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During a recent excavation, fragments of a ceremonial urn dating back around 1500 years were discovered in a New Mexico canyon. Prior to this finding, it was believed that the Pueblo tribes who lived in the area around that time made their pottery by hand. However, further investigation revealed that the light brown clay used to create the urn, popularly known as ‘golden clay,’ could only have been fashioned into an urn with the use of a pottery wheel.Which of the following, if true, would, together with the information above, provide the best basis for the conclusion that the fragments of the urn are evidence that the Pueblos used the pottery wheel?- a)The remains of a pottery wheel have been unearthed at a Pueblo site in Utah, a finding that predates the discovery of the urn fragments.
- b)There is undeniable evidence that the Pueblo tribes who lived in the New Mexico area a millennium ago made frequent use of the pottery wheel.
- c)Flooding can soften the texture of clay to an extent that it can easily be molded by hand, and there is evidence that the now-dry canyon once received a considerable amount of rainfall.
- d)Golden clay is commonly used by modern-day descendants of the Pueblos to create decorative pieces that can only be made by artists who have mastered the use of the pottery wheel.
- e)An examination of the surface of the urn fragments has revealed traces of an iron oxide called hematite that was a common ingredient of the paint used in the Pueblo rock art found in caves.
Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?
During a recent excavation, fragments of a ceremonial urn dating back around 1500 years were discovered in a New Mexico canyon. Prior to this finding, it was believed that the Pueblo tribes who lived in the area around that time made their pottery by hand. However, further investigation revealed that the light brown clay used to create the urn, popularly known as ‘golden clay,’ could only have been fashioned into an urn with the use of a pottery wheel.
Which of the following, if true, would, together with the information above, provide the best basis for the conclusion that the fragments of the urn are evidence that the Pueblos used the pottery wheel?
a)
The remains of a pottery wheel have been unearthed at a Pueblo site in Utah, a finding that predates the discovery of the urn fragments.
b)
There is undeniable evidence that the Pueblo tribes who lived in the New Mexico area a millennium ago made frequent use of the pottery wheel.
c)
Flooding can soften the texture of clay to an extent that it can easily be molded by hand, and there is evidence that the now-dry canyon once received a considerable amount of rainfall.
d)
Golden clay is commonly used by modern-day descendants of the Pueblos to create decorative pieces that can only be made by artists who have mastered the use of the pottery wheel.
e)
An examination of the surface of the urn fragments has revealed traces of an iron oxide called hematite that was a common ingredient of the paint used in the Pueblo rock art found in caves.
|
Athul Joshi answered |
Explanation:
Analyzing the Options:
Option E:
- The presence of hematite on the surface of the urn fragments indicates a connection to Pueblo rock art, suggesting that the Pueblos used similar materials and techniques in both pottery-making and painting.
- This strengthens the argument that the Pueblos likely used the pottery wheel to create the ceremonial urn, as it demonstrates a link between the urn fragments and known Pueblo artistic practices.
Therefore, option E provides the best basis for the conclusion that the fragments of the urn are evidence that the Pueblos used the pottery wheel.
The demand for Korean horror films in America will fall considerably since American horror films are back in demand there, impacting the overall demand for Korean films. However, the American viewers’ demand for Korean films will increase again. Two years back when the American romance film genre went through a revival in popularity in America, the demand for Korean romantic films in America went down; however, the demand for Korean films has returned to its previous level since then.Which of the following, if true, best supports the assertion that the demand for Korean films may not return to its previous level?- a)In the past two years some very successful American Horror films were actually based on successful Korean Horror films.
- b)The Korean horror films were significantly responsible for contributing to the revival in demand for Korean films after it dropped two years back.
- c)Various surveys show that the movie business in America is almost at its peak and is likely to go down after it booms in the next one year.
- d)The demand for Korean romantic films has not decreased in the last two years.
- e)American sci-fi films have always been more popular in America than Korean or American horror films have been.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
The demand for Korean horror films in America will fall considerably since American horror films are back in demand there, impacting the overall demand for Korean films. However, the American viewers’ demand for Korean films will increase again. Two years back when the American romance film genre went through a revival in popularity in America, the demand for Korean romantic films in America went down; however, the demand for Korean films has returned to its previous level since then.
Which of the following, if true, best supports the assertion that the demand for Korean films may not return to its previous level?
a)
In the past two years some very successful American Horror films were actually based on successful Korean Horror films.
b)
The Korean horror films were significantly responsible for contributing to the revival in demand for Korean films after it dropped two years back.
c)
Various surveys show that the movie business in America is almost at its peak and is likely to go down after it booms in the next one year.
d)
The demand for Korean romantic films has not decreased in the last two years.
e)
American sci-fi films have always been more popular in America than Korean or American horror films have been.
|
BT Educators answered |
The demand for Korean horror films in America will fall considerably since American horror films are back in demand there, impacting the overall demand for Korean films. However, the American viewers’ demand for Korean films will increase again. Two years back when the American romance film genre went through a revival in popularity in America, the demand for Korean romantic films in America went down; however, the demand for Korean films has returned to its previous level since then.
Which of the following, if true, best supports the assertion that the demand for Korean films may not return to its previous level?
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
Conclusion Clarification
The question stem asks us to support the assertion that the DD for KF may not return to its previous level. This means we have to weaken the conclusion that American viewers’ demand for KF will rise again.
Pre-Thinking Approach
Let’s see how we can make the conclusion less believable. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on linkage 1.
Linkage#1 – DD for KRF decreased 2 years ago but DD for KF is back to its previous level now
- Weakener – What if the situation is different in the future? Maybe there were factors which were present 2 years ago that may be missing in the future and, therefore, the author’s conclusion cannot be drawn on the basis of what happened in the past.
- Instance 1: Last time the DD for KF returned to its previous level due to a significant increase in the popularity of KHF.
In the above situation, the author’s argument is greatly weakened as the demand for KHF has been predicted to go down, meaning that the factor that was responsible for pushing up the overall demand for KF last time will soon be missing from the scene.
-
- Instance 2: A significant proportion of viewers of Korean films in America are Korean students pursuing higher education in the country, a segment that has been increasingly forming a smaller proportion of the international students in America.
With this understanding in mind, let’s take a look at the option statements.
Answer Choices
A
In the past two years some very successful American Horror films were actually based on successful Korean Horror films.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
The basis of successful AHFs doesn’t provide us with a reason to believe that the overall DD for KF may not return to its previous levels.
B
The Korean horror films were significantly responsible for contributing to the revival in demand for Korean films after it dropped two years back.
Correct
This choice is written along the lines of our pre-thinking per Instance 1, Linkage #1.
C
Various surveys show that the movie business in America is almost at its peak and is likely to go down after it booms in the next one year.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
At best, this option gives us a reason to believe that in the next one year, the overall DD for F in America will increase. We do not know how this affects the DD for KF in America. Therefore, this choice is irrelevant.
D
The demand for Korean romantic films has not decreased in the last two years.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
We need a reason to believe why the overall demand for Korean films will not rise just as it did the last time but this option doesn’t provide any relevant information.
E
American sci-fi films have always been more popular in America than Korean or American horror films have been.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
This option compares the popularity of American sci-fi films with American or Korean HFs but it says that the former have always been more popular. So it doesn’t affect the conclusion regarding the predicted changes in the demand for KFs.
Hopland, one of the world’s major producers of rose plants, exported about five tons of roses last year. In the year prior to last year, Hopland exported just 2.75 tons of roses. Therefore, it can be concluded that the demand for roses is on an upward trend and should be expected to keep increasing in the future.Which of the following, if true, most seriously undermines the conclusion drawn above?- a)The demand in the international market for tulips produced in Hopland has not increased in the last two years.
- b)No new export markets have opened up in the last few years for the export of Hopland roses.
- c)It is generally very difficult to predict the actual demand of roses in the international market in a given year.
- d)For the first time in nearly a decade, Roseland, the largest exporter of roses in the international market, suffered an unexpected infestation on its rose plantations last year.
- e)In a recently published paper on the cosmetic benefits of flowers, scientists have claimed that jasmine flowers have significantly more cosmetic benefits than roses.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Hopland, one of the world’s major producers of rose plants, exported about five tons of roses last year. In the year prior to last year, Hopland exported just 2.75 tons of roses. Therefore, it can be concluded that the demand for roses is on an upward trend and should be expected to keep increasing in the future.
Which of the following, if true, most seriously undermines the conclusion drawn above?
a)
The demand in the international market for tulips produced in Hopland has not increased in the last two years.
b)
No new export markets have opened up in the last few years for the export of Hopland roses.
c)
It is generally very difficult to predict the actual demand of roses in the international market in a given year.
d)
For the first time in nearly a decade, Roseland, the largest exporter of roses in the international market, suffered an unexpected infestation on its rose plantations last year.
e)
In a recently published paper on the cosmetic benefits of flowers, scientists have claimed that jasmine flowers have significantly more cosmetic benefits than roses.
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Jayant Mishra answered |
Hopland, one of the world’s major producers of rose plants, exported about five tons of roses last year. In the year prior to last year, Hopland exported just 2.75 tons of roses. Therefore, it can be concluded that the demand for roses is on an upward trend and should be expected to keep increasing in the future.
Which of the following, if true, most seriously undermines the conclusion drawn above?
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
Conclusion Clarification
The author concludes that the overall demand for roses is increasing and goes on to predict that it will continue to increase in the future.
Pre-Thinking Approach
Let’s see how we can make the conclusion less believable. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on linkage 1and the conclusion. Thus the way to weaken the conclusion will be to weaken or break this linkage by finding a new piece of information that will cast a doubt on the conclusion.
Linkage#1 –The quantity of roses exported last year increased significantly to 5 tons from 2.75 tons, the quantity exported the year before. It’s on the basis of this increase that the author draws a conclusion about the overall demand for roses.
- Weakener 1 – What if the significant increase in roses exported last year is not because of an overall increase in demand for roses?
-
- Instance 1: This year because of an internal economic crisis the flower industry of Fleurland, a chief exporter of rose, suffered huge losses and could not compete in the international market.
In the above scenario, it is quite possible that even without any increase in the overall demand for roses, Hopland exported significantly more quantity of rose this year as it benefitted from Fleurland’s loss.
- Weakener 2 – What if there was an increase in the demand for roses but it was only a one-time event? Surely then, the author cannot conclude that the demand is increasing and will continue to do so.
-
- Instance 2: Last year, a significant proportion of the roses exported by Hopland were imported by Etreland for the coronation of their prince.
With this understanding in mind, let's take a look at the option statements.
Answer Choices
A
The demand in the international market for tulips produced in Hopland has not increased in the last two years.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
The argument deals with roses and not tulips. The trend in the demand for tulips produced in Hopland is irrelevant in determining the trend in the overall demand for roses.
B
No new export markets have opened up in the last few years for the export of Hopland roses.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
Even if the information given in choice B is true, it does not change the fact that Hopland exported a significantly higher quantity of rose last year, a fact on which the author’s reasoning is based.
C
It is generally very difficult to predict the actual demand of roses in the international market in a given year.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
The author makes no estimates about the actual demand for roses. The conclusion is about a trend in the demand for roses.
D
For the first time in nearly a decade, Roseland, the largest exporter of roses in the international market, suffered an unexpected infestation on its rose plantations last year.
Correct
This choice is written along the lines of our pre-thinking per the Linkage weakener 1. This choice introduces the possibility that Hopland benefitted from Roseland’s loss.
E
In a recently published paper on the cosmetic benefits of flowers, scientists have claimed that jasmine flowers have significantly more cosmetic benefits than roses.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
Neither the answer choice nor the passage relates the reported cosmetic benefits of a species of flower and its demand in the international market.
Records of trade between ancient civilizations in Europe and the Americas indicate the use of seagoing ships along the trade over the Atlantic Ocean, which were the main arteries of contact between the various empires. Although the first sailing boats were built in 8000 B.C., it is likely that the earliest trade exchanges between Europe and the Americas started only after the first boats that could cross the sea were built 1000 years later. Which of the following, if true, casts doubts on the author’s conclusion above?- a)The authenticity of the records that indicate the use of seagoing ships was challenged, but the accusation was dismissed subsequently because of the lack of substantial evidence.
- b)There is no record of any sea-based trade along the trade routes over the Atlantic Ocean between 10000 and 9000 B.
- c)C. There is enough evidence to prove that European empires used lakes and rivers as channels to maintain trade relations with their neighboring countries around 8000 B.C.
- d)During the last glacial event 12,000 years ago, parts of the Atlantic Ocean froze completely, allowing for land-based travel.
- e)Sea-routes were among the most viable means of maintaining trade between various empires in the ancient world.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Records of trade between ancient civilizations in Europe and the Americas indicate the use of seagoing ships along the trade over the Atlantic Ocean, which were the main arteries of contact between the various empires. Although the first sailing boats were built in 8000 B.C., it is likely that the earliest trade exchanges between Europe and the Americas started only after the first boats that could cross the sea were built 1000 years later.
Which of the following, if true, casts doubts on the author’s conclusion above?
a)
The authenticity of the records that indicate the use of seagoing ships was challenged, but the accusation was dismissed subsequently because of the lack of substantial evidence.
b)
There is no record of any sea-based trade along the trade routes over the Atlantic Ocean between 10000 and 9000 B.
c)
C. There is enough evidence to prove that European empires used lakes and rivers as channels to maintain trade relations with their neighboring countries around 8000 B.C.
d)
During the last glacial event 12,000 years ago, parts of the Atlantic Ocean froze completely, allowing for land-based travel.
e)
Sea-routes were among the most viable means of maintaining trade between various empires in the ancient world.
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EduRev GMAT answered |
Records of trade between ancient civilizations in Europe and the Americas indicate the use of seagoing ships along the trade over the Atlantic Ocean, which were the main arteries of contact between the various empires. Although the first sailing boats were built in 8000 B.C., it is likely that the earliest trade exchanges between Europe and the Americas started only after the first boats that could cross the sea were built 1000 years later.
Which of the following, if true, casts doubts on the author’s conclusion above?
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
Conclusion Clarification
The author concludes that it is likely that the earliest trade exchanges between E & A started only after the first boats that could cross the sea were built 1000 years after 8000 B.C. (i.e. 7000 B.C.) when the first sailing boats were built.
Pre-Thinking Approach
Let’s see how we can make the conclusion less believable. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on linkage 1 and the conclusion.Thus the way to weaken the conclusion will be to break or weaken this linkage i.e. find a new piece of information that suggests that the trade exchanges between E & A could have started before the first boats that could cross the sea were built 1000 years after 8000 B.C..
Linkage#1 –
- Weakener – What if it was not necessary to cross the sea for the purpose of a trade exchange between E & A? What if there was an alternate route that could have been used for the trade exchange before first boats that could cross the sea were built?
-
- Instance 1: If the records show a land route between E & A that could have been used for the purpose of trade exchanges before the first seagoing boats were built, the argument is seriously weakened.
With this understanding in mind, let’s take a look at the option statements.
Answer Choices
A
The authenticity of the records that indicate the use of seagoing ships was challenged, but the accusation was dismissed subsequently because of the lack of substantial evidence.
Incorrect – Irrelevant
This option only tells us that the records were challenged; however, accusations do not prove that the records were not authentic.
B
There is no record of any sea-based trade along the trade routes over the Atlantic Ocean between 10000 and 9000 B.C.
Incorrect – Opposite
This option strengthens the argument since it hurts the possibility of any trade along the along the trade routes over the Atlantic Ocean before the first sailing boats were built in 8000 B.C.
C
There is enough evidence to prove that European empires used lakes and rivers as channels to maintain trade relations with their neighboring countries around 8000 B.C.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
The argument is about long distance travel over sea.
D
During the last glacial event 12,000 years ago, parts of the Atlantic Ocean froze completely, allowing for land-based travel.
Correct
This option is written along the lines of the weakener mentioned in the pre-thinking analysis. It suggests that there could have been an alternate way of maintaining trade relations before the seagoing ships were invented.
E
Sea-routes were among the most viable means of maintaining trade between various empires in the ancient world.
