Question

Difficulty: MediumParallel Quantifier Logic

Some organisms dwelling in the abyssal zone are bioluminescent. Since no bioluminescent organisms possess functioning chloroplasts, it follows that some organisms dwelling in the abyssal zone do not possess functioning chloroplasts.

Which of the following arguments exhibits a pattern of reasoning most logically similar to that exhibited by the argument above?

  1. Some contemporary novels are written entirely in verse. Since no books written entirely in verse are easily translated, it follows that some contemporary novels are not easily translated.Answer
  2. B
    Most contemporary novels are written entirely in verse. Since no books written entirely in verse are easily translated, it follows that most contemporary novels are not easily translated.
  3. C
    Some contemporary novels are written entirely in verse. Since no contemporary novels are easily translated, it follows that no books written entirely in verse are easily translated.
  4. D
    Some contemporary novels are written entirely in verse. Since all books written entirely in verse require careful reading, it follows that some contemporary novels require careful reading.
  5. E
    Some contemporary novels are not written entirely in verse. Since no books written entirely in verse are easily translated, it follows that some contemporary novels are easily translated.

Answer

The argument about contemporary novels that are not easily translated.
The correct argument matches the exact logical blueprint of the original passage. Let A = contemporary novels, B = written entirely in verse, and C = easily translated. The structure is 'Some A are B. No B are C. Therefore, some A are not C.' This perfectly mirrors the 'Some A are B. No B are C. Therefore, some A are not C' structure of the stimulus.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the logical structure of the stimulus.
Premise 1: Some A (abyssal zone organisms) are B (bioluminescent). Premise 2: No B (bioluminescent organisms) are C (possess functioning chloroplasts). Conclusion: Some A (abyssal zone organisms) are not C (possess functioning chloroplasts).
Identifying the formal logic components and quantifiers is necessary to find an exact structural match.
2
Evaluate the validity of the stimulus.
The argument is logically valid. The intersection of A and B guarantees that at least one A is subject to the rule that excludes all B from C.
A parallel argument must share the exact same validity status.
3
Examine the answer choices for a matching structural pattern.
The correct answer matches the pattern perfectly: Some X (contemporary novels) are Y (written in verse). No Y (written in verse) are Z (easily translated). Therefore, some X are not Z.
This guarantees identical quantifier distribution and logical flow.

Key Concept

Parallel Quantifier Logic
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