Publicity campaigns for endangered species are unlikely to have much

OFFICIAL EXPLANATION

This is a challenging problem because two of the wrong answer choices are attractive. The argument itself is not overly complex, but you must pay attention to the language. Consider the conclusion of the argument: “Publicity campaigns for endangered species are unlikely to have much impact on the most important environmental problems.” Ask yourself, why is it that these campaigns are unlikely to have much impact on the most important problems? According to the premises, the reason is that “it is more difficult to elicit sympathy for other kinds of organisms [than large mammals].” The This is a challenging problem because two of the wrong answer choices are attractive. The argument itself is not overly complex, but you must pay attention to the language. Consider the conclusion of the argument: “Publicity campaigns for endangered species are unlikely to have much impact on the most important environmental problems.” Ask yourself, why is it that these campaigns are unlikely to have much impact on the most important problems? According to the premises, the reason is that “it is more difficult to elicit sympathy for other kinds of organisms [than large mammals].” The reasoning shows that the author believes there is a connection between the important problems and organisms that are not large mammals. This Supporter connection is perfectly reflected in answer choice (A), the correct answer. Again, when faced with an Assumption question, remember to look for connections between rogue elements in the argument, and then seek that connection in the answer choices.

Answer choice (B): The argument is about eliciting sympathy, and no assumption is made about microorganisms experiencing pain.

Answer choice (C): This is a Shell Game answer. The conclusion is specific about “publicity campaigns for endangered species” as they relate to environmental problems. This answer refers to “publicity campaigns” in general—a different concept. It may be that the most effective publicity campaign for the environment has nothing to do with organisms. Consequently, this answer is not an assumption of the argument.

Answer choice (D): This answer choice is worded too strongly and is an Exaggerated answer. “Ignore” goes further than what the author implies. The author indicates that it is “more difficult to elicit sympathy for other kinds of organisms,” but the author does not say it is impossible to get sympathy from individuals if a non-large mammal is involved. Further, the argument is specific about the impact on the “most important” problems, and this answer goes well beyond that domain.

Answer choice (E): The microorganisms discussed at the end of the argument are an example (“such as”); therefore, the author does not assume this type of relationship must be true in order for the conclusion to be true.