Incorrect – Irrelevant
The viability of these routes has nothing to do with whether the first trade exchanges between the civilizations in E and A occurred only after the sea-going boats were built.
Until last year, most applicants for the Ivy Arts Scholarship were graduates of the Finesse Talent School. However, last year, due to a decrease in the number of enrolments in the school the year before, Finesse was not able to provide its usual number of applicants for the scholarship. This year, after the aggressive promotional campaign launched by the school, the number of enrolments in the school is expected to go up significantly. Therefore, it is quite likely that Finesse graduates will again be able to dominate the scholarship applications next year. Which of the following, if true, provides the best reason to believe in the prediction made above?- a)This year, the applicants to the school are mostly women who have a background in performing arts.
- b)The management of the school has introduced some radical changes in the curriculum through which it hopes to cater to the specific needs of students who enroll for short courses such as story-writing and documentary filmmaking.
- c)The year before last, Finesse faced stiff competition from Poise Finishing School, which lost its education license earlier this year.
- d)The Ivy Arts Scholarship Board has relaxed its rules and is now inviting entries from high school students graduating this year.
- e)To enroll in any of the courses offered by Finesse, an individual has to have at least five years of experience in that field.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Until last year, most applicants for the Ivy Arts Scholarship were graduates of the Finesse Talent School. However, last year, due to a decrease in the number of enrolments in the school the year before, Finesse was not able to provide its usual number of applicants for the scholarship. This year, after the aggressive promotional campaign launched by the school, the number of enrolments in the school is expected to go up significantly. Therefore, it is quite likely that Finesse graduates will again be able to dominate the scholarship applications next year.
Which of the following, if true, provides the best reason to believe in the prediction made above?
a)
This year, the applicants to the school are mostly women who have a background in performing arts.
b)
The management of the school has introduced some radical changes in the curriculum through which it hopes to cater to the specific needs of students who enroll for short courses such as story-writing and documentary filmmaking.
c)
The year before last, Finesse faced stiff competition from Poise Finishing School, which lost its education license earlier this year.
d)
The Ivy Arts Scholarship Board has relaxed its rules and is now inviting entries from high school students graduating this year.
e)
To enroll in any of the courses offered by Finesse, an individual has to have at least five years of experience in that field.
|
|
Pranab Dasgupta answered |
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
Conclusion Clarification
N/A
Pre-Thinking Approach
Let’s see how we can increase the belief in the prediction. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on linkage1 and the conclusion.
Linkage#1
When we look at the logical structure, we see that the passage presents a likelihood that enrollments at Finesse School will go up this year. This possibility in turn forms a premise for the prediction that the school shall likely dominate the Ivy Arts Scholarship applications next year. We need to strengthen this linkage by making it more believable.
Strengthener 1– The profile of students enrolled in Finesse School this year will not be significantly different from the profile of students that generally apply for Ivy Arts Scholarship.
- For example, the promotional campaign has generated interest from a lot of potential students of Finesse School whose profiles are similar to those of the students who apply for Ivy Art Scholarship.
Strengthener 2 – Some external factor that may add to the chances of Finesse’s attracting more enrollments this year.
- For example, the biggest competitor of the Finesse Talent School has aggressive plans to enhance its campus and therefore will be shutting down for this academic year.
With this understanding, let us evaluate the option statements.
Answer Choices
A
This year, the applicants to the school are mostly women who have a background in performing arts.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
Neither the choice nor the passage makes any link between students with background in performing arts and applicants for the Ivy Arts Scholarship. For example, it is not known whether the background is suitable for applying for the scholarship or even that the students of this particular profile are interested in applying for the scholarship.
B
The management of the school has introduced some radical changes in the curriculum through which it hopes to cater to the specific needs of students who enroll for short courses such as story-writing and documentary filmmaking.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
The option does not tell us whether the students of these courses are eligible to apply for Ivy Arts Scholarship.
C
The year before last, Finesse faced stiff competition from Poise Finishing School, which lost its education license earlier this year.
Correct
The option statement says that Finesse’s competition (a factor) will go down and matches Strengthener 2 in our pre-thinking analysis. This fact increases the chances of more enrollments for Finesse School and hence increases our belief in the conclusion.
D
The Ivy Arts Scholarship Board has relaxed its rules and is now inviting entries from high school students graduating this year.
Incorrect - Opposite
If anything, this option could be taken to suggest that there are more chances of other applications from other institutes now, hurting the chances of Finesse’s graduates dominating the scholarship applications next year.
E
To enroll in any of the courses offered by Finesse, an individual has to have at least five years of experience in that field.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
This option does not give us any information to establish whether such students are more likely to apply for the scholarship.
CEO of a newspaper company: In the last six months, we have faced a 20% increase in the delay of newspaper delivery. This issue will be resolved if we ensure that all our papers are packed and ready to be delivered by 3 a.m. every day.Which of the following, if true, casts the most doubt on the effectiveness of the solution proposed by the CEO?- a)Most branches of the newspaper deliver their papers well before the recipients wake up every morning.
- b)Some of the company’s branch managers do not believe that the delays can be avoided.
- c)The inefficiency of the delivery service is what leads to the delay in delivery in most cases.
- d)Many location heads completely support the CEO’s suggestion.
- e)Some of the company’s employees believe that the papers cannot be ready before 3.30 a.m.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
CEO of a newspaper company: In the last six months, we have faced a 20% increase in the delay of newspaper delivery. This issue will be resolved if we ensure that all our papers are packed and ready to be delivered by 3 a.m. every day.
Which of the following, if true, casts the most doubt on the effectiveness of the solution proposed by the CEO?
a)
Most branches of the newspaper deliver their papers well before the recipients wake up every morning.
b)
Some of the company’s branch managers do not believe that the delays can be avoided.
c)
The inefficiency of the delivery service is what leads to the delay in delivery in most cases.
d)
Many location heads completely support the CEO’s suggestion.
e)
Some of the company’s employees believe that the papers cannot be ready before 3.30 a.m.
|
|
Jayant Mishra answered |
CEO of a newspaper company: In the last six months, we have faced a 20% increase in the delay of newspaper delivery. This issue will be resolved if we ensure that all our papers are packed and ready to be delivered by 3 a.m. every day.
Which of the following, if true, casts the most doubt on the effectiveness of the solution proposed by the CEO?
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
Conclusion Clarification
N/A
Pre-Thinking Approach
Let’s see how we can make the conclusion less believable. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on linkage 1.
Linkage#1 – Papers are packed and in delivery-ready state by 3 am every day.
- Weakener – What if this doesn’t solve the problem? What if there is another factor, say a weak supply chain, which is causing the delay and not the readiness of newspapers early in the morning? If that’s the case, then the CEO’s plan will be significantly weakened as the CEO’s plan will not have addressed the real issue behind the delay.
With this understanding in mind, let’s move on to the answer choice analysis.
Answer Choices
A
Most branches of the newspaper deliver their papers well before the recipients wake up every morning.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
Even if most of the branches deliver their papers well before the recipients wake up, the passage clearly states the issue of 20% increase in the newspaper delays. It is this issue that the CEO plans to address. Therefore, the information given in this choice does not help us weaken the CEO’s plan.
B
Some of the company’s branch managers do not believe that the delays can be avoided.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
We don’t know the basis behind the beliefs of these branch managers. The mere disbelief of some people isn’t sufficient reason why the plan won’t be effective.
C
The inefficiency of the delivery service is what leads to the delay in delivery in most cases.
Correct - Provides an alternate cause
This choice is written along the lines of our pre-thinking per Linkage #1. This choice suggests that the CEO’s plan will not address the right cause behind the increase in the delay in the newspaper delivery.
D
Many location heads completely support the CEO’s suggestion.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
Similar to option B, the support of many location heads isn’t sufficient reason to increase or decrease our belief in the success of the CEO’s plan.
E
Some of the company’s employees believe that the papers cannot be ready before 3.30 a.m.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
We are only discussing whether the issue will be resolved if the CEO’s plan is put into place, not whether the plan itself can be put into place or not.
Last year, the United States introduced compulsory vaccination for all children of a certain age against rotavirus. Without the vaccination, rotavirus hospitalized 55,000 to 70,000 children in the United States per year; this year, the number of hospitalizations has been reduced by 20%. Based on this data, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that the rotavirus vaccine prevents more than 50,000 doctor visits per year.Which of the following, if true, casts the most doubt on the estimate prepared by the CDC?- a)A 2-year-old child is much more susceptible to attacks by rotavirus than a five year old child.
- b)Not all children affected by rotavirus go to the doctor.
- c)Generally, a patient affected by rotavirus has a weaker than normal immune system and thus is more susceptible to other diseases.
- d)The vaccine for Zetavirus, which also affects children of the same age as rotavirus does, prevents no more than 10,000 doctor visits per year.
- e)Rotavirus vaccine is administered to 2 year old children and rotavirus attacks children above the age of four.
Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?
Last year, the United States introduced compulsory vaccination for all children of a certain age against rotavirus. Without the vaccination, rotavirus hospitalized 55,000 to 70,000 children in the United States per year; this year, the number of hospitalizations has been reduced by 20%. Based on this data, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that the rotavirus vaccine prevents more than 50,000 doctor visits per year.
Which of the following, if true, casts the most doubt on the estimate prepared by the CDC?
a)
A 2-year-old child is much more susceptible to attacks by rotavirus than a five year old child.
b)
Not all children affected by rotavirus go to the doctor.
c)
Generally, a patient affected by rotavirus has a weaker than normal immune system and thus is more susceptible to other diseases.
d)
The vaccine for Zetavirus, which also affects children of the same age as rotavirus does, prevents no more than 10,000 doctor visits per year.
e)
Rotavirus vaccine is administered to 2 year old children and rotavirus attacks children above the age of four.
|
Kirti Roy answered |
Explanation:
Importance of the given data:
- The United States introduced compulsory vaccination for all children of a certain age against rotavirus.
- The number of hospitalizations has been reduced by 20%.
- The CDC estimates that the rotavirus vaccine prevents more than 50,000 doctor visits per year.
The question asks for the option that casts the most doubt on the CDC's estimate.
Options analysis:
a) A 2-year-old child is much more susceptible to attacks by rotavirus than a five-year-old child.
This option doesn't provide any information that casts doubt on the CDC's estimate. It is irrelevant.
b) Not all children affected by rotavirus go to the doctor.
This option is partially relevant. It suggests that the actual number of doctor visits prevented by the vaccine may be lower than the CDC's estimate. However, it doesn't necessarily cast doubt on the estimate as a whole.
c) Generally, a patient affected by rotavirus has a weaker than normal immune system and thus is more susceptible to other diseases.
This option is irrelevant. It doesn't provide any information that casts doubt on the CDC's estimate.
d) The vaccine for Zetavirus, which also affects children of the same age as rotavirus does, prevents no more than 10,000 doctor visits per year.
This option is partially relevant. It suggests that the actual number of doctor visits prevented by the rotavirus vaccine may be lower than the CDC's estimate. However, it doesn't necessarily cast doubt on the estimate as a whole.
e) Rotavirus vaccine is administered to 2-year-old children and rotavirus attacks children above the age of four.
This option is the correct answer. It directly contradicts the CDC's estimate that the rotavirus vaccine prevents more than 50,000 doctor visits per year. If the vaccine is only given to 2-year-olds and rotavirus attacks children above the age of four, then the number of doctor visits prevented by the vaccine must be lower than the CDC's estimate.
Conclusion:
Option E is the correct answer because it directly contradicts the CDC's estimate that the rotavirus vaccine prevents more than 50,000 doctor visits per year.
Importance of the given data:
- The United States introduced compulsory vaccination for all children of a certain age against rotavirus.
- The number of hospitalizations has been reduced by 20%.
- The CDC estimates that the rotavirus vaccine prevents more than 50,000 doctor visits per year.
The question asks for the option that casts the most doubt on the CDC's estimate.
Options analysis:
a) A 2-year-old child is much more susceptible to attacks by rotavirus than a five-year-old child.
This option doesn't provide any information that casts doubt on the CDC's estimate. It is irrelevant.
b) Not all children affected by rotavirus go to the doctor.
This option is partially relevant. It suggests that the actual number of doctor visits prevented by the vaccine may be lower than the CDC's estimate. However, it doesn't necessarily cast doubt on the estimate as a whole.
c) Generally, a patient affected by rotavirus has a weaker than normal immune system and thus is more susceptible to other diseases.
This option is irrelevant. It doesn't provide any information that casts doubt on the CDC's estimate.
d) The vaccine for Zetavirus, which also affects children of the same age as rotavirus does, prevents no more than 10,000 doctor visits per year.
This option is partially relevant. It suggests that the actual number of doctor visits prevented by the rotavirus vaccine may be lower than the CDC's estimate. However, it doesn't necessarily cast doubt on the estimate as a whole.
e) Rotavirus vaccine is administered to 2-year-old children and rotavirus attacks children above the age of four.
This option is the correct answer. It directly contradicts the CDC's estimate that the rotavirus vaccine prevents more than 50,000 doctor visits per year. If the vaccine is only given to 2-year-olds and rotavirus attacks children above the age of four, then the number of doctor visits prevented by the vaccine must be lower than the CDC's estimate.
Conclusion:
Option E is the correct answer because it directly contradicts the CDC's estimate that the rotavirus vaccine prevents more than 50,000 doctor visits per year.
Manager: A new machine that can bring down our operational costs by 20% has recently been launched in the market. Even though it costs much more to train a person to use this machine than the existing machines, and replacing the machines would lead to some loss in production since employees would be involved in training, the company should switch to the new machines because the savings over a year would more than compensate for the additional training costs for existing employees and the costs because of loss of production.Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the manager’s position?- a)The employee turnover rate in the company is almost negligible.
- b)Few existing employees would have some apprehensions in switching to the new machines.
- c)The company can suffer production loss for over a month without reneging on its customer commitments.
- d)There is no other machine in the market that can cut operational costs for the company by more than 20%.
- e)The quality of the products produced by the new machine will not be higher than the quality of the products produced by the existing machines.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Manager: A new machine that can bring down our operational costs by 20% has recently been launched in the market. Even though it costs much more to train a person to use this machine than the existing machines, and replacing the machines would lead to some loss in production since employees would be involved in training, the company should switch to the new machines because the savings over a year would more than compensate for the additional training costs for existing employees and the costs because of loss of production.
Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the manager’s position?
a)
The employee turnover rate in the company is almost negligible.
b)
Few existing employees would have some apprehensions in switching to the new machines.
c)
The company can suffer production loss for over a month without reneging on its customer commitments.
d)
There is no other machine in the market that can cut operational costs for the company by more than 20%.
e)
The quality of the products produced by the new machine will not be higher than the quality of the products produced by the existing machines.
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Talent Skill Learning answered |
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
Conclusion Clarification
The author concludes that the company should switch to the new machines because the savings from their use would be more than the additional training costs for existing employees and the cost borne due to the mentioned loss in production.
Pre-Thinking Approach
Let’s see how we can make the conclusion more believable. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on linkage1. Thus the way to strengthen the conclusion will be to support this linkage by providing a new piece of information that strengthens our belief in the same.
Linkage#1 – …the savings over a year would more than compensate for the additional training costs for existing employees and the costs because of loss of production.
- Strengthener –An option that supports that no other factor would increase the estimated costs of training and cost due to loss in production would defend the manager’s suggestion, strengthening it further.
With this pre-thinking in mind, let’s evaluate the answer choices.
Answer Choices
A
The employee turnover rate in the company is almost negligible.
Correct
This option is written along the lines of our pre-thinking linkage. It states that the attrition rate at this company is low. Thus, there wouldn’t be frequent replacements of existing employees, which could have increased the training costs. So this fact strengthens our belief in the manager’s position that the costs wouldn’t outweigh the savings.
B
Few existing employees would have some apprehensions in switching to the new machines.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
The apprehension of employees has no direct connection with the conclusion, which deals with the economic soundness of the switch.
C
The company can suffer production loss for over a month without reneging on its customer commitments.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
This statement says that the company won’t dishonor its customer commitments due to production losses. The ability to honor customer commitments doesn’t have any relation to the cost or savings aspect of switching to the new machines.
