Lesson: Challenging Critical/Logical Reasoning - 03t01

Common Wrong Answer Types: Outside The Scope

One of the most important skills in reading Reasoning passages critically, is to focus on the scope of the argument - how much of a particular topic it covers.

Many wrong answer choices touch upon issues related to the topic of the argument but not within the scope of the argument. These choices are "outside the scope". And something that is outside the scope of an argument has no effect on the argument.

Let's take a look at a question you've seen before to better understand this concept.

What is the scope of this author's argument? When you've identified the scope, click Continue to compare your answer to ours.

This author discusses the effect of our defense readiness on the need for military action over the past ten years. When you evaluate answer choices, make sure to keep this scope in mind and reject answers that fall outside the scope.

Next to display next topic in the chapter.