PrepTest 129 · Section 2 · Question 24

Kevin's Two-Way Treasure Map

Kevin drew a treasure map for recess. Everyone agreed it was a masterpiece: tiny dinosaurs, a pineapple pizza landmark, the works. But Owen read it and said, 'This arrow says go left to the slide, and this one says go right!' Kevin was offended. 'I never draw maps that send you two ways at once. Nobody making a great map does that!' Lulu tapped her clipboard. 'Then a map's meaning can't just be whatever the mapmaker meant. Owen sees two ways, and you meant one.' Priya added, 'That only works if what Owen sees counts as included in the meaning. If his reading doesn't count, your intent could still be the whole story.' Kevin sighed and drew a third arrow. It pointed at the snack table.

Sometimes a reader thinks a great treasure map points two opposite ways. But nobody drawing a great map means it to point two opposite ways. So a map's meaning is not simply whatever its maker intends.

The reasoning above relies on which assumption?

The Two-Way Recipe Card

A famous chef sued a newspaper for saying her recipe card 'means two things at once.' Her lawyer argued, 'My client never writes a recipe that tells you to bake and to freeze at the same time. The card means only what she intends!' Mr. Whitfield, for the newspaper, rose. 'Your Honor, many cooks read that card and saw both instructions. My client says the card's meaning is more than the chef's intent.' The judge peered over her glasses. 'Then your case needs one thing, Mr. Whitfield: that what readers find on the card is included in its meaning.' He nodded. 'Without that, our whole argument falls through the floor.'