ralph qualifies the position held by Laura. He does this by suggesting that proximity to other people is not alone sufficient to avoid loneliness. In addition to proximity, it is necessary for a person to have genuine interaction with others in order to avoid loneliness.
A
something needed for a certain result does not necessarily guarantee that result
The something needed is proximity to other people, and the certain result is the avoidance of loneliness. Ralph thinks that proximity alone does not guarantee avoiding loneliness because a person also needs genuine interaction.
B
what is appropriate in one case is not necessarily appropriate in all cases
Ralph’s claims are made generally as applied to all cases.
C
what is logically certain is not always intuitively obvious
Ralph does not address what is or is not intuitively obvious.
D
various alternative solutions are possible for a single problem
Ralph does not propose any alternative solutions. Instead, Ralph qualifies the solution Laura proposes.
E
a proposed solution for a problem could actually worsen that problem
Ralph does not suggest that the problem of loneliness would worsen. Rather, he claims that proximity alone is insufficient.