D
There is no other machine in the market that can cut operational costs for the company by more than 20%.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
It tells us that there is no other machine in the market that cut the operational costs by more than 20%. However, information about other machines is not relevant to the switch from EMs to NM.
E
The quality of the products produced by the new machine will not be higher than the quality of the products produced by the existing machines.
Incorrect- Insufficient information
This statement suggests that the quality of the products produced by the NM will be either of the same quality or of a lower quality than the ones produced by the EM. If quality of the product is a fact under consideration, then the choice does not give us sufficient information to evaluate what impact this information has on the economic viability of the plan.
Experia Inc., a pioneer in online retailing in the cosmetics business, does not have a physical presence and sells all its products through its website. While evaluating its various marketing channels, the company discovered that it attracts two times as many visitors for every dollar spent on advertising on Google than on Cosmetico, an online beauty magazine. The company has, therefore, decided to shift some of its marketing funds from the magazine to Google to increase its overall profits. Which of the following most strongly supports the ability of the company’s plan to increase its profits? - a)Customers originating from Google are twice as likely to write free online reviews for the company’s products as are customers originating from Cosmetico.
- b)There is a significant difference between the visitors to customer conversion ratios for the two channels.
- c)Currently, Google and Cosmetico are not the only two channels through which the company acquires customers.
- d)Currently, very few other cosmetic companies advertise in Cosmetico.
- e)Customer satisfaction, a factor leading to repeat business, is considerably higher for customers originating from Google than for customers through any other channel.
Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?
Experia Inc., a pioneer in online retailing in the cosmetics business, does not have a physical presence and sells all its products through its website. While evaluating its various marketing channels, the company discovered that it attracts two times as many visitors for every dollar spent on advertising on Google than on Cosmetico, an online beauty magazine. The company has, therefore, decided to shift some of its marketing funds from the magazine to Google to increase its overall profits.
Which of the following most strongly supports the ability of the company’s plan to increase its profits?
a)
Customers originating from Google are twice as likely to write free online reviews for the company’s products as are customers originating from Cosmetico.
b)
There is a significant difference between the visitors to customer conversion ratios for the two channels.
c)
Currently, Google and Cosmetico are not the only two channels through which the company acquires customers.
d)
Currently, very few other cosmetic companies advertise in Cosmetico.
e)
Customer satisfaction, a factor leading to repeat business, is considerably higher for customers originating from Google than for customers through any other channel.
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Nitya Kumar answered |
Customer Satisfaction is a Key Factor
Customers originating from Google are more likely to be satisfied with the company's products and services compared to those coming from Cosmetico.
Higher Customer Satisfaction Leads to Repeat Business
When customers are satisfied with their purchases, they are more likely to become repeat customers, leading to higher overall profits for the company.
Shift in Marketing Funds to Google Makes Sense
By shifting marketing funds from Cosmetico to Google, where customer satisfaction and repeat business are higher, Experia Inc. can increase its profits in the long run.
Focus on Channels that Drive Customer Satisfaction
It is essential for the company to focus on marketing channels that not only attract visitors but also lead to higher customer satisfaction and repeat business for sustained profitability.
Customers originating from Google are more likely to be satisfied with the company's products and services compared to those coming from Cosmetico.
Higher Customer Satisfaction Leads to Repeat Business
When customers are satisfied with their purchases, they are more likely to become repeat customers, leading to higher overall profits for the company.
Shift in Marketing Funds to Google Makes Sense
By shifting marketing funds from Cosmetico to Google, where customer satisfaction and repeat business are higher, Experia Inc. can increase its profits in the long run.
Focus on Channels that Drive Customer Satisfaction
It is essential for the company to focus on marketing channels that not only attract visitors but also lead to higher customer satisfaction and repeat business for sustained profitability.
The agricultural market throughout the world is struggling with a significant reduction in the production of rice, and it is feared that demand will far outstrip supply in the coming months. However, Belvania’s export shipments of rice have increased from a total of $21.2 million last quarter to $27.6 million in this quarter. Clearly, Belvania’s production of rice has increased.Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument above?- a)Some countries may be able to increase their production of rice by using innovative methods.
- b)Local demand for rice in Belvania has decreased by at least 15 percent during this quarter.
- c)Because of the shortage of rice, the cost of production of rice-products has also increased.
- d)Increase in the demand for rice has not resulted in an increase in its selling price.
- e)Belvania is the world’s largest exporter of rice.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
The agricultural market throughout the world is struggling with a significant reduction in the production of rice, and it is feared that demand will far outstrip supply in the coming months. However, Belvania’s export shipments of rice have increased from a total of $21.2 million last quarter to $27.6 million in this quarter. Clearly, Belvania’s production of rice has increased.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument above?
a)
Some countries may be able to increase their production of rice by using innovative methods.
b)
Local demand for rice in Belvania has decreased by at least 15 percent during this quarter.
c)
Because of the shortage of rice, the cost of production of rice-products has also increased.
d)
Increase in the demand for rice has not resulted in an increase in its selling price.
e)
Belvania is the world’s largest exporter of rice.
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Jhanvi Saha answered |
The agricultural market throughout the world is struggling with a significant reduction in the production of rice, and it is feared that demand will far outstrip supply in the coming months. However, Belvania’s export shipments of rice have increased from a total of $21.2 million last quarter to $27.6 million in this quarter. Clearly, Belvania’s production of rice has increased.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument above?
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
Conclusion Clarification
N/A
Pre-Thinking Approach
Let’s look at Linkage #1 and see what kind of information can strengthen the conclusion.
Linkage#1 – Increase in BV’s rice exports from $21.1 Mn to $27.6 Mn
- Strengthener 1: What if the price of rice in the international market has increased significantly? In such a situation it could mean that the dollar increase in shipments is not due to higher quantity but due to higher price. Therefore, a possible strengthener could defend the argument against such a consideration.
- Instance: Price of rice in the export market hasn’t gone up significantly.
- Strengthener 2: What if the increase in there has been an increase in the amount of rice exported but this increase is not representative of any increase in the production of rice? Such a situation could arise if the internal demand in BV has gone down significantly. Therefore, a possible strengthener could defend the argument against such a situation.
- Instance: BV’s domestic demand for rice hasn’t gone down significantly.
With this understanding in mind, let’s take a look at the option statements.
Answer Choices
A
Some countries may be able to increase their production of rice by using innovative methods.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
We are not concerned with how to increase RP but whether RP has increased in BV.
B
Local demand for rice in Belvania has decreased by at least 15 percent during this quarter.
Incorrect - Opposite
This choice is opposite of our pre-thinking per Linkage #1, Strengthener 2.
C
Because of the shortage of rice, the cost of production of rice-products has also increased.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
Relative proportion of international audience doesn’t help in evaluating the linkage based on the use of visual elements.
D
Increase in the demand for rice has not resulted in an increase in its selling price.
Correct
This choice is written along the lines of our pre-thinking per Linkage #1, Strengthener 1.
E
Belvania is the world’s largest exporter of rice.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
This doesn’t tell us whether RP has increased in BV.
Evaluating students by assigning individual ranks or percentiles instead of grading them into categories is followed by some schools. Such a system enables schools to help students realize their exact grade point and compete better.For a school, any of the following is a reason for evaluating students by providing individual rankings EXCEPT:- a)Many schools are opting for individual rankings nowadays.
- b)Students can set small goals in moving up a couple of ranks instead of wide range grades.
- c)Parents prefer schools that provide individual rankings more than schools that provide grades.
- d)Recent surveys show that the stress level of students evaluated by providing individual ranking is less than stress levels of students who are provided grades.
- e)Individual ranking provides a healthy competitive environment for students that foster better learning.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Evaluating students by assigning individual ranks or percentiles instead of grading them into categories is followed by some schools. Such a system enables schools to help students realize their exact grade point and compete better.
For a school, any of the following is a reason for evaluating students by providing individual rankings EXCEPT:
a)
Many schools are opting for individual rankings nowadays.
b)
Students can set small goals in moving up a couple of ranks instead of wide range grades.
c)
Parents prefer schools that provide individual rankings more than schools that provide grades.
d)
Recent surveys show that the stress level of students evaluated by providing individual ranking is less than stress levels of students who are provided grades.
e)
Individual ranking provides a healthy competitive environment for students that foster better learning.
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Mrinalini Dasgupta answered |
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
1. Assumptions:
- Students are motivated to get a higher percentile.
- Students care about the individual ranks and do not consider these ranks as mere numbers
2. Strengtheners
- Evidence supporting the assumptions.
Answer Choices
A
Many schools are opting for individual rankings nowadays.
This statement does not provide a reason for evaluating students by providing individual rankings. It simply states that many schools are evaluating students in this manner.
B
Students can set small goals in moving up a couple of ranks instead of wide range grades.
This choice presents a good reasoning for why the individual ranking method should be implemented.
C
Parents prefer schools that provide individual rankings more than schools that provide grades.
Because parents prefer schools that use this method, this choice presents a good reasoning for why schools should use individual ranking method.
D
Recent surveys show that the stress level of students evaluated by providing individual ranking is less than stress levels of students who are provided grades.
This choice presents a good reasoning for why the individual ranking method should be implemented.
E
Individual ranking provides a healthy competitive environment for students that foster better learning.
This choice presents a good reasoning for why the individual ranking method should be implemented.
Using ratings of more than 15,000 undergraduate students for different introductory level courses, a recently published paper concludes that tenured professors don’t enhance student learning as much as non-tenured professors do. However, concluding that the tenure system (i.e. giving a professor a contractual right to keep the job for life) is counterproductive is clearly unwarranted since ___________________________________Which of the following, if true, most logically completes the above argument?- a)the chief objective of the tenure system is to produce better quality teachers.
- b)tenured professors produce a significant amount of good quality research every year.
- c)even though tenured professors are generally paid more than non-tenured professors, tenured professors also work for more hours every week.
- d)non-tenured professors put in their best efforts in teaching in order to get tenured.
- e)not all tenured professors got a lower rating than their non-tenured counterparts.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Using ratings of more than 15,000 undergraduate students for different introductory level courses, a recently published paper concludes that tenured professors don’t enhance student learning as much as non-tenured professors do. However, concluding that the tenure system (i.e. giving a professor a contractual right to keep the job for life) is counterproductive is clearly unwarranted since ___________________________________
Which of the following, if true, most logically completes the above argument?
a)
the chief objective of the tenure system is to produce better quality teachers.
b)
tenured professors produce a significant amount of good quality research every year.
c)
even though tenured professors are generally paid more than non-tenured professors, tenured professors also work for more hours every week.
d)
non-tenured professors put in their best efforts in teaching in order to get tenured.
e)
not all tenured professors got a lower rating than their non-tenured counterparts.
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Shivam Ghoshal answered |
Using ratings of more than 15,000 undergraduate students for different introductory level courses, a recently published paper concludes that tenured professors don’t enhance student learning as much as non-tenured professors do. However, concluding that the tenure system (i.e. giving a professor a contractual right to keep the job for life) is counterproductive is clearly unwarranted since ___________________________________
Which of the following, if true, most logically completes the above argument?
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
Conclusion Clarification
The author concludes that TS is not counterproductive i.e. working against the objective it wants to achieve. We can be fairly certain that the objective is to enhance student learning as the published paper makes a conclusion in this aspect (comparison of enhancement of student learning by TPs and NTPs) and tries to capture it using the ratings given by students.
Pre-Thinking Approach
Let’s see how we can increase the belief in the conclusion. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on linkage 1 and the conclusion. Note that linkage is based on the reasoning that is omitted from the argument. Thus, the way to strengthen the conclusion will be to support this linkage based on the missing reasoning.
Linkage#1 – (missing reasoning)
- Strengthener – TS is working toward enhancing student learning. Any statement which provides evidence in this regard would act as a strengthener.
With this pre-thinking in mind, let’s evaluate the answer choices.
Answer Choices
A
the chief objective of the tenure system is to produce better quality teachers.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
This option tells us that producing better quality teachers is the main aim of the TS. However, it doesn’t tell us whether TS is able to achieve its aim. If the TS is not able to achieve its aim, it may be counterproductive.
B
tenured professors produce a significant amount of good quality research every year.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
This statement talks about TPs contribution in good quality research every year. However, there is no link in the argument between quality research and the enhancement in students’ learning.
C
even though tenured professors are generally paid more than non-tenured professors, tenured professors also work for more hours every week.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
This statement compares the salary and working hours of TPs and NTPs. But as we don’t know the impact of working hours on students’ learning, this option doesn’t strengthen the argument.
D
non-tenured professors put in their best efforts in teaching in order to get tenured.
Correct
This option is written along the lines of our pre-thinking linkage. The fact that TS is acting as a motivator and encouraging NTPs shows that the TS is achieving its objective of enhancing student learning.
E
not all tenured professors got a lower rating than their non-tenured counterparts.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
The fact that not everyone from TPs got equal or better rating than NTPs doesn’t help the author’s argument. Also, the author’s already factored in the ratings to raise his/her consideration. Hence, this fact about not all or atleast 1 TP doesn’t help the author draw the given conclusion.
In order to improve the performance of students taking her course, the Statistics professor has introduced a weekly quiz for the new batch that started school this year. So far, she has found that the students’ performance has improved by 5% as compared to the performance of the senior batches in their first year. This improvement is certainly a direct result of her weekly quizzes.Which of the following, if true, casts the most serious doubt on the conclusion drawn above?- a)Many students who would not have allotted much time to study Statistics are now spending extra time on the subject because of the weekly quizzes.
- b)Some of the students in the new batch perform better in Statistics than they do in other subjects.
- c)The Statistics textbook prescribed for the introductory course this year is considerably easier to understand than the textbook used previously.
- d)In a recent evaluation by the school board, the Statistics professor was ranked the best professor in the school.
- e)Most students feel that the weekly quizzes are making it difficult for them to concentrate on other subjects.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
In order to improve the performance of students taking her course, the Statistics professor has introduced a weekly quiz for the new batch that started school this year. So far, she has found that the students’ performance has improved by 5% as compared to the performance of the senior batches in their first year. This improvement is certainly a direct result of her weekly quizzes.
Which of the following, if true, casts the most serious doubt on the conclusion drawn above?
a)
Many students who would not have allotted much time to study Statistics are now spending extra time on the subject because of the weekly quizzes.
b)
Some of the students in the new batch perform better in Statistics than they do in other subjects.
c)
The Statistics textbook prescribed for the introductory course this year is considerably easier to understand than the textbook used previously.
d)
In a recent evaluation by the school board, the Statistics professor was ranked the best professor in the school.
e)
Most students feel that the weekly quizzes are making it difficult for them to concentrate on other subjects.
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Pallavi Sharma answered |
In order to improve the performance of students taking her course, the Statistics professor has introduced a weekly quiz for the new batch that started school this year. So far, she has found that the students’ performance has improved by 5% as compared to the performance of the senior batches in their first year. This improvement is certainly a direct result of her weekly quizzes.
Which of the following, if true, casts the most serious doubt on the conclusion drawn above?
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
Conclusion Clarification
N/ A
Pre-Thinking Approach
Let’s see how we can make the conclusion less believable. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on linkage 1 and the conclusion.
Note that linkage 1 links two facts in a causal relationship, leading to the conclusion. Thus the way to weaken the conclusion will be to break/weaken this linkage or causal relationship i.e. find an alternate explanation that may have led to the effect (improvement in the students’ performance so far this year).
Linkage#1 – Students’ performance has improved by 5% as compared to the performance of the senior batches.
- Weakener - What if there is some other factor that accounts for the improvement in the students’ performance?
-
- Instance 1: For example, there could have been a change in the teaching methodology that might have led to the improved performance. For example, what if this year the college introduced educational videos or extra classes for the new batch?
With this understanding in mind, let’s take a look at the option statements.
Answer Choices
A
Many students who would not have allotted much time to study Statistics are now spending extra time on the subject because of the weekly quizzes.
Incorrect - Opposite
The extra time spent in studying statistics because of the weekly quizzes could be taken to support the conclusion.
B
Some of the students in the new batch perform better in Statistics than they do in other subjects.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
This option presents a superfluous comparison between performance of some students in statistics and their performance in other subjects.
