Question

Which choice best establishes the argument that follows? A) NO CHANGE B) companies should place restrictions on the types of courses employees can be reimbursed for. C) taking classes while working spreads employees too thin, resulting in lower productivity. D) an employee may use the benefit to seek a position at a different company.

Short answer

C) Taking classes while working spreads employees too thin, resulting in lower productivity.

Step-by-step solution

Read and understand the question

Carefully read the question and ensure that you understand what it requires. It is asking for the best choice that would form a good argument, meaning it should be reasonable, persuasive, and logical.

Analyze the given choices

Analyze each choice given and try to understand what each one implies: A) NO CHANGE - This option is not an argument by itself, so it cannot be the correct answer. B) Companies should place restrictions on the types of courses employees can be reimbursed for - This argument suggests that companies should limit the courses they pay for in the interest of efficiency or relevance. C) Taking classes while working spreads employees too thin, resulting in lower productivity - This argument claims that employees who study and work simultaneously may not perform optimally on the job, negatively affecting their job productivity. D) An employee may use the benefit to seek a position at a different company - This argument suggests that a company-paid education might not be in the best interests of the company, as it could lead to employees leaving for better opportunities.

Evaluate the persuasiveness and logic of each choice

Evaluate each argument's persuasiveness and reasoning: B) This argument might hold some logic, but it does not address the core issue of whether or not companies should offer educational benefits at all. C) This argument seems logical and relevant, as it directly addresses the potential drawbacks of offering educational benefits to employees. D) Although this argument might be relevant, it is not as strong an argument as option C, which focuses on the direct impact on productivity.

Select the best choice

Based on the analysis of each choice and their persuasiveness, select the best one to establish a logical and coherent argument. In this case, the best choice is: C) Taking classes while working spreads employees too thin, resulting in lower productivity.

Key concepts

Argument Evaluation

Evaluating an argument is like being a detective. You must first understand the claim and gather clues to determine its strength.
Start by identifying the main point the argument is trying to convey. In our example, the question asks which choice best establishes the subsequent argument. This means we need to find the most persuasive and logical statement.

When evaluating, consider its clarity, evidence, and relevance to the issue at hand. Does it present a clear and coherent point? Is it backed by sound reasoning or evidence?

• Clarity: Is the argument specific and easy to understand?
• Evidence: Does it rely on facts or data?
• Relevance: Does it directly relate to the main issue?

Compare each given option and analyze their likelihood of persuading the reader. It's about finding the strongest argument, not just any argument.

Text Analysis

Text analysis in the context of SAT Critical Reading involves dissecting each choice to understand what it implies. Every word and phrase plays a role in shaping the meaning or the argument being presented.
For the exercise at hand:

• Option B suggests imposing limitations on course reimbursements, hinting at a desire for recurrence or efficiency.
• Option C indicates a potential decrease in productivity due to added stress and workload.
• Option D implies the risk of employee attrition due to company-sponsored education.

Examining the language used helps determine the underlying assumptions behind each option. For instance, how does the word ‘restrictions’ in B or ‘spreads employees too thin’ in C influence the reader's perception?

Analyzing the text means looking beyond surface meaning to gauge tone, implications, and effectiveness of the argument.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is your mental toolkit for evaluating arguments and analyzing texts. It means asking questions, seeking deeper meaning, and examining assumptions.
When faced with different argument options, a critical thinker would ask:

• What are the potential impacts of each choice?
• How realistic or practical is the claim?
• Are there any hidden assumptions?

Critical thinking also involves comparing the pros and cons of each choice. For example, when assessing option C, consider whether the decrease in productivity could outweigh any educational benefits for the company.

This skill pushes you to scrutinize information thoroughly and not take arguments at face value. By questioning and evaluating with a critical eye, students can uncover the most compelling and logical solution. This approach is key to mastering SAT Critical Reading and making informed decisions.