- International Student Admissions Analyzing and Extending Ideas Flashcards

A passage argues that urbanization leads to loss of biodiversity. If this argument were extended to its logical conclusion, which outcome would be most likely?

Answer: Eventually only species adapted to urban environments would thrive in developed regions

Extending the urbanization-biodiversity argument logically suggests continued urbanization would favor urban-adapted species while eliminating those that cannot survive in developed environments.

An author claims that social media has fundamentally changed political discourse by enabling echo chambers. Which additional evidence would most strengthen this idea?

Answer: Studies showing that algorithm-curated feeds increase ideological polarization among users

Studies directly linking algorithm-curated feeds to increased polarization would provide the causal mechanism, directly strengthening the claim.

A researcher proposes that early childhood music education improves mathematical ability. If this idea is valid, what prediction would you expect to hold true?

Answer: Children who start music lessons before age 5 would show stronger performance on spatial-temporal reasoning tests

If music education improves mathematical ability, we would predict measurable improvements in related cognitive skills like spatial-temporal reasoning in children who start early.

A policy document states: 'Increasing minimum wage leads to higher consumer spending, which stimulates economic growth.' Which of the following represents a valid counterargument that extends the analysis?

Answer: Higher labor costs may lead businesses to reduce staff or automate, potentially offsetting consumer spending gains

This counterargument extends the analysis by identifying a secondary effect that could undermine the primary claim.

A passage describes how remote work became widespread during a global pandemic. Which extension of this idea would represent the most significant long-term societal change?

Answer: Urban real estate values may permanently shift as workers no longer need to live near offices, fundamentally altering city planning and infrastructure needs

The fundamental restructuring of urban geography represents the most far-reaching societal consequence of permanent remote work.

An essay argues that artificial intelligence will replace most creative jobs within 20 years. Which piece of evidence would most effectively challenge the scope of this claim?

Answer: Research showing that audience engagement and emotional resonance are significantly higher for human-created art that reflects lived personal experience

Evidence that human-created art achieves superior emotional impact due to authentic lived experience directly challenges the claim that AI can fully replace creative jobs.