I was in the same boat because I assumed that if A was true -- the eyesight becoming permanently impaired -- then it would support the fact that the owls would be unable to use their eyesight, hence why the scientist's conclusion was right.

So I settled on E...but in hindsight, I see why it is wrong

Felt like cheating when answering this question because one of my profs works for the CDC, and we've talked about lead poisoning, and how it is caused by more than just lead paint.

I just logged on🥲

I eliminated B because of the "build the bridge" approach we've learning (I thought since the AC started off with the conclusion it was wrong, so I immediately eliminated it 😔)

But I definitely see how B is clearly the best answer; just need to take a step back sometimes and not wholly rely on test-taking techniques.

Finally didn't make the backwards bridge mistake 🥲 i feel like a logic adolescent instead of a logic baby now 😎

Seconded!

Not sure if this is 100% good practice, but I have found myself eliminating answer choices that say "Whether or not" because it's grammatically incorrect (you just need to say "whether"), and so far, it has worked every time.

Has anyone else done this or can attest/deny this method?

This is how I got to my answer!

I always read the question stem first and tell myself, "Okay, I am looking to strengthen/weaken based off what I read."

My next approach is to read the stimulus. As I read, I'll make mental notes/ask myself questions like, "When the referential phrase, 'that' is being used, what is it referring to?" that way I engage with the stimulus, and ensure I am understanding the stimulus as I should. When I am done reading, I always identify what the author is arguing/trying to persuade the audience to believe because that will be what the answering choices should be weakening/strengthening.

I then go to the answer choices, and ask myself, "how does this lend support to or weaken the author's argument?"

Hope this helps!

42 😎

This was my mistake 🥲

same girl, we got this 🫂

Picked B over A because it would provide more support for resolving the disparity if true over A. (Most AC use is from businesses vs. Not the only significant factor [conceding it's still significant])

Arg, got it right in the timed but wrong in the blind 🥲

whoopsie