A prominent investor in a trading firm has alleged that stock exchange...
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
Let’s look at the relationship between the two boldface portions w.r.t. the conclusion of the argument.
The argument concludes that the inquiry will likely lead to the finding that the investor’s allegations are justified.
As shown in the passage analysis, BF1 (ref. below) presents the position of a prominent investor.
stock exchanges, in a bid to generate more revenue, are tying up with trading firms and giving such firms unfair advantages over individual investors.
Let’s consider BF2 below:
there have been previous claims about trading firms unfairly using computer algorithms to their advantage
BF2 is a fact that provides the author’s reasoning for the conclusion. In other words, it has been used to support the conclusion of the author. Now the author’s conclusion is that the claim mentioned in BF1 will probably be proven valid. So BF 1 and the main conclusion are in the same direction.
With this understanding in mind, let's take a look at the option statements.
Answer Choices
A
The first is a judgment that challenges the position taken by the argument; the second is that position.
Incorrect – Both parts wrong
BF1 doesn’t challenge the conclusion as discussed in the pre-thinking analysis above. In the second half of this statement, “that” refers to the position mentioned in the first half, i.e. the position taken by the argument or the main conclusion. As noted in the pre-thinking analysis, BF2 is a fact, not a position that supports the main conclusion.
B
The first is a conclusion that is disputed in the argument; the second is a prediction that provides support for the main conclusion of the argument.
Incorrect – Both parts wrong
BF1 can be considered the conclusion drawn by the investor; however, as noted in the pre-thinking analysis, this conclusion is not disputed by the author. BF2 does provide support for the main conclusion of the argument; however, it is not a prediction.
C
The first is a claim that is not disputed by the argument; the second is a prediction that provides support for the main conclusion of the argument.
Incorrect – 2nd part wrong
BF1 has been identified correctly. It’s the investor’s claim that the argument does not dispute. However, as observed in option (B), BF2 is not a prediction.
D
The first is a claim that is not disputed by the argument; the second supports the main conclusion of the argument.
Correct
Both boldface portions have been identified along the lines of our pre-thinking.
E
The first provides evidence supporting a conclusion stated in the argument; the second supports the author’s main conclusion.
Incorrect – 1st part wrong
BF1 doesn’t provide any evidence, rather, it states the claim made by an investor. BF2 has been identified along the lines of our pre-thinking.