C
The Statistics textbook prescribed for the introductory course this year is considerably easier to understand than the textbook used previously.
Correct
This option is written along the lines of pre-thinking. It introduces another factor that can have a direct impact on students’ performance.
D
In a recent evaluation by the school board, the Statistics professor was ranked the best professor in the school.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
The ranking of the professor doesn’t tell us whether there was a connection or lack of the same between the weekly quizzes by the professor and the performance of the new batch this year.
E
Most students feel that the weekly quizzes are making it difficult for them to concentrate on other subjects.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
The difficulty in concentrating on other subjects is irrelevant to the argument, which deals only with the better performance in the subject of Statistics this year.
A manuscript of a novel titled The Stanhopes was recently discovered in an eighteenth-century English manor. An expert asked to assess the claim that the manuscript was written by Jane Austen has verified the claim, stating as evidence the fact that the manuscript is written in the form of hand-made booklets that exactly match the type used by Austen to write several of her manuscripts.Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports the expert’s assessment of the claim?- a)The expert has made several other accurate assessments over the course of an acclaimed career.
- b)No other writer from Austen’s time is known to have used handcrafted booklets to write manuscripts.
- c)The novel is likely to reach the top of the bestseller list as soon as the claim is verified and the book is published.
- d)Fiction was the most popular form of literature in the eighteenth century.
- e)Jane Austen has a reputation for having been a reclusive writer who rarely left her home.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
A manuscript of a novel titled The Stanhopes was recently discovered in an eighteenth-century English manor. An expert asked to assess the claim that the manuscript was written by Jane Austen has verified the claim, stating as evidence the fact that the manuscript is written in the form of hand-made booklets that exactly match the type used by Austen to write several of her manuscripts.
Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports the expert’s assessment of the claim?
a)
The expert has made several other accurate assessments over the course of an acclaimed career.
b)
No other writer from Austen’s time is known to have used handcrafted booklets to write manuscripts.
c)
The novel is likely to reach the top of the bestseller list as soon as the claim is verified and the book is published.
d)
Fiction was the most popular form of literature in the eighteenth century.
e)
Jane Austen has a reputation for having been a reclusive writer who rarely left her home.
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Ameya Yadav answered |
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
Conclusion Clarification
The question stem asks us to support the expert’s assessment of the claim. The claim is that the manuscript was written by Jane Austen and the expert agrees with this claim.
Pre-Thinking Approach
Let’s see how we can make the conclusion more believable. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on linkage1. Note that linkage 1 is based on the fact that the recently discovered manuscript is written in the form of hand-made booklets that exactly match the type used by Austen to write several of her manuscripts. However, what if some other writer from Jane Austen’s time used the same kind of tiny booklets to write manuscripts? Wouldn’t our belief in the assessment given by the expert decrease then? Therefore, by ruling out this possibility, we can strengthen the stated linkage and hence the expert’s assessment.
Linkage#1 –
- Strengthener –There is no other writer from Jane Austen’s period who is known to have used the hand-made booklets similar to the type used by her.
With this pre-thinking in mind, let’s evaluate the answer choices.
Answer Choices
A
The expert has made several other accurate assessments over the course of an acclaimed career.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
Other accurate assessments do not support that this assessment is also correct.
B
No other writer from Austen’s time is known to have used handcrafted booklets to write manuscripts.
Correct
This choice is written along the lines of our pre-thinking per Linkage #1.
C
The novel is likely to reach the top of the bestseller list as soon as the claim is verified and the book is published.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
The novel’s likelihood of becoming a bestseller doesn’t help us determine whether it was written by Jane Austen.
D
Fiction was the most popular form of literature in the eighteenth century.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
The given fact is irrelevant to the assessment made by the expert that deals with the authorship of the found manuscript.
E
Jane Austen has a reputation for having been a reclusive writer who rarely left her home.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
Jane Austen’s reputation as a reclusive writer is irrelevant to determining the author of the discovered manuscript.
To boost the sales of its insurance policies, the Geico insurance company has decided to run a promotion wherein the company will offer competitive pricing for car insurance if a new car owner signs a contract to stay with the same company for at least five years. Another condition of the offer will be that changing the insurance policy, which includes using the policy on a different vehicle, in the middle of the contract period will result in heavy fines that will be more than the money the customer would have saved by choosing this insurance in the first place.Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports the prediction that this promotion will have its intended effect?- a)The insurance company is just a start up and many people do not know this firm.
- b)Most people will use a car for at least five years before they sell the car and obtain another one.
- c)The previous promotional campaign run by the company achieved the desired goal.
- d)Geico is planning to spend a huge amount of money on this promotional campaign.
- e)The market for car insurance has been at an all-time high during the past year.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
To boost the sales of its insurance policies, the Geico insurance company has decided to run a promotion wherein the company will offer competitive pricing for car insurance if a new car owner signs a contract to stay with the same company for at least five years. Another condition of the offer will be that changing the insurance policy, which includes using the policy on a different vehicle, in the middle of the contract period will result in heavy fines that will be more than the money the customer would have saved by choosing this insurance in the first place.
Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports the prediction that this promotion will have its intended effect?
a)
The insurance company is just a start up and many people do not know this firm.
b)
Most people will use a car for at least five years before they sell the car and obtain another one.
c)
The previous promotional campaign run by the company achieved the desired goal.
d)
Geico is planning to spend a huge amount of money on this promotional campaign.
e)
The market for car insurance has been at an all-time high during the past year.
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Sharmila Nambiar answered |
Strongest Supporting Factor for Geico's Promotion
Background: Geico insurance company is offering competitive pricing for car insurance if a new car owner signs a contract to stay with the same company for at least five years. Changing the insurance policy in the middle of the contract period will result in heavy fines.
Predicted Effect: The promotion will boost the sales of Geico's insurance policies.
Strongest Supporting Factor: Most people will use a car for at least five years before they sell the car and obtain another one.
Explanation:
Option B is the strongest supporting factor because it directly supports the condition mentioned in the promotion that the customer has to stay with the same company for at least five years. If most people use a car for at least five years before selling it, it means that they will need car insurance for the same period which aligns with the promotion's condition. Therefore, this factor suggests that the promotion will have its intended effect of boosting Geico's insurance policy sales.
The other options do not provide a strong supporting factor for the promotion's success. Option A is irrelevant because the popularity of the insurance company has no bearing on the promotion's impact. Option C might suggest that the previous promotion achieved its goal, but it doesn't provide any information about the current promotion's success. Option D might indicate that Geico is investing heavily in the promotion, but that doesn't necessarily mean that it will be successful. Option E might suggest that the market for car insurance is doing well, but it doesn't provide any information about the promotion's effectiveness.
Background: Geico insurance company is offering competitive pricing for car insurance if a new car owner signs a contract to stay with the same company for at least five years. Changing the insurance policy in the middle of the contract period will result in heavy fines.
Predicted Effect: The promotion will boost the sales of Geico's insurance policies.
Strongest Supporting Factor: Most people will use a car for at least five years before they sell the car and obtain another one.
Explanation:
Option B is the strongest supporting factor because it directly supports the condition mentioned in the promotion that the customer has to stay with the same company for at least five years. If most people use a car for at least five years before selling it, it means that they will need car insurance for the same period which aligns with the promotion's condition. Therefore, this factor suggests that the promotion will have its intended effect of boosting Geico's insurance policy sales.
The other options do not provide a strong supporting factor for the promotion's success. Option A is irrelevant because the popularity of the insurance company has no bearing on the promotion's impact. Option C might suggest that the previous promotion achieved its goal, but it doesn't provide any information about the current promotion's success. Option D might indicate that Geico is investing heavily in the promotion, but that doesn't necessarily mean that it will be successful. Option E might suggest that the market for car insurance is doing well, but it doesn't provide any information about the promotion's effectiveness.
Experia Inc., a pioneer in online retailing in the cosmetics business, sells all its products only through its website. While evaluating its various marketing channels, the company discovered that it attracts two times as many visitors for every dollar spent on Google than on Cosmetico, an online magazine. The company also found that the average purchase of a customer does not depend on whether the customer came through Google or the magazine. The company has, therefore, decided to shift some of its marketing funds from the magazine to Google to increase its overall profits. Which of the following most strongly undermines the ability of the company’s plan to increase its profits? - a)An average reader of a Cosmetico magazine has income that is several times greater than the income of an average Google user.
- b)The conversion ratio from visitors to customers is several times higher in case of Cosmetico than in the case of Google.
- c)Last time, when the company shifted more of its resources from Cosmetico to Google, it resulted in an immediate increase in its sales.
- d)Given the large presence of Google across various geographies, the visitors that come from Google are much more spread geographically than those who come from Cosmetico.
- e)By investing time and money on writing articles in Cosmetico, Experia can reduce its customer acquisition costs to half to what they are now.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Experia Inc., a pioneer in online retailing in the cosmetics business, sells all its products only through its website. While evaluating its various marketing channels, the company discovered that it attracts two times as many visitors for every dollar spent on Google than on Cosmetico, an online magazine. The company also found that the average purchase of a customer does not depend on whether the customer came through Google or the magazine. The company has, therefore, decided to shift some of its marketing funds from the magazine to Google to increase its overall profits.
Which of the following most strongly undermines the ability of the company’s plan to increase its profits?
a)
An average reader of a Cosmetico magazine has income that is several times greater than the income of an average Google user.
b)
The conversion ratio from visitors to customers is several times higher in case of Cosmetico than in the case of Google.
c)
Last time, when the company shifted more of its resources from Cosmetico to Google, it resulted in an immediate increase in its sales.
d)
Given the large presence of Google across various geographies, the visitors that come from Google are much more spread geographically than those who come from Cosmetico.
e)
By investing time and money on writing articles in Cosmetico, Experia can reduce its customer acquisition costs to half to what they are now.
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Palak Saha answered |
Experia Inc., a pioneer in online retailing in the cosmetics business, sells all its products only through its website. While evaluating its various marketing channels, the company discovered that it attracts two times as many visitors for every dollar spent on Google than on Cosmetico, an online magazine. The company also found that the average purchase of a customer does not depend on whether the customer came through Google or the magazine. The company has, therefore, decided to shift some of its marketing funds from the magazine to Google to increase its overall profits.
Which of the following most strongly undermines the ability of the company’s plan to increase its profits?
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
Conclusion Clarification
There is no conclusion by the author per se. The question stem asks us to find a statement that will weaken Experia’s plan to increase profits by shifting some marketing funds from Cosmetico to Google.
Pre-Thinking Approach
Let’s see how we can make the conclusion less believable. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on linkage 1 and the conclusion. Thus the way to weaken the conclusion will be to weaken this linkage i.e. find a new piece of information that weakens the plan’s ability to achieve the desired goal.
Linkage#1 – …it attracts two times as many visitors for every dollar spent on Google than on Cosmetico, an online magazine
- Weakener – What if despite the difference in the number of visitors from the two channels, it is actually the visitors from the online magazine that form the bulk of the final customers? Surely, this linkage will not hold then and the author’s conclusion will be significantly weakened.
- Instance 1: The visitor to customer conversion ratio is significantly lower for the visitors attracted by Google than for the visitors attracted by Cosmetico.
With this understanding in mind, let’s take a look at the option statements.
Answer Choices
A
An average reader of a Cosmetico magazine has income that is several times greater than the income of an average Google user.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
First of all, this choice does not even talk about Experia visitors from either of the two channels. Secondly, the passage already states that the average purchase of a customer does not depend on the channel the customer has come through. So this information has no bearing on the plan proposed by the company.
B
The conversion ratio from visitors to customers is several times higher in case of Cosmetico than in the case of Google.
Correct
This choice is based along the lines of our pre-thinking Instance 1 and seriously undermines the ability of the company’s plan to increase its profits.
C
Last time, when the company shifted more of its resources from Cosmetico to Google, it resulted in an immediate increase in its sales.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
First of all, we don’t know whether there is any similarity in the current and last situation referred to. Even if this fact is kept aside for the moment, this choice is in the opposite direction as it talks about a positive result that the company attained by shifting more of its resources to Google.
D
Given the large presence of Google across various geographies, the visitors that come from Google are much more spread geographically than those who come from Cosmetico.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
There is no stated or implied link between the geographical location of visitors and the profit made by the company. Therefore, the information given in this choice is completely irrelevant to the argument at hand.
E
By investing time and money on writing articles in Cosmetico, Experia can reduce its customer acquisition costs to half to what they are now.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
We are only told that Google attracts 2 times as many visitors as Cosmetico. This piece of information is not indicative of what the customer acquisition costs are for these two channels; for instance, the customer acquisition cost for Cosmetico could be 5 times as high as that for Google. Under such circumstances, this piece of information will not act as a weakener. Plus, this choice talks about spending more money on the magazine.
In parts of Africa, a new skin disease known as Bluemia has been discovered. People affected with this disease develop blue marks on their skin. The most prevalent medicine used to cure Bluemia is Pricin, which has been shown to be effective in curing blue marks. However, using Pricin for treating Bluemia is not wise since another medicine called Pheramycin not only treats the blue marks but also cures the mild fever generally associated with Bluemia.Which of the following option statements, if true, would help support the continued use of Pricin as the cure for Bluemia?- a)Pheramycin has been shown to take less time than Pricin to cure Bluemia.
- b)Pricin is not as commonly available as Pheramycin.
- c)Laboratory results have shown that Pricin can be used to treat not only Bluemia but also other skin diseases.
- d)Recent research has shown that in cases of Bluemia, an increased body temperature due to a mild fever actually aids the natural immunity to eliminate the disease faster.
- e)Although Pricin has its own side-effects, none of the side effects observed in Pheramycin have been observed in Pricin.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
In parts of Africa, a new skin disease known as Bluemia has been discovered. People affected with this disease develop blue marks on their skin. The most prevalent medicine used to cure Bluemia is Pricin, which has been shown to be effective in curing blue marks. However, using Pricin for treating Bluemia is not wise since another medicine called Pheramycin not only treats the blue marks but also cures the mild fever generally associated with Bluemia.
Which of the following option statements, if true, would help support the continued use of Pricin as the cure for Bluemia?
a)
Pheramycin has been shown to take less time than Pricin to cure Bluemia.
b)
Pricin is not as commonly available as Pheramycin.
c)
Laboratory results have shown that Pricin can be used to treat not only Bluemia but also other skin diseases.
d)
Recent research has shown that in cases of Bluemia, an increased body temperature due to a mild fever actually aids the natural immunity to eliminate the disease faster.
e)
Although Pricin has its own side-effects, none of the side effects observed in Pheramycin have been observed in Pricin.
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Sounak Iyer answered |
Increased body temperature aids natural immunity
Research has shown that an increased body temperature due to a mild fever can actually aid the natural immunity to eliminate the disease faster in cases of Bluemia. This means that the mild fever associated with Bluemia may play a role in helping the body fight off the disease more effectively.
This information supports the continued use of Pricin as the cure for Bluemia because, even though Pheramycin may treat both the blue marks and the mild fever, the natural immunity boosted by the mild fever when using Pricin can potentially lead to a faster elimination of the disease. Therefore, the benefits of using Pricin for treating Bluemia may outweigh the advantages of using Pheramycin, despite the latter's ability to address both symptoms of the disease.
Research has shown that an increased body temperature due to a mild fever can actually aid the natural immunity to eliminate the disease faster in cases of Bluemia. This means that the mild fever associated with Bluemia may play a role in helping the body fight off the disease more effectively.
This information supports the continued use of Pricin as the cure for Bluemia because, even though Pheramycin may treat both the blue marks and the mild fever, the natural immunity boosted by the mild fever when using Pricin can potentially lead to a faster elimination of the disease. Therefore, the benefits of using Pricin for treating Bluemia may outweigh the advantages of using Pheramycin, despite the latter's ability to address both symptoms of the disease.
