Question

Many people feel that hard work deserves a reward. However, this is not true. Hard work should be its own reward, because such work intrinsically gives the worker satisfaction when it is performed satisfactorily. The author of the argument draws his or her conclusion by

• A. Claiming than what is commonly believed is false for that very reason.
• B. Pointing out the inconsistencies in a counterargument.
• C. Challenging the definition of the word "reward" as something extrinsic to a task.
• D. Repeating a premise that was previously stated.
• E. Allowing a counterclaim to weaken his or her argument.

Hint:

In "Method of Reasoning" questions, focus on the structure of the argument, not its content. Ask yourself: What is the conclusion? What is the evidence? How does the evidence lead to the conclusion? Is the author defining terms, using an analogy, providing a counterexample, etc.?

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This is a "Method of Reasoning" question. We need to analyze the structure of the argument and describe how the author reaches the conclusion.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Common Belief: Hard work deserves an (external) reward.
The Author's Conclusion: This is not true. Hard work should be its own reward.
The Author's Reason (Premise): Hard work provides \textit{intrinsic} satisfaction, which is a form of reward.
The author's method is to redefine the concept of a "reward." The common belief assumes a reward is something external (extrinsic), like money or a prize. The author argues against this by proposing that the reward can be something internal (intrinsic), like the feeling of satisfaction. By doing this, the author is challenging the conventional, extrinsic definition of "reward."
Let's analyze the options:

(A) The author doesn't just claim the belief is false \textit{because} it's commonly believed; a reason is provided.
(B) The author does not analyze a counterargument; they state their own position directly.
(C) This is the correct answer. The argument hinges on the idea that the "reward" for hard work is the work itself (intrinsic satisfaction), which challenges the common definition of a reward as something separate from the work (extrinsic).
(D) The argument does not repeat a premise; it states a premise ("work gives satisfaction") to support a conclusion ("work is its own reward").
(E) The author does not allow a counterclaim to weaken the argument; they present their own argument forcefully.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The author's argument works by shifting the definition of "reward" from something external (extrinsic) to something internal (the intrinsic satisfaction of the work itself). This is best described as challenging the conventional definition.