Many people choose listening to a particular kind of music that is com...
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
In order to understand the role played by the two highlighted portions, we need to consider the relationship between the two boldface portions w.r.t. the conclusion of the argument.
The argument concludes that it is uncalled for to conclude that sad music actually makes people happy.
As shown in the passage analysis, the author states that a certain conclusion cannot be drawn on the basis of the information given in BF 1(ref. below):
people can report feeling happier and calm after listening to sad music.
Thus, BF1 is a fact or an observation that, as per the author, does not support a particular conclusion.
Let’s consider BF2 below:
when the purpose of listening to such music was to recall memories, people felt even more morose after listening to sad music.
BF2 along with statement 4 (ref.: passage analysis) has been used to support the conclusion. Thus, BF2 is part of the reasoning used to support the argument.
Therefore, both BF1 and BF2 present facts. BF1 is a fact that, as per the author, does not support a particular opinion/implication and BF2 is a fact that is part of the author’s reasoning for the conclusion of the argument.
With this understanding in mind, let’s take a look at the option statements.
Answer Choices
A
The first is an observation that the argument accepts as true; the second is a belief that forms part of the support for the main conclusion of the argument.
Incorrect - 2nd part wrong
BF1 has been identified correctly. BF2 is not a belief but an observation that forms part of the support for the main conclusion.
B
The first is evidence against the main conclusion of the argument; the second is an intermediate conclusion used to support the main conclusion of the argument.
Incorrect - Both parts wrong
BF1 is evidence but it hasn’t been used to dispute the main conclusion. In fact, the main conclusion argues against an interpretation of BF1. BF2 is not an opinion; thus, it cannot be an intermediate conclusion. BF2 is part of an observation that has been used in support of the argument.
C
The first is evidence that is used to support a conclusion drawn in the argument; the second is part of the reasoning used to support another conclusion drawn in the argument.
Incorrect - Both parts wrong
BF1 has not been used in support of any conclusion. BF2 is used to support the conclusion of the argument; however, this is the only conclusion and hence the word “another” is not justified in this choice.
D
The first is an observation, an implication of which is disputed in the argument; the second is part of the reasoning used to support the position taken by the argument as a whole.
Correct
Both boldface portions have been identified along the lines of our pre-thinking.
E
The first is a belief that the argument does not dispute; the second is an observation that forms part of the support for the main conclusion of the argument
Incorrect - 1st part wrong
BF1 is not a belief; it’s an observation. BF2 has been identified along the lines of our pre-thinking.