Kidney transplantation is the organ transplant of a kidney into a patient suffering from acute renal failure (when both kidneys stop functioning). Country X has recorded highest number of deaths due to kidney failure. Lack of kidney donors has prompted Country X to seek help from Country Y. To help Country X, the government of Country Y has planned awareness programs and campaigns to encourage its people to donate kidneys. As more people of Country Y donate kidneys, deaths due to renal failure will decrease significantly in Country X.Which of the following if true would raise the most serious doubt that the plan presented above would reduce the incidence of deaths due to renal failure in Country X?- a)The increased number of kidney-donors in country Y would not offset the number of deaths due to renal failure in country Y.
- b)The number of people suffering from Acute Renal Failure in Country Y has far surpassed the number of people suffering from the same disease in Country X.
- c)A McKinley report on Country X concluded that current healthcare infrastructure in country X is barely able to sustain the current volume of kidney transplants.
- d)Even with campaigns and awareness programs, some people in Country Y will choose not to donate their kidneys.
- e)The campaign planned by Government and National Kidney Foundation of Country Y would be effective only in the urban areas of Country Y.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Kidney transplantation is the organ transplant of a kidney into a patient suffering from acute renal failure (when both kidneys stop functioning). Country X has recorded highest number of deaths due to kidney failure. Lack of kidney donors has prompted Country X to seek help from Country Y. To help Country X, the government of Country Y has planned awareness programs and campaigns to encourage its people to donate kidneys. As more people of Country Y donate kidneys, deaths due to renal failure will decrease significantly in Country X.
Which of the following if true would raise the most serious doubt that the plan presented above would reduce the incidence of deaths due to renal failure in Country X?
a)
The increased number of kidney-donors in country Y would not offset the number of deaths due to renal failure in country Y.
b)
The number of people suffering from Acute Renal Failure in Country Y has far surpassed the number of people suffering from the same disease in Country X.
c)
A McKinley report on Country X concluded that current healthcare infrastructure in country X is barely able to sustain the current volume of kidney transplants.
d)
Even with campaigns and awareness programs, some people in Country Y will choose not to donate their kidneys.
e)
The campaign planned by Government and National Kidney Foundation of Country Y would be effective only in the urban areas of Country Y.
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Maya Khanna answered |
Understanding the Plan's Doubts
The plan to encourage kidney donations from Country Y is well-intentioned, but several factors could undermine its effectiveness. Among the options provided, option C raises the most serious doubts regarding the feasibility of the plan.
Impact of Healthcare Infrastructure
- The McKinley report highlights that Country X's healthcare infrastructure is inadequate for the current volume of kidney transplants.
- If Country X cannot handle the existing demand for kidney transplants, an influx of donated kidneys from Country Y won't alleviate the situation effectively.
Limited Capacity for Transplants
- Even with an increase in kidney donations, if the healthcare system cannot support the surgeries, the potential benefits will be lost.
- Patients may continue to die from renal failure due to the lack of proper facilities to perform transplants, regardless of the number of available organs.
Comparison with Other Options
- Option A suggests that the increase in donors in Country Y doesn't impact its own death rates, which is less relevant to the core issue of Country X.
- Option B indicates a larger problem in Country Y, but it doesn't directly affect the plan's execution in Country X.
- Option D acknowledges that some people in Country Y won't donate, but this is a minor concern compared to the systemic issues in Country X.
- Option E points out regional effectiveness of campaigns, but it doesn't address the overarching healthcare capacity problem.
Conclusion
Overall, the healthcare infrastructure issue in Country X poses a significant barrier to the success of the transplant initiative, making option C the most critical factor in questioning the plan's effectiveness in reducing deaths due to renal failure.
The plan to encourage kidney donations from Country Y is well-intentioned, but several factors could undermine its effectiveness. Among the options provided, option C raises the most serious doubts regarding the feasibility of the plan.
Impact of Healthcare Infrastructure
- The McKinley report highlights that Country X's healthcare infrastructure is inadequate for the current volume of kidney transplants.
- If Country X cannot handle the existing demand for kidney transplants, an influx of donated kidneys from Country Y won't alleviate the situation effectively.
Limited Capacity for Transplants
- Even with an increase in kidney donations, if the healthcare system cannot support the surgeries, the potential benefits will be lost.
- Patients may continue to die from renal failure due to the lack of proper facilities to perform transplants, regardless of the number of available organs.
Comparison with Other Options
- Option A suggests that the increase in donors in Country Y doesn't impact its own death rates, which is less relevant to the core issue of Country X.
- Option B indicates a larger problem in Country Y, but it doesn't directly affect the plan's execution in Country X.
- Option D acknowledges that some people in Country Y won't donate, but this is a minor concern compared to the systemic issues in Country X.
- Option E points out regional effectiveness of campaigns, but it doesn't address the overarching healthcare capacity problem.
Conclusion
Overall, the healthcare infrastructure issue in Country X poses a significant barrier to the success of the transplant initiative, making option C the most critical factor in questioning the plan's effectiveness in reducing deaths due to renal failure.
Dean of Talentia College: For the past few years, the reputation of our college has been declining, because of which we are now able to fill in only 70% of the total available seats. If more research work is done in the college, it will create more visibility and hence more students will start applying to our college. Accordingly, we will be able to increase the student count.Which of the following, if true, raises the most serious doubt regarding the effectiveness of the Dean’s plan in increasing the student count at the college?- a)Increase in research will lead to increased expenditure to compensate for which the college will have to in turn increase the tuition fee that is already considered quite high by applicants.
- b)To maintain the required teacher-student ratio, the college will have to hire many new professors.
- c)Almost 10% of the student applications are rejected by the college each year.
- d)Another college in the area that offers the same courses as Talentia was unsuccessful in increasing its visibility by increasing its engagement in research work.
- e)The Government will not increase the funding for Talentia, even if the college increases the research work it is doing.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Dean of Talentia College: For the past few years, the reputation of our college has been declining, because of which we are now able to fill in only 70% of the total available seats. If more research work is done in the college, it will create more visibility and hence more students will start applying to our college. Accordingly, we will be able to increase the student count.
Which of the following, if true, raises the most serious doubt regarding the effectiveness of the Dean’s plan in increasing the student count at the college?
a)
Increase in research will lead to increased expenditure to compensate for which the college will have to in turn increase the tuition fee that is already considered quite high by applicants.
b)
To maintain the required teacher-student ratio, the college will have to hire many new professors.
c)
Almost 10% of the student applications are rejected by the college each year.
d)
Another college in the area that offers the same courses as Talentia was unsuccessful in increasing its visibility by increasing its engagement in research work.
e)
The Government will not increase the funding for Talentia, even if the college increases the research work it is doing.
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Disha Mehta answered |
Understanding the Issue
The Dean of Talentia College believes that increasing research work will enhance the college's reputation, leading to a higher student count. However, the effectiveness of this plan can be questioned based on potential consequences.
Impact of Increased Tuition Fees
- Expenditure Increases: If the college invests more in research, it will incur higher expenses.
- Tuition Fee Hike: To offset these costs, the college may need to raise tuition fees, which are already perceived as high by prospective students.
Student Perception
- Affordability Concerns: Higher tuition fees can deter students from applying, exacerbating the current issue of low enrollment.
- Perceived Value: If students perceive that the value of education does not justify the increased costs, they may choose alternative colleges.
Conclusion
In summary, while the intention behind increasing research is to boost visibility and attract more students, the potential increase in tuition fees could negate these benefits. This makes option 'A' the strongest argument against the Dean's plan to increase student enrollment through research, as it highlights a critical financial barrier that could deter prospective students rather than attract them.
The Dean of Talentia College believes that increasing research work will enhance the college's reputation, leading to a higher student count. However, the effectiveness of this plan can be questioned based on potential consequences.
Impact of Increased Tuition Fees
- Expenditure Increases: If the college invests more in research, it will incur higher expenses.
- Tuition Fee Hike: To offset these costs, the college may need to raise tuition fees, which are already perceived as high by prospective students.
Student Perception
- Affordability Concerns: Higher tuition fees can deter students from applying, exacerbating the current issue of low enrollment.
- Perceived Value: If students perceive that the value of education does not justify the increased costs, they may choose alternative colleges.
Conclusion
In summary, while the intention behind increasing research is to boost visibility and attract more students, the potential increase in tuition fees could negate these benefits. This makes option 'A' the strongest argument against the Dean's plan to increase student enrollment through research, as it highlights a critical financial barrier that could deter prospective students rather than attract them.
The rapid technological progress has caused decline in the value of the unsold products at the end of year at Best Buy, a computer retails store. The Operations Department has determined that this decline in value is caused primarily by the obsolescence of processors and memory chipsets.The Operations Department has come up with multiple ideas to reduce Best Buy's loss due to unsold inventory. Select the idea that you believe will minimize the loss at Best Buy.- a)Best Buy will sell a select set of products at a discount in January every year.
- b)The Technology Team at Best Buy will constantly monitor parts obsolescence and notify the Operations Team accordingly.
- c)The OT (Operations Team) will periodically survey its inventory to determine how many products are obsolete and act accordingly.
- d)Before making product purchases, Best Buy will have a contract with the chip and memory manufacturers to receive upgrades free of charge for obsolete memory and processor chips for the unsold products in the inventory.
- e)Before selling the products to customers, Best Buy will warn them of the pending obsolescence over the next few months.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
The rapid technological progress has caused decline in the value of the unsold products at the end of year at Best Buy, a computer retails store. The Operations Department has determined that this decline in value is caused primarily by the obsolescence of processors and memory chipsets.
The Operations Department has come up with multiple ideas to reduce Best Buy's loss due to unsold inventory. Select the idea that you believe will minimize the loss at Best Buy.
a)
Best Buy will sell a select set of products at a discount in January every year.
b)
The Technology Team at Best Buy will constantly monitor parts obsolescence and notify the Operations Team accordingly.
c)
The OT (Operations Team) will periodically survey its inventory to determine how many products are obsolete and act accordingly.
d)
Before making product purchases, Best Buy will have a contract with the chip and memory manufacturers to receive upgrades free of charge for obsolete memory and processor chips for the unsold products in the inventory.
e)
Before selling the products to customers, Best Buy will warn them of the pending obsolescence over the next few months.
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Avantika Sengupta answered |
The rapid technological progress has caused decline in the value of the unsold products at the end of year at Best Buy, a computer retails store. The Operations Department has determined that this decline in value is caused primarily by the obsolescence of processors and memory chipsets.
The Operations Department has come up with multiple ideas to reduce Best Buy's loss due to unsold inventory. Select the idea that you believe will minimize the loss at Best Buy.
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
1. Assumptions:
- When a product gets obsolete, people do not prefer to purchase it.
- Plan will minimize the number of unsold obsolete parts
2. Strengtheners:
- Plan that minimizes the number of unsold obsolete parts at the end of the year will minimize the losses at Best Buy.
Answer Choices
A
Best Buy will sell a select set of products at a discount in January every year.
This statement is not specific about selecting obsolete parts. Moreover it talks about selling parts in January every year. This will not address the losses that Best Buy experiences at the end of the year.
B
The Technology Team at Best Buy will constantly monitor parts obsolescence and notify the Operations Team accordingly.
The plan per this choice will keep the Operations Team abreast of the imminent problem but will not address the solution of the problem.
C
The OT (Operations Team) will periodically survey its inventory to determine how many products are obsolete and act accordingly.
This choice is also skirting the issue at hand. The issue at hand is to come up with the plan to “act accordingly”. This choice is simply collecting data supporting what the OT already knows – there are obsolete parts.
D
Before making product purchases, Best Buy will have a contract with the chip and memory manufacturers to receive upgrades free of charge for obsolete memory and processor chips for the unsold products in the inventory.
This choice states a plan that will help minimize the unsold obsolete inventory. If the manufacturers provide upgrades for the unsold obsolete parts, then effectively, Best Buy will no longer have obsolete parts.
E
Before selling the products to customers, Best Buy will warn them of the pending obsolescence over the next few months.
The issue at hand is not the obsolescence of parts once the parts have been sold. The issue is that the parts get obsolete while they sit in the inventory of Best Buy.
Many marine organisms defend themselves from predators, using a dark ink-like pigment secreted from an inch-long sac attached to their epidermis. A fossil from the Jurassic period, dated at almost 155 million years old and discovered in the Wiltshire region, contains a perfectly-preserved ink-sac that was probably from a now-extinct species of squid, the Belemnotheutis Antiquus, whose exact origins had not been previously established. Therefore, this form of self-preservation in marine organisms is at least 155 million years old. Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the conclusion above?- a)Ink-sacs in marine organisms have functions other than self-preservation.
- b)The Belemnotheutis Antiquus had physiological features that exist only as inactive organs in some present-day species of squid.
- c)Marine organisms other than squids also have epidermal ink-sacs that the organisms use to ward off predators.
- d)Fossils found in the Wiltshire region have previously provided evidence that land-based organisms from the Jurassic period had epidermal organs with the function of self-preservation.
- e)Remains of a squid belonging to the Belemnotheutis Antiquus family were also found in the Wiltshire region and estimated to be from the Jurassic period.
Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?
Many marine organisms defend themselves from predators, using a dark ink-like pigment secreted from an inch-long sac attached to their epidermis. A fossil from the Jurassic period, dated at almost 155 million years old and discovered in the Wiltshire region, contains a perfectly-preserved ink-sac that was probably from a now-extinct species of squid, the Belemnotheutis Antiquus, whose exact origins had not been previously established. Therefore, this form of self-preservation in marine organisms is at least 155 million years old.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the conclusion above?
a)
Ink-sacs in marine organisms have functions other than self-preservation.
b)
The Belemnotheutis Antiquus had physiological features that exist only as inactive organs in some present-day species of squid.
c)
Marine organisms other than squids also have epidermal ink-sacs that the organisms use to ward off predators.
d)
Fossils found in the Wiltshire region have previously provided evidence that land-based organisms from the Jurassic period had epidermal organs with the function of self-preservation.
e)
Remains of a squid belonging to the Belemnotheutis Antiquus family were also found in the Wiltshire region and estimated to be from the Jurassic period.
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Moumita Sen answered |
Strengthening the Conclusion
The conclusion drawn from the discovery of the fossilized ink-sac is that the use of ink for self-preservation in marine organisms, specifically squids, dates back at least 155 million years. To strengthen this conclusion, we need additional evidence that directly links the ink-sac to the Belemnotheutis Antiquus.
Why Option E is Correct
- Direct Evidence: The remains of a squid from the Belemnotheutis Antiquus family found in the same region and era provides direct evidence that connects the ink-sac to a known species. This suggests that the ink-sac is characteristic of this particular squid, reinforcing the conclusion that the use of ink for self-defense is ancient and specific to this lineage.
- Contextual Relevance: Since the remains were also dated to the Jurassic period, it further corroborates the timeline, making it clear that the use of ink for protection is not only ancient but also consistent with the anatomical features of Belemnotheutis Antiquus.
Limitations of Other Options
- Option A: Discusses other functions of ink-sacs, detracting from the focus on self-preservation.
- Option B: Mentions inactive organs, which does not provide clarity on the ink-sac's use for self-preservation.
- Option C: Introduces other marine organisms with ink-sacs but does not directly relate to the Belemnotheutis Antiquus.
- Option D: Talks about land-based organisms, which is irrelevant to the marine context of the conclusion.
In summary, option E strengthens the conclusion by proving a direct link between the fossilized ink-sac and a known species, reinforcing the idea that this self-preservation mechanism is indeed ancient and specific to squids.
The conclusion drawn from the discovery of the fossilized ink-sac is that the use of ink for self-preservation in marine organisms, specifically squids, dates back at least 155 million years. To strengthen this conclusion, we need additional evidence that directly links the ink-sac to the Belemnotheutis Antiquus.
Why Option E is Correct
- Direct Evidence: The remains of a squid from the Belemnotheutis Antiquus family found in the same region and era provides direct evidence that connects the ink-sac to a known species. This suggests that the ink-sac is characteristic of this particular squid, reinforcing the conclusion that the use of ink for self-defense is ancient and specific to this lineage.
- Contextual Relevance: Since the remains were also dated to the Jurassic period, it further corroborates the timeline, making it clear that the use of ink for protection is not only ancient but also consistent with the anatomical features of Belemnotheutis Antiquus.
