Why (D) is right: finding the direct contradiction
A Point at issue 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
Jordan: 'The city should fund the new stadium because it will create jobs.' Priya: 'The stadium will create only temporary construction jobs, and the money would be better spent on schools. The city should not fund the stadium.'
Jordan and Priya disagree about whether
- the stadium will create any jobs at all.
- schools in the city need more funding.
- temporary construction jobs are real jobs.
- the city should fund the new stadium. Correct
- the city has enough money to fund the stadium.
Why (D) is correct
Jordan says fund it. Priya says do not fund it. That is the direct contradiction, choice (D).
The other choices fail the two-sided test: for a genuine point at issue, each speaker must actually take a position, and the positions must conflict. (B) fails because Jordan is silent on schools. (A) fails because Priya concedes the jobs exist. When answers look tempting, check both speakers' actual words.
Why the wrong answers are wrong
(A) Half-right
Priya grants that the stadium will create temporary construction jobs. She disputes the kind and value of the jobs, not their existence. So this is not what they disagree about.
(B) Out of scope
Priya says the money would be better spent on schools, but Jordan never takes a position on school funding. A point at issue requires both speakers to take sides.
(C) Out of scope
Neither speaker disputes this. Priya calls the jobs temporary, not fake. This disagreement is invented.
(E) Out of scope
Affordability is never discussed. Both argue about whether funding is wise, not whether it is possible.
Last updated October 12, 2026