Why (E) is right: the counterexample
A Method of reasoning explanation from our free library. The question below is original, written for this page. Then the full breakdown: why the right answer is right, and why each wrong answer is wrong.
The question
Lena claims that all swans are white. But the city zoo's new exhibit features a black swan. So Lena's claim is false.
The argument proceeds by
- showing that Lena's evidence for her claim is unreliable.
- proving that most swans are black.
- appealing to the authority of the zoo.
- arguing that Lena is deliberately lying.
- offering a counterexample that refutes a general claim. Correct
Why (E) is correct
The structure is simple: a universal claim ('all swans are white') meets a single contrary instance (one black swan). One instance is enough, because 'all' leaves no room for exceptions.
Choice (E) describes exactly that move: counterexample against a generalization. Method questions reward boring, literal descriptions. The right answer usually sounds like a plain summary of what the argument did, step by step.
Why the wrong answers are wrong
(A) Out of scope
Lena's evidence is never discussed. The argument does not examine how she reached her claim; it attacks the claim directly.
(B) Too strong
One black swan refutes 'all swans are white.' It proves nothing about most swans. The argument's ambition is smaller than this answer.
(C) Misdescribes the method
The zoo is not cited as an expert to be trusted. It is cited as the location of a counterexample anyone could go see.
(D) Out of scope
Her honesty is never questioned. A claim can be false without its maker being a liar.
Last updated October 12, 2026