Limitations of Other Options
- Option A: Discusses other functions of ink-sacs, detracting from the focus on self-preservation.
- Option B: Mentions inactive organs, which does not provide clarity on the ink-sac's use for self-preservation.
- Option C: Introduces other marine organisms with ink-sacs but does not directly relate to the Belemnotheutis Antiquus.
- Option D: Talks about land-based organisms, which is irrelevant to the marine context of the conclusion.
In summary, option E strengthens the conclusion by proving a direct link between the fossilized ink-sac and a known species, reinforcing the idea that this self-preservation mechanism is indeed ancient and specific to squids.
Economist: To increase exports, the government of Targania has planned to reduce the price at which it exports timber and has, therefore, reduced the price at which it buys timber from local manufacturers. Even though sales will increase, the plan, because of the lower profit margins, will lead to a decline in profits for timber manufacturers, forcing some of them into losses. Therefore, in the interest of the local manufacturers, the government should shelve the plan to increase the exports.
Which of the following, if true, casts the most doubt on the economist’s recommendation?
- a)A recent survey by one of the most prominent trade magazines has suggested that a few other countries are also planning to cut down their timber prices in the international market.
- b)Targania’s new export price is above the minimum price limit of export timber imposed by the International Timber Export Countries Association (ITECA), a price below which no country is allowed to export timber.
- c)Many neighboring countries in the timber export market have imposed similar price restrictions and seen an increase in exports.
- d)Local manufacturers can make up for the reduced profits by selling other products more aggressively in the local market.
- e)The government uses the exports proceeds to invest in technological advancements to help the local industries to cut costs and most of such past programs have been successful.
Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?
Economist: To increase exports, the government of Targania has planned to reduce the price at which it exports timber and has, therefore, reduced the price at which it buys timber from local manufacturers. Even though sales will increase, the plan, because of the lower profit margins, will lead to a decline in profits for timber manufacturers, forcing some of them into losses. Therefore, in the interest of the local manufacturers, the government should shelve the plan to increase the exports.
Which of the following, if true, casts the most doubt on the economist’s recommendation?
a)
A recent survey by one of the most prominent trade magazines has suggested that a few other countries are also planning to cut down their timber prices in the international market.
b)
Targania’s new export price is above the minimum price limit of export timber imposed by the International Timber Export Countries Association (ITECA), a price below which no country is allowed to export timber.
c)
Many neighboring countries in the timber export market have imposed similar price restrictions and seen an increase in exports.
d)
Local manufacturers can make up for the reduced profits by selling other products more aggressively in the local market.
e)
The government uses the exports proceeds to invest in technological advancements to help the local industries to cut costs and most of such past programs have been successful.
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EduRev GMAT answered |
A recent survey by one of the most prominent trade magazines has suggested that a few other countries are also planning to cut down their timber prices in the international market. Irrelevant.
B. Targania’s new export price is above the minimum price limit of export timber imposed by the International Timber Export Countries Association (ITECA), a price below which no country is allowed to export timber. Irrelevant
C. Many neighboring countries in the timber export market have imposed similar price restrictions and seen an increase in exports. Irrelevant. Dont bother with other countries result.
D. Local manufacturers can make up for the reduced profits by selling other products more aggressively in the local market. Yes. Kind of make up for losses.
E. The government uses the exports proceeds to invest in technological advancements to help the local industries to cut costs and most of such past programs have been successful. Yes. Kind of make up for losses.
Now between D & E. Pick option which is less ambiguous. D talks about Local manufacturers but not timber Local manufacturers and it uses ambiguous words like can . Whereas E uses less ambiguous words like most.
B. Targania’s new export price is above the minimum price limit of export timber imposed by the International Timber Export Countries Association (ITECA), a price below which no country is allowed to export timber. Irrelevant
C. Many neighboring countries in the timber export market have imposed similar price restrictions and seen an increase in exports. Irrelevant. Dont bother with other countries result.
D. Local manufacturers can make up for the reduced profits by selling other products more aggressively in the local market. Yes. Kind of make up for losses.
E. The government uses the exports proceeds to invest in technological advancements to help the local industries to cut costs and most of such past programs have been successful. Yes. Kind of make up for losses.
Now between D & E. Pick option which is less ambiguous. D talks about Local manufacturers but not timber Local manufacturers and it uses ambiguous words like can . Whereas E uses less ambiguous words like most.
In Tomensville, spending long hours sitting in a sedentary position has been a major cause of neck problems for young adults diagnosed with this health issue. The increased neck problems reported during the last two years must be the result of watching TV for long hours, because two years ago the government of Tomensville had mandated that the chairs provided for workers using computers be ergonomically designed.Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?- a)Some companies in Tomensville still do not provide ergonomic chairs for their employees.
- b)Tomensville has also been strongly encouraging TV watchers to exercise regularly.
- c)Last year Tomensville saw a hike in the number of people reporting neck problems during the season when most popular TV programs were off the air.
- d)Some people who do not watch TV at all also suffer from neck problems.
- e)During the holiday season in Tomensville, when many TV channels run mostly those programs that have popular viewer demand, there is a jump in the number of neck issues reported.
Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?
In Tomensville, spending long hours sitting in a sedentary position has been a major cause of neck problems for young adults diagnosed with this health issue. The increased neck problems reported during the last two years must be the result of watching TV for long hours, because two years ago the government of Tomensville had mandated that the chairs provided for workers using computers be ergonomically designed.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?
a)
Some companies in Tomensville still do not provide ergonomic chairs for their employees.
b)
Tomensville has also been strongly encouraging TV watchers to exercise regularly.
c)
Last year Tomensville saw a hike in the number of people reporting neck problems during the season when most popular TV programs were off the air.
d)
Some people who do not watch TV at all also suffer from neck problems.
e)
During the holiday season in Tomensville, when many TV channels run mostly those programs that have popular viewer demand, there is a jump in the number of neck issues reported.
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Avantika Dey answered |
In Tomensville, spending long hours sitting in a sedentary position has been a major cause of neck problems for young adults diagnosed with this health issue. The increased neck problems reported during the last two years must be the result of watching TV for long hours, because two years ago the government of Tomensville had mandated that the chairs provided for workers using computers be ergonomically designed.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
Conclusion Clarification
This is a causal argument.
The conclusion states that watching TV for long hours must be the reason for the increased neck problems reported during the last two years.
Pre-Thinking Approach
Let’s see how we can make the conclusion more believable. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on linkage1. Note that linkage 1 links two facts in a causal relationship, leading to the conclusion. Thus the way to strengthen the conclusion will be to support this linkage or causal relationship.
Linkage#1 –
- Strengthener 1 – Watching TV for long hours requires a person to sit in a sedentary position.
Strengthener 2– It was found that the daily activities of most of the young people in Tomennsville who had day jobs that required extensive computer-work and who did not report neck included limited TV viewing.
In the above strengthener, we show that when the cause was absent, the result was absent as well, thereby increasing belief in the causal relation.
With this pre-thinking in mind, let’s evaluate the answer choices.
Answer Choices
A
Some companies in Tomensville still do not provide ergonomic chairs for their employees.
Incorrect - Opposite
If anything, this choice weakens the conclusion as it opens up the possibility that even though the government mandated the use of ergonomically designed chairs, the mandate hasn’t been carried out fully.
B
Tomensville has also been strongly encouraging TV watchers to exercise regularly.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
Encouraging TV watchers to exercise regularly doesn’t help us determine whether watching TV for long hours caused the increased neck problems reported during the last two years in Tomensville.
C
Last year Tomensville saw a hike in the number of people reporting neck problems during the season when most popular TV programs were off the air.
Incorrect - Opposite
This option opens up the possibility that the neck problems were reported at a time when people could have been spending less than their usual time on watching TV.
D
Some people who do not watch TV at all also suffer from neck problems.
Incorrect - Opposite
If anything, this option weakens the argument by stating that watching TV is not the cause of neck problems in at least some cases as some people suffer from neck problem without watching TV.
A
During the holiday season in Tomensville, when many TV channels run mostly those programs that have popular viewer demand, there is a jump in the number of neck issues reported.
Correct
This choice indicates the likelihood of increased TV viewing as people are at home during the mentioned season. So the chances of the mentioned cause are high and the observed effect is also high.
Many stage actors follow a form of method-acting in which the emphasis is on understanding the psychology of the characters being played and keeping in mind how the characters would have reacted in various situations being enacted. In their pre-rehearsal stage, they go to extremes such as living in situations similar to their hypothetical characters’. Therefore, it is highly likely that such actors are very consistent in their initial performance in rehearsals and their final on-stage performance. Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the above argument?- a)For an actor, the repetition of a performance in rehearsals adds little to the understanding of the character being played.
- b)There are some props that are available to actors only on the final day of the show.
- c)Many famous and highly paid actors are from acting schools that specialize in teaching method-acting.
- d)It is very likely for a method-actor playing the role of a beggar to actually dress up and wear torn and soiled clothes throughout the preparation stage to understand the psychology of the character.
- e)These days many film actors prefer to do multiple rehearsals with their co-actors to fully understand the character they are portraying.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Many stage actors follow a form of method-acting in which the emphasis is on understanding the psychology of the characters being played and keeping in mind how the characters would have reacted in various situations being enacted. In their pre-rehearsal stage, they go to extremes such as living in situations similar to their hypothetical characters’. Therefore, it is highly likely that such actors are very consistent in their initial performance in rehearsals and their final on-stage performance.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the above argument?
a)
For an actor, the repetition of a performance in rehearsals adds little to the understanding of the character being played.
b)
There are some props that are available to actors only on the final day of the show.
c)
Many famous and highly paid actors are from acting schools that specialize in teaching method-acting.
d)
It is very likely for a method-actor playing the role of a beggar to actually dress up and wear torn and soiled clothes throughout the preparation stage to understand the psychology of the character.
e)
These days many film actors prefer to do multiple rehearsals with their co-actors to fully understand the character they are portraying.
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Nikhil Khanna answered |
Explanation:
Repetition in rehearsals:
- If the repetition of a performance in rehearsals adds little to the understanding of the character being played, then actors who follow method-acting and immerse themselves in the psychology of their characters are likely to be very consistent in their performances from rehearsals to the final show.
- This strengthens the argument that method-actors are consistent in their performances as they focus more on understanding the characters rather than relying on repetitive rehearsals.
Therefore, option A strengthens the argument by highlighting that the emphasis on character psychology in method-acting leads to consistency in performances rather than relying on repetitive rehearsals.
Repetition in rehearsals:
- If the repetition of a performance in rehearsals adds little to the understanding of the character being played, then actors who follow method-acting and immerse themselves in the psychology of their characters are likely to be very consistent in their performances from rehearsals to the final show.
- This strengthens the argument that method-actors are consistent in their performances as they focus more on understanding the characters rather than relying on repetitive rehearsals.
Therefore, option A strengthens the argument by highlighting that the emphasis on character psychology in method-acting leads to consistency in performances rather than relying on repetitive rehearsals.
The most important concern in the minds of social media users is the protection of their privacy. Accordingly, as per the privacy policy released to customers, most social media companies use the latest 256-bit encryption techniques to transmit and store user data. However, recent tests done by several security companies show that 128-bit encryption is sufficient for all practical purposes. Hence, if data security is the only objective, then by switching to the older and cheaper 128-bit encryption, media companies can increase their overall profits without compromising on the security of user data. Which of the following, if true, argues against the suggested change in the encryption techniques?- a)Surveys have shown that customers are also concerned about whether paid accounts at social media websites offer better features than do free accounts.
- b)Most smartphones and tablets still use 128-bit encryption techniques and do not support the 256-bit versions.
- c)Although the companies will realize net cost benefits by switching to the 128-bit encryption technique, the companies will have to bear the initial cost of installing the new technique.
- d)Most consumers do not read the privacy policy of the social media network they are active on.
- e)Customer surveys indicate that most users would switch their social networks in case of any perceived downgrade of security features.
Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?
The most important concern in the minds of social media users is the protection of their privacy. Accordingly, as per the privacy policy released to customers, most social media companies use the latest 256-bit encryption techniques to transmit and store user data. However, recent tests done by several security companies show that 128-bit encryption is sufficient for all practical purposes. Hence, if data security is the only objective, then by switching to the older and cheaper 128-bit encryption, media companies can increase their overall profits without compromising on the security of user data.
Which of the following, if true, argues against the suggested change in the encryption techniques?
a)
Surveys have shown that customers are also concerned about whether paid accounts at social media websites offer better features than do free accounts.
b)
Most smartphones and tablets still use 128-bit encryption techniques and do not support the 256-bit versions.
c)
Although the companies will realize net cost benefits by switching to the 128-bit encryption technique, the companies will have to bear the initial cost of installing the new technique.
d)
Most consumers do not read the privacy policy of the social media network they are active on.
e)
Customer surveys indicate that most users would switch their social networks in case of any perceived downgrade of security features.
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Manasa Gupta answered |
Understanding the Argument Against Switching Encryption Techniques
The suggestion to switch from 256-bit to 128-bit encryption is based on the idea that security is sufficient and cost savings can be achieved. However, option 'E' highlights a critical concern that counters this change.
Customer Perception of Security
- Downgrade of Security Features: Customer surveys indicate that most users would switch their social networks if they perceive a downgrade in security features.
- Impact on Trust: Users are highly sensitive to any changes in security practices. A switch to 128-bit encryption could be viewed as a reduction in commitment to user safety.
Financial Implications
- Long-term Profitability: While the immediate cost savings from switching encryption may seem attractive, the potential loss of users could lead to significant long-term financial repercussions.
- Customer Retention: Maintaining user trust is pivotal for social media companies. If users feel their data is less secure, they may leave for competitors who offer stronger encryption.
Conclusion
- Risk of Losing Users: The potential for a mass exodus of users due to perceived security downgrades outweighs the short-term financial gains from switching to 128-bit encryption.
In summary, the argument against switching to 128-bit encryption is grounded in the importance of user perception regarding security. Social media companies must prioritize user trust to ensure long-term success and profitability.
The suggestion to switch from 256-bit to 128-bit encryption is based on the idea that security is sufficient and cost savings can be achieved. However, option 'E' highlights a critical concern that counters this change.
Customer Perception of Security
- Downgrade of Security Features: Customer surveys indicate that most users would switch their social networks if they perceive a downgrade in security features.
- Impact on Trust: Users are highly sensitive to any changes in security practices. A switch to 128-bit encryption could be viewed as a reduction in commitment to user safety.
Financial Implications
- Long-term Profitability: While the immediate cost savings from switching encryption may seem attractive, the potential loss of users could lead to significant long-term financial repercussions.
- Customer Retention: Maintaining user trust is pivotal for social media companies. If users feel their data is less secure, they may leave for competitors who offer stronger encryption.
Conclusion
- Risk of Losing Users: The potential for a mass exodus of users due to perceived security downgrades outweighs the short-term financial gains from switching to 128-bit encryption.
In summary, the argument against switching to 128-bit encryption is grounded in the importance of user perception regarding security. Social media companies must prioritize user trust to ensure long-term success and profitability.
A recent study by Dealson on the shopping habits of Ringlandians revealed that word-of-mouth is a key source of awareness for almost 38% of Ringlandian shoppers. The study also revealed that one in every three shoppers in Ringland goes online to the company website before making a purchase. As word-of-mouth recommendations can’t be directly influenced by companies, currently it makes sense for them to focus solely on increasing their online presence in order to create maximum awareness of their products.Which of the following statements, if true, most seriously weakens the argument?- a)Social media consumers are very few in Ringland as the country has had a ban on various networking sites for the past five years.
- b)A significant proportion of people went online to gather information about the products after receiving recommendations about those products from friends and family.
- c)A significant number of people don’t have access to the internet in Ringland.
- d)Not all companies need awareness among the kind of shoppers studied; some companies make products that are utilized by other businesses as raw material.
- e)Several business-solution firms are working on a more efficient way to influence word-of-mouth recommendations.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
A recent study by Dealson on the shopping habits of Ringlandians revealed that word-of-mouth is a key source of awareness for almost 38% of Ringlandian shoppers. The study also revealed that one in every three shoppers in Ringland goes online to the company website before making a purchase. As word-of-mouth recommendations can’t be directly influenced by companies, currently it makes sense for them to focus solely on increasing their online presence in order to create maximum awareness of their products.
