Recent surveys have confirmed that graduates of University

Answer is A.

Because the keyword here, ‘clearly’ is often used to introduce a conclusion. Also since the first boldface is from a recent survey, it can only be evidence to support the second boldface which is the author’s conclusion.

A: the first is the main evidence in the author’s argument while the second is the argument’s principal conclusion


B: the first is a statement challenged by the author while the second is the conclusion in the author’s own argument

Is out (though close) because the first boldface isn’t questioned or challenged by the author neither is the author making his own argument. Rather the author seems to be in support of the survey results. The author’s point here is that for the survey to be valid, then university alpha must have displayed conceit by past claims.

E: the first is a position the author disagrees with while the second is the author’s own position wrong because the author doesn’t seem to disagree with the fact that graduates from University Alpha

C
A - No - Recent surveys have... is not the main evidence. Alpha has only recently begun is the main evidence against the argument (the claim by University Alpha officials about the institution’s long-sustained superiority)
B - The author uses "However" to indicate he is challenging the statement. Close keep. Still not gud enuf. Not very convincing if he is challenging the statement
C - Close keep. It is fact weighing against the statement the claim by University Alpha officials about the institution’s long-sustained superiority over University Beta is nothing but a display of conceit. He claims it is a display of conceit but the survey points otherwise.
D - The first boldface is not background info
E - the first statement is not a position adopted by somebody

Between B and C, I choose C

D is the correct answer.

A is wrong because the first bolded portion is not used as evidence in the author’s argument.

B and E are wrong because the author agrees with rather than challenges the results of the surveys.

C is wrong because the results of the surveys do not weigh against the author’s statement. The author accepts the results but argues that the trend reflected in these results is new.

D is the correct answer. The first highlighted portion is a background information (one given to set the scope of the discussion but playing no important role in the argument) while the second is the author’s main point (the trend revealed by the surveys is new).

1) argument’s principal conclusion

2) the author’s main point

Aren't these two statements identical in meaning? Can someone explain the difference?

Praetorial,

So is D the OA?

Thanks.

I would go for D

I would go for B

I will go with B.

IMO A. Can anyone explain how to resolve this kind of CR?

Fact: 1st BF - Alpha grads are better than Beta's

Evidence: Alpha has only starting offering postions to world specialists

Conclusion: 2nd BF - University Alpha's officials are liars

a) Out - 1st BF is not the evidence
b) Out - 1st BF is not a challenge by the author. Note the shift in scope from the first BF to the actual evidence and conclusion
c) Out - 2nd BF is not related to the 1st BF
d) Keep
e) Out - The author doesn't disagree with the 1st statement. Watch the scope shift

I pick D. The 1st BF is really just a statement or background information that doesn't support the conclusion. The scope shifts from Alpha producitng top students to the conclusion that Alpha officials are incorrect in their claim that Alpha is better than Beta. A, B, C and E all try to relate the 1st BF to the 2nd BF when there is really no logical connection.

Another vote for B.
I don't think we can say that two BFs are not connected.

What is the OA??

When I say "unrelated" has to do with the shift is scope. If you read the BF1 and BF2 they are distinct. BF1 concerns students. BF2 concerns universities.

Is there any general strategy for BF CRs...

it looks easy but I always end up choosing the wrong options....