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Difficulty: HardParallel Quantifier Logic

Most of the newly hired software engineers at TechCorp have a background in artificial intelligence. Moreover, most of the newly hired software engineers at TechCorp prefer working remotely rather than in the office. Consequently, at least a few people with a background in artificial intelligence prefer working remotely.

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

  1. Most of the historical novels published this year are over four hundred pages long, and most of the historical novels published this year feature female protagonists. It follows that some novels that are over four hundred pages long feature female protagonists.Answer
  2. B
    Most tropical fish require a saltwater tank to survive, and most fish that require a saltwater tank are expensive to maintain. Thus, at least a few tropical fish are expensive to maintain.
  3. C
    Most competitive chess players spend hours studying opening moves. Most competitive chess players also participate in online tournaments. Hence, most people who spend hours studying opening moves participate in online tournaments.
  4. D
    Every student in the advanced literature seminar has read Shakespeare, and most students in the advanced literature seminar appreciate classic poetry. Consequently, at least some students who have read Shakespeare appreciate classic poetry.
  5. E
    Most commercial pilots are fluent in English, and most air traffic controllers are fluent in English. Therefore, at least some commercial pilots are air traffic controllers.

Answer

The correct answer is the argument concerning historical novels, their page lengths, and female protagonists.
The correct answer precisely mirrors the logical structure of the stimulus. It introduces two premises that share an identical subject group modified by a 'most' quantifier, and it correctly draws a valid conclusion using a 'some' quantifier to indicate the guaranteed overlap. The logical mapping is identical: Most A are B, Most A are C; therefore, some B are C.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the formal logical structure and quantifiers of the stimulus argument.
The stimulus structure is: Most A (newly hired engineers) are B (background in AI). Most A (newly hired engineers) are C (prefer remote work). Conclusion: Some B are C.
Identifying the exact quantifier placement and logical relationships is the required first step for parallel reasoning questions.
2
Determine the validity of the stimulus argument.
The argument is logically valid. Since 'most' implies strictly more than half, two 'most' statements applied to the exact same subject group mathematically guarantee an overlap between the two distinct properties.
Parallel reasoning requires matching both the formal structure and the underlying logical validity.
3
Evaluate the answer choices to identify the exact structural match.
The correct option applies the identical structure: Most A (historical novels) are B (over 400 pages). Most A (historical novels) are C (female protagonists). Conclusion: Some B are C.
The correct answer must strictly preserve the identical quantifier distribution, term positioning, and conclusion strength.

Key Concept

Parallel Quantifier Logic ensures that arguments share identical quantifier scope (All, Most, Some, None) and structural term placement to produce the same logical validity.
Estimated Time:2m 0s
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Parallel Quantifier Logic

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