Which of the following statements, if true, most seriously weakens the argument?
a)
Social media consumers are very few in Ringland as the country has had a ban on various networking sites for the past five years.
b)
A significant proportion of people went online to gather information about the products after receiving recommendations about those products from friends and family.
c)
A significant number of people don’t have access to the internet in Ringland.
d)
Not all companies need awareness among the kind of shoppers studied; some companies make products that are utilized by other businesses as raw material.
e)
Several business-solution firms are working on a more efficient way to influence word-of-mouth recommendations.
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Prashanth Chawla answered |
Explanation:
Impact of Option B:
- Option B weakens the argument because it shows that word-of-mouth recommendations are still a crucial factor in the purchasing decisions of Ringlandian shoppers.
- If people are going online after receiving recommendations from friends and family, it suggests that word-of-mouth plays a significant role in creating awareness about products.
- This means that companies should not solely focus on increasing their online presence and should also consider strategies to encourage positive word-of-mouth recommendations.
Relevance to the Argument:
- The argument assumes that online presence is the most important factor in creating awareness among Ringlandian shoppers.
- However, if word-of-mouth recommendations are still influential and lead people to search online for more information, then companies should consider both aspects in their marketing strategies.
Conclusion:
- Option B weakens the argument by highlighting the continued importance of word-of-mouth recommendations in the shopping habits of Ringlandian consumers.
- Companies should not disregard the power of word-of-mouth and should incorporate strategies to leverage both online presence and positive recommendations from friends and family.
Impact of Option B:
- Option B weakens the argument because it shows that word-of-mouth recommendations are still a crucial factor in the purchasing decisions of Ringlandian shoppers.
- If people are going online after receiving recommendations from friends and family, it suggests that word-of-mouth plays a significant role in creating awareness about products.
- This means that companies should not solely focus on increasing their online presence and should also consider strategies to encourage positive word-of-mouth recommendations.
Relevance to the Argument:
- The argument assumes that online presence is the most important factor in creating awareness among Ringlandian shoppers.
- However, if word-of-mouth recommendations are still influential and lead people to search online for more information, then companies should consider both aspects in their marketing strategies.
Conclusion:
- Option B weakens the argument by highlighting the continued importance of word-of-mouth recommendations in the shopping habits of Ringlandian consumers.
- Companies should not disregard the power of word-of-mouth and should incorporate strategies to leverage both online presence and positive recommendations from friends and family.
Consultant: One of the most useful application areas for robot-based automation is in the manufacturing sector. Robot-based production enhances efficiency and productivity in various manufacturing processes. As a leading innovator in the field, Rockshell Corporation had launched Robo-X Automation System a few years back. Since then, Robo-X has reduced the manufacturing costs significantly for almost all the firms that are similar to Weinstein Corporation. Therefore, by switching from manual systems to the Robo-X automation system, Weinstein Corporation will be able to lower its costs and thereby ensure a significant growth in profits this year over last year. Which of the following statements, if true, most weakens the consultant’s proposal to purchase Robo-X?- a)It is expected that Weinstein will not experience any significant increase in its sales
- b)Weinstein’s profits for the first quarter of this financial year were lower than the expectation of the company's management.
- c)Robo-NexGen, another Rockshell’s product, has not been successful in cost reduction for a large number of firms in the mining industry.
- d)Once Rockshell receives an order, it sends a team to perform a detailed and extensive analysis of customer processes for almost six months before building and customizing Robo-X automation system to suit customers’ needs.
- e)Robo-X Automation System comes with attractive payment plans that do not require any setup and maintenance cost for the first year.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Consultant: One of the most useful application areas for robot-based automation is in the manufacturing sector. Robot-based production enhances efficiency and productivity in various manufacturing processes. As a leading innovator in the field, Rockshell Corporation had launched Robo-X Automation System a few years back. Since then, Robo-X has reduced the manufacturing costs significantly for almost all the firms that are similar to Weinstein Corporation. Therefore, by switching from manual systems to the Robo-X automation system, Weinstein Corporation will be able to lower its costs and thereby ensure a significant growth in profits this year over last year.
Which of the following statements, if true, most weakens the consultant’s proposal to purchase Robo-X?
a)
It is expected that Weinstein will not experience any significant increase in its sales
b)
Weinstein’s profits for the first quarter of this financial year were lower than the expectation of the company's management.
c)
Robo-NexGen, another Rockshell’s product, has not been successful in cost reduction for a large number of firms in the mining industry.
d)
Once Rockshell receives an order, it sends a team to perform a detailed and extensive analysis of customer processes for almost six months before building and customizing Robo-X automation system to suit customers’ needs.
e)
Robo-X Automation System comes with attractive payment plans that do not require any setup and maintenance cost for the first year.
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Pallavi Sharma answered |
Consultant: One of the most useful application areas for robot-based automation is in the manufacturing sector. Robot-based production enhances efficiency and productivity in various manufacturing processes. As a leading innovator in the field, Rockshell Corporation had launched Robo-X Automation System a few years back. Since then, Robo-X has reduced the manufacturing costs significantly for almost all the firms that are similar to Weinstein Corporation. Therefore, by switching from manual systems to the Robo-X automation system, Weinstein Corporation will be able to lower its costs and thereby ensure a significant growth in profits this year over last year.
Which of the following statements, if true, most weakens the consultant’s proposal to purchase Robo-X?
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
Conclusion Clarification
NA
Pre-Thinking Approach
Let’s see how we can make the conclusion less believable. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on the linkage 1 and the conclusion.
From the logical structure we can see that the consultant concludes that by replacing current system with RXA, the company shall reduce costs and therefore improve profits this year over previous year. This prediction is based on the premise that almost all similar firms had reduced their costs by implementing RXA. To weaken the argument, we need to cast a doubt on the conclusion by showing that even if the company purchases RXA, it may not be able to reduce costs soon enough to realize a significant growth in profits this year
Linkage#1
Weakener – Due to some reason, the company might not be able to reduce costs this year.
- Instance: The cost of installation and maintenance of RXA is so high, that the company can reduce costs only from RXA’s third year of operations.
With this pre-thinking in mind, let's take a look at the option statements.
Answer Choices
A
It is expected that Weinstein will not experience any significant increase in its sales
Incorrect - Irrelevant
The option is talking about increasing sales while the argument is concerned with reducing costs and therefore ensuring profits.
B
Weinstein’s profits for the first quarter of this financial year were lower than the expectation of the company's management.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
The company management’s expectation is not known and insignificant.
C
Robo-NexGen, another Rockshell’s product, has not been successful in cost reduction for a large number of firms in the mining industry.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
Talks about another product and an un-related industry.
D
Once Rockshell receives an order, it sends a team to perform a detailed and extensive analysis of customer processes for almost six months before building and customizing Robo-X automation system to suit customers’ needs.
Correct
This option matches our prethinking analysis and indicates that a ‘large period of time’ is required for setting up RXA for the company. It reduces the belief that the switch to Robo-X will be done within this year and sufficient costs would be reduced. RXA is a customized product. It will take large time to build and deploy it.
E
Robo-X Automation System comes with attractive payment plans that do not require any setup and maintenance cost for the first year.
Incorrect - Opposite
This option increases our belief in RC’s realizing cost-savings in the current year.
Although studies have found bamboo to be a better raw material than cement and mortar for use in the construction industry, as it is cheaper and more environment-friendly, most builders are concerned that home buyers will be resistant to the idea of houses built of bamboo. Nevertheless, experts predict that the use of bamboo in the construction industry will soon see a rapid increase.Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports the prediction outlined above?- a)Although it grows only in specific regions, bamboo is relatively easy to grow and does not require as much maintenance as other crops.
- b)Bamboo cannot be grown in coastal areas since salt water and humidity have been proven to have an adverse effect on the growth of the plant in such areas.
- c)Many building materials sourced from natural resources can also be used to make items such as household furniture and farming implements.
- d)According to recent studies, bamboo is much more resilient than it was previously believed to be, and houses made out of bamboo are expected to require much less maintenance than those made of more commonly used materials.
- e)Environmental organizations have recently become much more vocal about the multiple ways in which the environment is being exploited.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Although studies have found bamboo to be a better raw material than cement and mortar for use in the construction industry, as it is cheaper and more environment-friendly, most builders are concerned that home buyers will be resistant to the idea of houses built of bamboo. Nevertheless, experts predict that the use of bamboo in the construction industry will soon see a rapid increase.
Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports the prediction outlined above?
a)
Although it grows only in specific regions, bamboo is relatively easy to grow and does not require as much maintenance as other crops.
b)
Bamboo cannot be grown in coastal areas since salt water and humidity have been proven to have an adverse effect on the growth of the plant in such areas.
c)
Many building materials sourced from natural resources can also be used to make items such as household furniture and farming implements.
d)
According to recent studies, bamboo is much more resilient than it was previously believed to be, and houses made out of bamboo are expected to require much less maintenance than those made of more commonly used materials.
e)
Environmental organizations have recently become much more vocal about the multiple ways in which the environment is being exploited.
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Jhanvi Saha answered |
Although studies have found bamboo to be a better raw material than cement and mortar for use in the construction industry, as it is cheaper and more environment-friendly, most builders are concerned that home buyers will be resistant to the idea of houses built of bamboo. Nevertheless, experts predict that the use of bamboo in the construction industry will soon see a rapid increase.
Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports the prediction outlined above?
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
Conclusion Clarification
There is no given conclusion by the author. However, the question-stem asks us to strengthen the prediction of the experts, which we’ll treat as the conclusion. The experts predict that the use of bamboo in the construction industry will increase rapidly despite the fact that bamboo’s potential has not been exploited by most builders even though it is a better raw material than cement and mortar.
Pre-Thinking Approach
Let’s see how we can make the conclusion more believable. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on linkages 1 and 2. Thus, the way to strengthen the conclusion will be to support linkage 1 or show evidence that breaks linkage 2, which does not go in favor of the experts’ prediction.
Linkage#2
- Strengthener – An option that shows that home buyers stand to benefit from houses built of bamboo. In such a case, linkage 2 would be weakened, thereby, strengthening the experts’ prediction.
- Instance: When bamboo is used as a raw material for the house, it minimizes the expenditure on the maintenance of the house, a form expenditure that most home buyers are averse to.
With this pre-thinking in mind, let’s evaluate the answer choices.
Answer Choices
A
Although it grows only in specific regions, bamboo is relatively easy to grow and does not require as much maintenance as other crops.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
The ease of growing and maintaining bamboo gives us no information about its use in the construction industry. Thus, it provides no support to the conclusion.
B
Bamboo cannot be grown in coastal areas since salt water and humidity have been proven to have an adverse effect on the growth of the plant in such areas.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
This choice is similar to choice A. The fact that bamboo cannot be grown at certain areas doesn’t affect the experts’ prediction.
C
Many building materials sourced from natural resources can also be used to make items such as household furniture and farming implements.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
The argument focuses on the use of bamboo only in the construction industry. Use of building materials for other purposes is not relevant to the argument.
D
According to recent studies, bamboo is much more resilient than it was previously believed to be, and houses made out of bamboo are expected to require much less maintenance than those made of more commonly used materials.
Correct
This choice is written along the lines of our strengthener in the pre-thinking analysis. It highlights the advantages of houses made of bamboo over those made of other materials.
E
Environmental organizations have recently become much more vocal about the multiple ways in which the environment is being exploited.
Incorrect - Opposite
If the use of bamboo, a natural material, is also considered an exploitation of the environment, this option argues against the conclusion.
The Intermountain chain of hospitals launched a program a few years back to reduce the incidence of employee and patient injuries during lifting and transferring of the patients. Reduction of such injuries is leading to an estimated savings of $500K annually; however, the extra training and equipment expenditure to implement the program cost around the same annually. Therefore, except for the intangible benefit of employee satisfaction and longer employee tenure, the program has not led to any economic benefit for the company.Which of the following statements, if true, most seriously weakens the above argument?- a)In the hospital industry, hiring and training new employees is a costly affair.
- b)The proportion of employees and patients who get injured during lifting and transferring of patients at the Intermountain chain of hospitals was stable before the program was launched.
- c)There are ways to reduce the program costs while maintaining the same level of training and the same quality of equipment.
- d)The incidence of employee and patient injuries can be reduced more by spending more money on the program.
- e)For the Intermountain chain of hospitals, the brand value in terms of patient care is very important.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
The Intermountain chain of hospitals launched a program a few years back to reduce the incidence of employee and patient injuries during lifting and transferring of the patients. Reduction of such injuries is leading to an estimated savings of $500K annually; however, the extra training and equipment expenditure to implement the program cost around the same annually. Therefore, except for the intangible benefit of employee satisfaction and longer employee tenure, the program has not led to any economic benefit for the company.
Which of the following statements, if true, most seriously weakens the above argument?
a)
In the hospital industry, hiring and training new employees is a costly affair.
b)
The proportion of employees and patients who get injured during lifting and transferring of patients at the Intermountain chain of hospitals was stable before the program was launched.
c)
There are ways to reduce the program costs while maintaining the same level of training and the same quality of equipment.
d)
The incidence of employee and patient injuries can be reduced more by spending more money on the program.
e)
For the Intermountain chain of hospitals, the brand value in terms of patient care is very important.
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Amar Chakraborty answered |
The Intermountain chain of hospitals launched a program a few years back to reduce the incidence of employee and patient injuries during lifting and transferring of the patients. Reduction of such injuries is leading to an estimated savings of $500K annually; however, the extra training and equipment expenditure to implement the program cost around the same annually. Therefore, except for the intangible benefit of employee satisfaction and longer employee tenure, the program has not led to any economic benefit for the company.
Which of the following statements, if true, most seriously weakens the above argument?
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
Conclusion Clarification
The argument concludes that the injury reduction program has not resulted in any economic benefit for the company. There are other benefits in the form of employee satisfaction and longer employee tenure, but they are intangible and so don’t translate into any concrete economic gain.
Pre-Thinking Approach
Let’s see how we can make the conclusion less believable. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on linkage 1and the conclusion. Thus the way to weaken the conclusion will be to weaken this linkage i.e. find a new piece of information that will suggest that the program has led to some sort of economic benefit for the hospital.
Linkage#1 – Reduction of such injuries is leading to an estimated savings of $500K annually; however, the extra training and equipment expenditure to implement the program cost around the same annually.
- Weakener – Show an economic gain that can accrue from the intangible benefits mentioned. If that happens, our belief in the author’s claim that the program hasn’t led to any economic benefit is greatly reduced.
-
- Instance 1: Studies have shown that the lack of satisfaction at work for hospital employees results in their taking significantly more number of sick leaves, costing hospitals huge amounts of money in remunerating part-time back-up staff.
With this pre-thinking in mind, let's take a look at the option statements.
Answer Choices
A
In the hospital industry, hiring and training new employees is a costly affair.
Correct
This choice is written along the lines of our pre-thinking per Linkage 1 weakener. If the hospital retains employees for longer durations, it’ll have to spend less on hiring and training. This fact shows that ICH has been able to save costs on hiring and training new employees- a clear tangible, economic benefit.
B
The proportion of employees and patients who get injured during lifting and transferring of patients at the Intermountain chain of hospitals was stable before the program was launched.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
This statement talks about the situation before the training program. Knowing whether this proportion was stable or variable earlier doesn’t help us as we already know the estimated savings and benefits after the injury reduction program.
C
There are ways to reduce the program costs while maintaining the same level of training and the same quality of equipment.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
Knowing that there are ways that, if implemented, could reduce the costs doesn’t show that the program in its current form has contributed to the hospitals economic interests.
D
The incidence of employee and patient injuries can be reduced more by spending more money on the program.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
The argument doesn’t focus on the possibility of further reducing the injuries, i.e. it doesn’t conclude on whether program can reduce injuries but whether it has already led to a tangible economic benefit.
E
For the Intermountain chain of hospitals, the brand value in terms of patient care is very important.
Incorrect - Irrelevant.
