So, I think strong plot lines is incorrect because it isn't explicitly stated as a convention of LC and is in many ways in opposition to the style of the New Women writers who favored impressionistic (fluid) methods.

We're here if you need to talk...

My strategy for fully understanding this question type is trying to get the correct answer within the time constraints using the shallow analysis and deep diving on the blind review. That way you get the benefit of simulating the actual testing experience while still reviewing and making sure you understand the logic behind the answer.

Yes! Rule two (saving a life+exceeding duty+occurring this year) does not tell us anything about why Penn wouldn't be able to receive the award because this rule is only applied to the pool of eligible officers. The stimulus tells us that Penn should not receive the award which means he is failing the necessary condition of being eligible (exemplary record ➡️ eligible). His failure to complete any of the other tasks presented in the second rule (saving a life+exceeding duty+occurring this year) are irrelevant because the only way we can definitively confirm that he should not receive the award is by affirming that he is not eligible (doesn't have an exemplary record). I hope this makes sense!