angela
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PT 48, S1, Q8 Commentator: Most journalists describe their

by angela Tue Sep 22, 2009 3:09 pm

8. (C)
Question type: Analyze Argument Structure
Stuck in the middle! The argument’s main conclusion is simply stated: "This is not the case." To answer this question, the test-taker needs to understand the specific "case" in question, which precedes the conclusion in the argument and states that there is a liberal bias in journalism. Answer (C) clearly restates the conclusion .

(A) is tempting because it is directionally consistent with the conclusion and includes a rephrase of the opening premise. This is a very logical additional conclusion to draw from this argument, but it does not represent the author’s conclusion that no such liberal media bias exists.
(B) restates a premise of the argument, but not the main conclusion of the argument.
(D) is tempting because it constitutes an intermediate conclusion in the argument. When in doubt, use the therefore test to ascertain the final step in the chain of logic.

Media must appeal to a broad market THEREFORE there must not be a liberal bias. Vs.
There is no liberal media bias THEREFORE the media must appeal to a broad market.

Clearly the first logic chain makes sense, making (D) an interim conclusion.
(E) restates a premise of the argument, but not the main conclusion.