When the gene is affected in this way, it causes lung cells to metabolize in a way that makes the cells cancerous.
Smokers in whom this gene is not stimulated have as high a risk of developing lung cancer from smoking as other smokers do.
A
stimulation of the gene by chemicals in cigarette smoke is not the only factor affecting the risk for smokers of developing lung cancer
B
nonsmokers have as high a risk of developing lung cancer as do smokers in whom the gene has not been stimulated
C
smokers in whom the gene has been stimulated are more likely to develop lung cancer than are other smokers
D
the gene is more likely to be stimulated by chemicals in cigarette smoke than by other chemicals
E
smokers are less likely to develop lung cancer if they do not have the gene
Commissioner: Budget forecasters project a revenue shortfall of a billion dollars in the coming fiscal year. Since there is no feasible way to increase the available funds, our only choice is to decrease expenditures. The plan before you outlines feasible cuts that would yield savings of a billion dollars over the coming fiscal year. We will be able to solve the problem we face, therefore, only if we adopt this plan.
Summarize Argument
The commissioner concludes that the only way to solve the problem of the revenue shortfall is by adopting his plan. He supports this with three premises:
(1) Budget forecasters predict a billion-dollar shortfall next year.
(2) We can't increase funds, so we must cut spending.
(3) This plan would cut spending and save a billion dollars.
Identify and Describe Flaw
This is the cookie-cutter flaw of mistaking sufficiency for necessity. The author treats “his plan” as necessary for “solve the problem.” But according to the premises, “his plan” is sufficient, not necessary.
In other words, the commissioner’s argument is flawed because he ignores the possibility that some other plan or solution could also solve the revenue shortfall. His plan might not be the only option.
A
relies on information that is far from certain
We have no reason to doubt the forecasters’ prediction and we can’t assume that it’s uncertain.
B
confuses being an adequate solution with being a required solution
The commissioner confuses an adequate (or sufficient) solution— his plan— with being a required (or necessary) solution. But just because his plan would solve the problem doesn't mean that it’s the only way to solve the problem.
C
inappropriately relies on the opinions of experts
The commissioner points to budget forecasters’ prediction about next year’s revenue shortfall. He relies on experts, but he doesn’t do so inappropriately since the experts’ prediction is within their own field.
D
inappropriately employs language that is vague
The commissioner uses clear and precise language throughout his argument. He doesn't inappropriately rely on vague language.
E
takes for granted that there is no way to increase available funds
The commissioner’s claim that there is no way to increase funds is a premise; we must accept that it’s true. So (E) doesn't describe a flaw in his argument.