91Ó°ÊÓ

Although all birds have feathers and all birds have wings, some birds do not fly. For example, penguins and ostriches use their wings to move in a different way from other birds. Penguins use their wings only to swim under water at high speeds. Ostriches use their wings only to run with the wind by lifting them as if they were sails. Which one of the following is most parallel in its reasoning to the argument above? (A) Ancient philosophers tried to explain not how the world functions but why it functions. In contrast, most contemporary biologists seek comprehensive theories of how organisms function, but many refuse to speculate about purpose. (B) Some chairs are used only as decorations, and other chairs are used only to tame lions. Therefore, not all chairs are used for sitting in spite of the fact that all chairs have a seat and some support such as legs. (C) Some musicians in a symphony orchestra play the violin, and others play the viola, but these are both in the same category of musical instruments, namely string instruments. (D) All cars have similar drive mechanisms, but some cars derive their power from solar energy, whereas others burn gasoline. Thus, solar-powered cars are less efficient than gasoline-powered ones. (E) Sailing ships move in a different way from steamships. Both sailing ships and steamships navigate over water, but only sailing ships use sails to move over the surface.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Original Argument

The original argument discusses that all birds have feathers and wings but only some of them, like penguins and ostriches, use their wings differently for swimming or running. The main reasoning is that although there is a common feature (wings), the functionality differs (not all fly).

02

Analyze the Choices for Parallels

We examine each option to find a similar pattern where a common characteristic is shared, but its function or usage is different for some instances: (A) compares ancient philosophers and contemporary biologists in terms of purpose and functionality, which is unrelated in structure to the argument about birds. (B) describes chairs, noting some are not used for sitting despite all having a seat and support, aligning well with the parallel pattern of differing utility despite commonality. (C) discusses musicians and instruments, focusing on a category rather than diverse utilization of a shared feature. (D) compares cars with regard to different power sources, but it evaluates efficiency, not mere usage differences. (E) contrasts ships, mentioning they both navigate water, but emphasizes a unique feature of only one, not a parallel to a shared but differently used trait.

03

Select the Option with the Closest Reasoning

Option (B) mirrors the original argument's logic because it discusses chairs having common features, with some used differently (not for sitting), paralleling birds having wings where some don't use them for flying.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Analytical Thinking

Analytical thinking is a crucial skill for tackling logical reasoning exercises, like the one given about birds. Here, we break down complex information to better understand and evaluate the situation. Analytical thinking involves several steps:

• Identifying common features or facts within a scenario.
• Examining differences in functionality or usage of those common features.
• Making logical connections and drawing comparisons to similar situations.

In the exercise provided, all birds have wings, but only some use them for purposes other than flying, such as swimming or assisting in running. Applying analytical thinking helps to discern the underlying commonality (wings) and the varying outcomes (usage), which is essential in selecting a parallel argument from the options given.

Pattern Recognition

Pattern recognition is the ability to observe patterns within data or sets of information, which is a critical component of logical reasoning exercises. These patterns allow us to identify similarities and differences in various circumstances.

• Recognizing the core pattern in the original argument: wings are common, but usage varies.
• Finding the same pattern in multiple choice options where function diverges despite shared characteristics.
• Distinguishing irrelevant comparisons that do not follow the identified pattern.

In the exercise, the pattern is observed when realizing that although all entities (in this context, birds or chairs) share a characteristic, the application or outcome of that characteristic can differ. This recognition aids in eliminating options that don't follow the same relational pattern, as seen by selecting option (B) about chairs, which mirrors the original argument's logic.

Critical Reading

Critical reading involves carefully considering and interpreting texts, which is necessary for logical reasoning questions. It requires being attentive to both explicit information and implications within the text.

• Understanding the explicit details: all birds have feathers and wings.
• Interpreting the implications: not all birds use wings for flying.
• Comparing explicit vs. implicit information across different texts or arguments.

By engaging in critical reading of the exercise, one discerns how birds like penguins and ostriches deviate from the norm of using wings for flight. This skill is pivotal when choosing an argument that parallels this reasoning, requiring close attention to text qualities and nuanced meanings as seen in the correct choice about chairs with differing uses.