A newspaper article in the Smithville Herald argued that the strength

Question

A newspaper article in the Smithville Herald argued that the strength of unions was declining. The article’s evidence was the decreasing number and size of strikes as though the reason for the unions’ existence was to organize strikes. Surely, in a modern industrial society, the calling of a strike is evidence that the negotiating position of the union was too weak. Strong unions do not need to call strikes. They can concentrate their efforts on working with others in the labor market to achieve common goals, such as profitable and humane working conditions. 
 
The argument criticizing the newspaper article employs which one of the following strategies?

(A) Questioning the accuracy of the statistical evidence that the newspaper article uses

(B) Detailing historical changes that make the newspaper articles’ analysis outdated

(C) Reinterpreting evidence that the newspaper article uses as indicating the opposite of what the newspaper concludes

(D) Arguing that the newspaper article’s conclusion is motivated by a desire to change the role of unions

(E) Pointing to common interests among unions and management

This question is a part of QOTD Question Collection

ynk · Answer

Its C for me.

(A) Questioning the accuracy of the statistical evidence that the newspaper article uses--Nothing questioned about the accuracy of statistics.
(B) Detailing historical changes that make the newspaper articles’ analysis outdated--No mention of historical changes.Out of scope.
© Reinterpreting evidence that the newspaper article uses as indicating the opposite of what the newspaper concludes--OK.
(D) Arguing that the newspaper article’s conclusion is motivated by a desire to change the role of unions--Very strong conclusion.Out
(E) Pointing to common interests among unions and management.--No help.

CounterSniper · Answer

C it is !!

(A) Questioning the accuracy of the statistical evidence that the newspaper article uses (Dont see any statistics uses here)
(B) Detailing historical changes that make the newspaper articles’ analysis outdated ( nothing related to history as well ) 
(C) Reinterpreting evidence that the newspaper article uses as indicating the opposite of what the newspaper concludes (Bingo !! author clearly mentions it in line 1 The article’s evidence was the decreasing number and size of strikes as though the reason for the unions’ existence was to organize strikes 
(D) Arguing that the newspaper article’s conclusion is motivated by a desire to change the role of unions (nothing to do with the change of unions)
(E) Pointing to common interests among unions and management (- nope)

unverifiedvoracity · Answer

Only options B and C seem relevant to begin with. But the argument does not clearly state that historical changes. C looks like the better option.

C for me as well.

Abhishek009 · Answer

Newspaper Evidence : Decreasing number and size of strikes = Declining strength of unions
Author : Calling of a strike = Weak negotiating position of the union
Thus declining no and size of strikes = More time for achieve common goals ( Of Unions & Management ) 
 
IMHO also with (C) will look for the OE for this question....

Senthil7 · Answer

Premise :  A newspaper article in the Smithville Herald argued that the strength of unions was declining. The article’s evidence was the decreasing number and size of strikes as though the reason for the unions’ existence was to organize strikes. 
 Counter-Premise:  Surely, in a modern industrial society, the calling of a strike is evidence that the negotiating position of the union was too weak. They can concentrate their efforts on working with others in the labor market to achieve common goals, such as profitable and humane working conditions
 Conclusion :  Strong unions do not need to call strikes.
.
We are asked to find the method of reasoning by the critique of the news paper article. Hence this is a Method of Reasoning Question and information must flow from the stimuli only no new information allowed.

(A) Questioning the accuracy of the statistical evidence that the newspaper article uses  - The counter premise does not question the accuracy of the statistical evidence at all rather it uses the same statistics to argue that it is a positive development. This choice is incorrect. 
(B) Detailing historical changes that make the newspaper articles’ analysis outdated  - There is no reference to history here. Do not be confused by the words "Modern Days" that does not have any historical context in this passage. Incorrect. 
(C) Reinterpreting evidence that the newspaper article uses as indicating the opposite of what the newspaper concludes  - Correct! Th conclusion is based on a counter premise that re-interprets the same evidenc of decreasing strikes provided by the newspaper in a positive manner that is how the conclusion is reasoned by the counter premise. Hence this is the right answer. 
(D) Arguing that the newspaper article’s conclusion is motivated by a desire to change the role of unions  - There is no such argument. There is merely a statement made by the stimulus author in a sarcastic manner. Incorrect. 
(E) Pointing to common interests among unions and management  - broadens the scope of the argument hence incorrect. 
.
 Correct Answer choice is (C)

BillyZ · Answer

Source : LSAT PrepTest36 Q24

A newspaper article on Britain’s unions argued that their strength was declining. The article’s evidence was the decreasing number and size of strikes, as if the reason for the unions’ existence was to organize strikes. Surely, in a modern industrial society, the calling of a strike is evidence that the negotiating position of the union was too weak. Strong unions do not need to call strikes. They can concentrate their efforts on working with others in the labor market to achieve common goals, such as profitable and humane working conditions.

24. The argument criticizing the newspaper article employs which one of the following strategies?

(A) questioning the accuracy of the statistical evidence that the newspaper article uses
(B) detailing historical changes that make the newspaper article’s analysis outdated
(C) reinterpreting evidence that the newspaper article uses as indicating the opposite of what the newspaper concludes
(D) arguing that the newspaper article’s conclusion is motivated by a desire to change the role of unions
(E) pointing to common interests among unions and management which the newspaper article ignores

OFFICIAL EXPLANATION FROM KAPLAN 
 Method of Argument

Come up with your own prediction of a method of argument answer before you get bogged down in the choices.

(C) has it right: The author takes the very evidence (few and tiny strikes) used by the paper to belittle unions, and shows that it can speak to unions’ strength.

Far from questioning the evidence’s accuracy (A) the author accepts it and uses it to his own ends. The author’s evidence is interpretive rather than historical (B) and no hint of “outdatedness” appears. In questioning the article’s conclusion the author does not impugn its writer’s motives (D) nor does he need to; (E) seems to put its toe in the water of impugning motives as well.

mallya12 · Answer

Someone, please explain why C is the ans. How is the author reinterpreting evidence... of what the newspaper concludes??

Harsh2111s · Answer

Newspaper concludes "the strength of unions was declining" as it thinks strength depends upon the number of strikes by union but according to author "Strong unions do not need to call strikes" hence author author here is reinterpreting evidence. Hope it will help.

VerbalBot · Answer

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A newspaper article in the Smithville Herald argued that the strength

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A newspaper article in the Smithville Herald argued that the strength

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