Recent research has shown that when calculators are allowed into class

Question

Recent research has shown that when calculators are allowed into classrooms at the elementary level, the arithmetic ability of pupils becomes weaker. The calculator is a convenient tool that increases accuracy and is widely used. The use of calculators in school should be limited to high school students. Developmental psychologists have proven that even though a child may seem to grasp a concept fully, that child needs time and practice to integrate it properly if it is to be used as an actual application.

Which of the following, if true, supports the argument's conclusion?

Which of the following, if true, supports the argument's conclusion?

A. Subject matter in the high school syllabus is aimed at developing reasoning and problem-solving logic, and begins to move away from the rudimentary performing of tasks.

B. The systematic approach that working with a calculator demands can assist elementary pupils further in understanding arithmetic method.

C. The functionality of calculators is constantly being improved to include features that apply to a variety of study fields.

D. Almost 75% of the calculators used by elementary school pupils are bought by parents, not by request of their children.

E. In the professional world, many careless errors are committed that could have been prevented if calculators were used.

Bunuel · Accepted Answer

OFFICIAL EXPLANATION

Recent research has shown that when calculators are allowed into classrooms at the elementary level, the arithmetic ability of pupils becomes weaker. The calculator is a convenient tool that increases accuracy and is widely used. The use of calculators in school should be limited to high school students. Developmental psychologists have proven that even though a child may seem to grasp a concept fully, that child needs time and practice to integrate it properly if it is to be used as an actual application.

Which of the following, if true, supports the argument's conclusion?

Which of the following, if true, supports the argument's conclusion?

A. Subject matter in the high school syllabus is aimed at developing reasoning and problem-solving logic, and begins to move away from the rudimentary performing of tasks.

To solve this Conclusion Strengthening question, first break down the argument. The first two sentences are premises which provide factual data; the third sentence includes a recommendation word (should) so it's the conclusion; finally, the fourth sentence cites findings (have proven) so it's a premise:

Premise A: When elementary pupils are given calculators their math becomes weaker
 +
Premise B: the calculator is a useful tool
 +
Premise C: children can learn about ideas but they also need to practice them 
 =
Conclusion: calculators should be used by high-school students only

Possible assumption: calculators cannot weaken the learning process of high school students

Strengthening Data: ?

You are required to find data that supports the statement that calculators should only be allowed in high school. The correct answer could be one that confirms the argument's assumption.

This answer choice confirms the argument's assumption by stating that in high school, more focus is put on logic and less on the rudimentary performing of tasks, so a calculator cannot detract from the learning process.

B. The systematic approach that working with a calculator demands can assist elementary pupils further in understanding arithmetic method.

Incorrect.

To solve this Conclusion Strengthening question, first break down the argument. The first two sentences are premises which provide factual data; the third sentence includes a recommendation word (should) so it's the conclusion; finally, the fourth sentence cites findings (have proven) so it's a premise:

Premise A: When elementary pupils are given calculators their math becomes weaker
 +
Premise B: the calculator is a useful tool
 +
Premise C: children can learn about ideas but they also need to practice them 
 =
Conclusion: calculators should be used by high-school students only

Possible assumption: calculators cannot weaken the learning process of high school students

Strengthening Data: ?

You are required to find data that supports the statement that calculators should only be allowed in high school. The correct answer could be one that confirms the argument's assumption.

By presenting a positive aspect of the use of a calculator by elementary pupils, this answer choice weakens the conclusion which supports the use of calculators by high school students alone. Remember, you are looking for a statement that strengthens the conclusion.

C. The functionality of calculators is constantly being improved to include features that apply to a variety of study fields.

Incorrect.

This answer choice neither weakens nor strengthens the conclusion; describing the technological progress of calculators does not affect the conclusion in any way.

D. Almost 75% of the calculators used by elementary school pupils are bought by parents, not by request of their children.

Incorrect.

This answer choice does not weaken or strengthen the conclusion. Background information about how calculators reach the hands of elementary pupils does not affect the conclusion in any way.

E. In the professional world, many careless errors are committed that could have been prevented if calculators were used.

Incorrect.

This answer choice does not weaken or strengthen the conclusion. The argument deals with elementary and high school education. The professional world is irrelevant and does not affect the conclusion in any way.

Sumi1010 · Answer

Premise:  If the pupils use calculator at elementary level, the arithmetic ability of pupils becomes weaker.
Also, a child may seem to grasp a concept fully, that child needs time and practice to integrate it properly.

Conclusion:  The use of calculators in school should be limited to high school students.

Prethink:  The argument is based on the assumption that the use of the calculator makes (causes - directly or indirectly) the child weak in arithmetic ability.
To support the argument, we should aim at why the calculators are not good for children at elementary level.Also, the blame should be put on the usage of the calculator only.

Let's see the choices.
A. Subject matter in  the high school syllabus i s aimed at developing reasoning and problem-solving logic, and begins to move away from the rudimentary performing of tasks.
 Supports that the calculators should be used in high schools. Adds a reason for the statement in the conclusion. Looks correct. 
B. The systematic approach that working with a calculator demands can assist elementary pupils further in understanding arithmetic method.
 Supports that the elementary pupils can use the calculator. Thus, it weakens the argument. 
C. The  functionality of calculators is constantly being improved  to include features that apply to a variety of study fields.
 The improvement of the functionality does not impact the argument. Is the improvement good or bad for the children at elementary level?  
D. Almost 75% of the calculators used by elementary school pupils are  bought by parents,  not by request of their children.
 It doesn't matter who buys the calculators. The all that we know is that it's not good for children at elementary level. 
E. In the  professional world , many careless errors are committed that could have been prevented if calculators were used.
 We don't have to worry about professional world.

A

minalgambhir · Answer

CONCLUSION - Use of calculators should be limited to high school students

GIVEN -

1) Research says calculators at elementary level reduce the arithmetic ability
2) Calculators increase the accuracy and are widely used
3) As per the psychologists, time and practice is needed to use it properly

STRENGTHNER - What new information would increase the belief in the conclusion?

ANSWER CHOICE ANALYSIS -

A) CORRECT
B) Actually weakens the conclusion
C) Irrelevant
D) Irrelevant
E) Professional world is not talked about in the passage, rather high is talked about

wakaskhookhar · Answer

The correct answer is:  A. Subject matter in the high school syllabus is aimed at developing reasoning and problem-solving logic, and begins to move away from the rudimentary performing of tasks. 
Explanation:
The argument's conclusion is that  the use of calculators in school should be limited to high school students , as elementary pupils need time and practice to properly integrate foundational arithmetic skills.
Answer choice  A  supports this conclusion by explaining that high school education shifts focus from basic arithmetic to reasoning and problem-solving, areas where calculators can assist without undermining fundamental skill development. This distinction reinforces the argument that elementary students should focus on mastering the basics without calculators, while high school students can benefit from calculator use in more advanced contexts.

Recent research has shown that when calculators are allowed into class

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