PrepTest 121 · Section 1 · Question 13

The Great Clay Debate

Frankie and Sharon were arguing again, this time at the craft table. 'Clay class should be taught only by Ms. Rivera,' Frankie said. 'She knows which glaze works for mugs, which works for bowls, and how to tell if a pot cracked in the kiln.' Sharon crossed her arms. 'Nope. My after-school clay club covers most of the same projects. We even use the same brand of clay!' Lulu looked up from her clipboard. 'Sharon, Frankie's reason was about knowing what fits each project and reading the results. You talked about the clay brand.' Marcus nodded wisely. 'Same clay, same class. Case closed.' Priya sipped her juice box. 'Not closed. Sharon answered a question nobody asked. Frankie's reason is still standing, untouched.'

Frankie: Clay class should be taught only by Ms. Rivera, because she best knows which glazes suit each project and how to judge results from the kiln. Sharon: I disagree. My clay club covers many of the same projects, and we even use the same brand of clay.

What is the main weakness in Sharon's reply to Frankie?

The Case of the Cake Judge

The town baking contest had a rule: only pastry chefs may judge. Lawyer Bea Tran explained why. 'Pastry chefs best know which techniques fit each dessert and how to read a crumb.' Mr. Whitfield stood for the challenger, a home cook. 'Your Honor, my client bakes many of the same cakes, and she uses the very same oven model as the chefs!' The judge raised an eyebrow. 'Mr. Whitfield, Ms. Tran's reason was about knowing techniques and reading results. Your oven model does not touch that.' Mr. Whitfield sat down slowly. 'Fair point, Your Honor.' Lesson: a reply must hit the other side's actual reason, not something next to it.