The best way to write a good detective story is to work backward

OFFICIAL EXPLANATION

Solution: E

As evidenced by the phrase, “illustrates a principle most similar,” this is a “Mimic the Reasoning” question, a subtype of the Method of Reasoning category. The question stem also indicates that we are not trying to mimic an entire argument, but simply trying to mimic a “principle.” Thus, we do not need to isolate or categorize individual premises or conclusions; we only need to find the underlying principle in the original prompt and then find the answer that illustrates that same principle. As we do so, remember that Method questions are best answered when we step backwards and divorce ourselves from the subject matter, looking instead for the “big picture.” The original question prompt indicates that a good detective story writer works backward from the crime. Thus we are looking for an answer that proposes a strategy where the subject first determines the end, then the plans the means to that end. Diagramming the logic is completely unnecessary here.

Answer choice “A” seems to begin mimicking the principle of working backward, but it then detours midway through the sentence and recommends the opposite position. The Testmaker here is hoping that we failed to read the entire statement and only looked for confirming evidence.

Answer choice “B” clearly does not work backward from the end product. Instead, it recommends undertaking initial preparations prior to deciding what to plant. “B” suggests the exact opposite of the principle we are looking for.

Answer choice “C” is a trap answer written by the Testmaker to see if we identified the right principle in the first place. “C” suggests that, during the design process, architects must take into consideration how a building should be constructed. However, this does not focus on the end result, and then determine the means to that end. Instead, it focuses on an intermediate step – construction – when planning out the process. The “end product” of a designed building is the purpose or use of a building; constructing the building is actually another part in the process to achieve that end result. With this answer, the Testmaker is hoping that we missed this crucial distinction. This would certainly happen if we thought that the initial principle to be mimicked was something like, “think about stuff before you do it.” Make sure that when you formulate the “big picture” in a Method question that you are specific. Divorcing ourselves from the subject matter is crucial, but we must be careful of making generalized, vague statements that could apply to multiple different answers.

Answer choice “D” certainly does not propose “working backward.” Instead, it recommends a sort of “spaghetti on the wall” approach – just throw whatever you have at it and see what sticks. “D” cannot be right answer.

Answer choice “E” mimics the principle of working backward perfectly. It recommends that tennis players focus on the eventual destination of the shot, and then determine where they need to be to make that shot happen. Answer choice “E” is correct.

B and E are completely contrast to each other.
Other options are out of scope.