Critical Reasoning

University X has announced that its library will not be open during the summer. Students attending classes during the summer have protested, saying that the library has research materials that cannot be borrowed from any one public library in the area. The university administration has countered that all university library materials can be accessed online through computers that are provided to all students for free by the university.

Which of the following best describes a method of argument used by the university administration?

The administration counters a proposal with an alternative.

The administration incorrectly makes an assumption about student preferences.

The administration provides an explanation that it assumes will clarify its decision.

The administration defends its actions by criticizing the logic of its opponents.

The administration makes an unwarranted assumption about the motives of some of the students

Source is Veritas Prep

OA - A

I chose C as I do not see any proposal being made. Experts please advice.

I agree that the use of the word 'proposal' in choice A is confusing.

However, C is certainly wrong. C says that the administration is offering an explanation to clarify its action - this would be true only if the university were telling the students WHY it has decided to close its library during the summer. Right now, only an alternative is being offered.

Thus, you can arrive at choice A by eliminating the other options.