While the brand value could go up due to the injury reduction program as the program results in fewer injuries for patients, we can’t link this increase in brand value to a concrete economic benefit, which is required to show that the program has resulted in economic gains, thereby reducing our belief in the author’s conclusion.
Earlier, any trade relation between the ancient kingdoms of Sphylgor and Gorphyl was ruled out because of the inhospitable desert between them. The desert would have made it impossible for them to regularly travel such long distances at a time when the Syphlgorians were not aware of the use of the wheel. However, the discovery of large numbers of Sphylgorian coins in Gorphyl has prompted archeologists to conclude otherwise.Which of the following, if true, weakens the archaeologists’ conclusion?- a)Sphylgorian and Gorphylians coins were so similar in appearance that it would take an expert archeologist to differentiate between the two.
- b)Sometimes the local Gorphylians engaged in the barter system and as such exchanged goods among themselves for commercial purposes.
- c)It has been asserted that the Syphylgorians were part of a very secretive society and would not have easily given out any of their trade secrets.
- d)At the time of solemnizing marriages, royal families of different kingdoms would exchange local artifacts, garments, currency etc. in remarkable quantities.
- e)No precedence exists in history where there were amiable relations between two kingdoms that did not engage in any trade relations.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Earlier, any trade relation between the ancient kingdoms of Sphylgor and Gorphyl was ruled out because of the inhospitable desert between them. The desert would have made it impossible for them to regularly travel such long distances at a time when the Syphlgorians were not aware of the use of the wheel. However, the discovery of large numbers of Sphylgorian coins in Gorphyl has prompted archeologists to conclude otherwise.
Which of the following, if true, weakens the archaeologists’ conclusion?
a)
Sphylgorian and Gorphylians coins were so similar in appearance that it would take an expert archeologist to differentiate between the two.
b)
Sometimes the local Gorphylians engaged in the barter system and as such exchanged goods among themselves for commercial purposes.
c)
It has been asserted that the Syphylgorians were part of a very secretive society and would not have easily given out any of their trade secrets.
d)
At the time of solemnizing marriages, royal families of different kingdoms would exchange local artifacts, garments, currency etc. in remarkable quantities.
e)
No precedence exists in history where there were amiable relations between two kingdoms that did not engage in any trade relations.
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Pallavi Choudhury answered |
Earlier, any trade relation between the ancient kingdoms of Sphylgor and Gorphyl was ruled out because of the inhospitable desert between them. The desert would have made it impossible for them to regularly travel such long distances at a time when the Syphlgorians were not aware of the use of the wheel. However, the discovery of large numbers of Sphylgorian coins in Gorphyl has prompted archeologists to conclude otherwise.
Which of the following, if true, weakens the archaeologists’ conclusion?
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
Conclusion Clarification
The question stem says “Which of the following, if true, weakens the archaeologists’ conclusion?”. To understand their conclusion, let’s review the last statement – “However, the discovery of large numbers of Sphylgorian coins in Gorphyl has prompted archeologists to conclude otherwise”. Here, “otherwise” has been used to indicate an opinion that is opposite to the belief that no trade relation existed between Sphyglor and Gorphyl. Therefore, the archaeologists’ conclusion is that trade relation existed between Sphyglor and Gorphyl. Our objective is to weaken this conclusion.
Pre-Thinking Approach
Let’s see how we can make the conclusion less believable. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on the linkage 1 and the conclusion.
Linkage#1
Treating the discovery of a large number of Sphyglorian coins in Gorphyl as evidence, the archaeologists have concluded that trade relations existed between the two kingdoms.
This conclusion can be weakened if we can make the logic less believable. The same can be done by:
- Weakener: showing the possibility that an alternate cause may have been responsible for the existence of large number of Sphyglorian coins in Gorphyl
- Instance: The coins were gifted by Sphyglorian ruler to Gorphyl after a huge inter-kingdom annual celebration at Gorphyl.
With this understanding lets evaluate the option statements.
Answer Choices
A
Sphylgorian and Gorphylians coins were so similar in appearance that it would take an expert archeologist to differentiate between the two.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
The passage already tells us that the coins were Sphylgorian. Therefore, the information provided in this choice is not relevant.
B
Sometimes the local Gorphylians engaged in the barter system and as such exchanged goods among themselves for commercial purposes.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
This statement talks about trade within the kingdom of Gorphyl and has nothing to do with explaining the presence of coins from another kingdom in Gorphyl.
C
It has been asserted that the Syphylgorians were part of a very secretive society and would not have easily given out any of their trade secrets.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
Sharing of trade secrets is not relevant here as long as trade existed between the two kingdoms.
D
At the time of solemnizing marriages, royal families of different kingdoms would exchange local artifacts, garments, currency etc. in remarkable quantities.
Correct
This options talks about the possibility of exchange of a large amount of currency between the two kingdoms during marriages. It provides an alternate cause that could explain the presence of Sphylgorian coins in Gorphyl even if trade was absent.
E
No precedence exists in history where there were amiable relations between two kingdoms that did not engage in any trade relations.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
The argument is concerned not with the existence of amiable relations between the two kingdoms but with the existence of trade relation between them.
Ferguson’s Disease, a disorder in redwood trees that is marked by a nutrient deficiency, is caused primarily by infestations of the fungus E. Coli but can also be a result of the use of fertilizers, which contain synthetic insecticides. Therefore, fertilizers should only be used on redwood trees when the soil surrounding them is proved to be rich in nutrients.Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the above argument?- a)E. Coli causes trunk and branch decay that can cause redwood trees to collapse when unsuspecting climbers attempt to climb infected trees.
- b)Fertilizers themselves are often a significant source of nutrients.
- c)There is no way for redwood trees to gain nutrients except through osmosis via the soil.
- d)The effects of synthetic insecticides are sometimes indistinguishable from the effects of E. Coli.
- e)Synthetic ingredients in fertilizers also impact the overall productivity and growth of trees.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Ferguson’s Disease, a disorder in redwood trees that is marked by a nutrient deficiency, is caused primarily by infestations of the fungus E. Coli but can also be a result of the use of fertilizers, which contain synthetic insecticides. Therefore, fertilizers should only be used on redwood trees when the soil surrounding them is proved to be rich in nutrients.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the above argument?
a)
E. Coli causes trunk and branch decay that can cause redwood trees to collapse when unsuspecting climbers attempt to climb infected trees.
b)
Fertilizers themselves are often a significant source of nutrients.
c)
There is no way for redwood trees to gain nutrients except through osmosis via the soil.
d)
The effects of synthetic insecticides are sometimes indistinguishable from the effects of E. Coli.
e)
Synthetic ingredients in fertilizers also impact the overall productivity and growth of trees.
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Sharmila Singh answered |
Ferguson’s Disease, a disorder in redwood trees that is marked by a nutrient deficiency, is caused primarily by infestations of the fungus E. Coli but can also be a result of the use of fertilizers, which contain synthetic insecticides. Therefore, fertilizers should only be used on redwood trees when the soil surrounding them is proved to be rich in nutrients.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the above argument?
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
Conclusion Clarification
The author concludes that fertilizers should only be used on redwood trees when the soil surrounding them is proved to be rich in nutrients. This means that, in all other cases where the soil surrounding redwood trees is not proved to be rich in nutrients, fertilizers should not be used.
Pre-Thinking Approach
Let’s see how we can increase the belief in the conclusion. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on linkage 1 and the conclusion. Now, we need to understand why the author’s recommending the use of fertilizers only in this case. The author states that the disease is marked by a nutrient deficiency that can be caused by certain fertilizers. So, essentially, the author wants to assure that the nutrient deficiency causing effect of such fertilizers be cancelled by the availability of nutrients in the soil so that FD is not caused. Thus, the way to strengthen the conclusion will be to support this aspect.
Linkage#1
- Strengthener 1 – Any evidence that shows that fertilizer usage causes Ferguson’s Disease in only those redwood trees that are not surrounded by nutrient-rich soil.
- Instance: A recent study covering 100 redwood trees showed that fertilizer usage caused Ferguson’s Disease in 20 trees out of which none was surrounded by nutrient-rich soil.
- Strengthener 2 – What if there was some other source for RT to derive nutrients? In such a case, the author’s argument would be weakened as now even if the soil is not nutrient rich, the deficiency causing effect of such fertilizers could be countered by some other source. Hence, a statement defending the argument against such a scenario would also be a strengthener.
- Instance: Redwood trees cannot derive nutrients from sources other than the surrounding soil.
With this understanding in mind, let's evaluate the answer choices.
Answer Choices
A
E. Coli causes trunk and branch decay that can cause redwood trees to collapse when unsuspecting climbers attempt to climb infected trees.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
The conclusion focuses only on the use of fertilizers. Therefore, the effect of E. Coli is not relevant.
B
Fertilizers themselves are often a significant source of nutrients.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
Even if that’s the case, we are already told in the argument that in the case of RT fertilizers can lead to FD.
C
There is no way for redwood trees to gain nutrients except through osmosis via the soil.
Correct
This option is on the same lines as the example we came up for strengthener 2 in the pre-thinking analysis.
D
The effects of synthetic insecticides are sometimes indistinguishable from the effects of E. Coli.
Incorrect - Opposite
If anything, this choice indicates that in some cases the real cause of FD in RT may not be fertilizers.
E
Synthetic ingredients in fertilizers also impact the overall productivity and growth of trees.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
First of all we do not know the implications of the word “impact” in this choice – does it mean a positive or a negative impact? Secondly, even if we take the negative meaning, the argument focuses only on avoiding FD in RT by limiting the use of fertilizers. It does not wish to make a case against the general use of fertilizers in trees.
Studies have shown that children with behavioral issues are more likely to commit the same kind of mistakes again when constantly asked not to repeat their past mistakes. An acclaimed study on child psychology hypothesizes that since such children, on being repeatedly reminded of their mistakes, accept that people around them are “used to” a certain behavior from them, they lack the motivation to improve on their behavior, making it difficult for them to break free from the pattern.Which of the following, if true, best supports the explanation given above for the behavioral pattern observed in such children?- a)The pattern of repeating mistakes is common to both children who do well in academics and those who don’t.
- b)It was also found in the study that most such children came from dysfunctional families in which the inter-personal relations between the parents were unusually strained.
- c)Children with behavioral issues tend to find comfort in the company of similar children as they feel more accepted among such peers.
- d)The siblings of such children who do not have similar behavioral patterns sometimes end up making mistakes not very dissimilar to the ones made by children with behavioral issues.
- e)Therapy sessions for children with behavioral issues tend to be significantly more effective when their mistakes are not mentioned than when they are.
Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?
Studies have shown that children with behavioral issues are more likely to commit the same kind of mistakes again when constantly asked not to repeat their past mistakes. An acclaimed study on child psychology hypothesizes that since such children, on being repeatedly reminded of their mistakes, accept that people around them are “used to” a certain behavior from them, they lack the motivation to improve on their behavior, making it difficult for them to break free from the pattern.
Which of the following, if true, best supports the explanation given above for the behavioral pattern observed in such children?
a)
The pattern of repeating mistakes is common to both children who do well in academics and those who don’t.
b)
It was also found in the study that most such children came from dysfunctional families in which the inter-personal relations between the parents were unusually strained.
c)
Children with behavioral issues tend to find comfort in the company of similar children as they feel more accepted among such peers.
d)
The siblings of such children who do not have similar behavioral patterns sometimes end up making mistakes not very dissimilar to the ones made by children with behavioral issues.
e)
Therapy sessions for children with behavioral issues tend to be significantly more effective when their mistakes are not mentioned than when they are.
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Nilotpal Sen answered |
Studies have shown that children with behavioral issues are more likely to commit the same kind of mistakes again when constantly asked not to repeat their past mistakes. An acclaimed study on child psychology hypothesizes that since such children, on being repeatedly reminded of their mistakes, accept that people around them are “used to” a certain behavior from them, they lack the motivation to improve on their behavior, making it difficult for them to break free from the pattern.
Which of the following, if true, best supports the explanation given above for the behavioral pattern observed in such children?
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
Conclusion Clarification
The study proposes that CBI are more likely to commit the same kind of mistakes again when constantly asked not to repeat these mistakes. The explanation given behind the behavior is that on being constantly reminded of their past mistakes, the children accept that the people around them are used to a certain behavior from them and hence lack the motivation to improve on their behaviour. The question stem asks us to strengthen this explanation.
Pre-Thinking Approach
In order to strengthen the explanation discussed above, we’ll examine the stated hypothesis closely. Then we will understand the condition under which the hypothesis may not hold. The underlying assumption then will be that this condition does not exist and a strengthener could support this assumption
Linkage#1 – Repeated reminding of mistakes leads CBI to accept that people around them are used to their making mistakes, and hence lack the motivation to improve on their behavior.
- Falsification Condition: What if even when CBI aren’t reminded of their past mistakes, they aren’t motivated to improve and, hence, keep repeating these mistakes? If this were true, then the proposed hypothesis will not be valid. Accordingly a strengthener could provide evidence to show that when the cause is absent, the result is absent as well.
- Instance 1: Various guidance counsellors in schools agree that such children are more receptive to counselling when their past mistakes are not mentioned in counselling sessions.
With this understanding in mind, let's take a look at the answer choices.
Answer Choices
A
The pattern of repeating mistakes is common to both children who do well in academics and those who don’t.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
This comparison between children who do well in academic and those who don’t is irrelevant to the proposed hypothesis.
B
It was also found in the study that most such children came from dysfunctional families in which the inter-personal relations between the parents were unusually strained.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
This option is not relevant as the information about dysfunctional families doesn’t shed any light on whether the stated explanation is valid.
C
Children with behavioral issues tend to find comfort in the company of similar children as they feel more accepted among such peers.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
This option talks about another behavior exhibited by CBI that doesn’t shed any light on whether the stated explanation for the pattern of making mistakes is valid.
D
The siblings of such children who do not have similar behavioral patterns sometimes end up making mistakes not very dissimilar to the ones made by children with behavioral issues.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
Facts about a few mistakes made by the siblings of CBI are irrelevant to determining the validity of the explanation proposed in the study, which deals with the psychology of CBI.
E
Therapy sessions for children with behavioral issues tend to be significantly more effective when their mistakes are not mentioned than when they are.
Correct
This choice is written along the lines of our pre-thinking per Instance #1.
About a decade ago, computer engineering was a lot more popular than biotechnical engineering as a field of choice for graduate studies. However, in the last few years, biotech has risen rapidly in popularity. Therefore, universities must increase their efforts to gain more students in the field of computer engineering, since, after all, computer-based industries are still the largest in the world today.Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument above?- a)Those who opt for computer engineering in their graduate studies course are most likely to apply for a job in the same field after they graduate.
- b)Biotechnical engineering has seen an unprecedented growth in the number of new companies that have sprung up in the field over the last few years.
- c)Most software companies insist on hiring only those people who have a master’s degree in the same field.
- d)The total number of students opting for either computer engineering or biotechnical engineering as a field of choice for graduate studies has increased significantly over the last few years.
- e)According to several prominent analysts, the computer-based industry is the largest in the world by far, with medicine and its related fields coming in at a distant second.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
About a decade ago, computer engineering was a lot more popular than biotechnical engineering as a field of choice for graduate studies. However, in the last few years, biotech has risen rapidly in popularity. Therefore, universities must increase their efforts to gain more students in the field of computer engineering, since, after all, computer-based industries are still the largest in the world today.
Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument above?
a)
Those who opt for computer engineering in their graduate studies course are most likely to apply for a job in the same field after they graduate.
b)
Biotechnical engineering has seen an unprecedented growth in the number of new companies that have sprung up in the field over the last few years.
c)
Most software companies insist on hiring only those people who have a master’s degree in the same field.
d)
The total number of students opting for either computer engineering or biotechnical engineering as a field of choice for graduate studies has increased significantly over the last few years.
e)
According to several prominent analysts, the computer-based industry is the largest in the world by far, with medicine and its related fields coming in at a distant second.
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Pallavi Sharma answered |
About a decade ago, computer engineering was a lot more popular than biotechnical engineering as a field of choice for graduate studies. However, in the last few years, biotech has risen rapidly in popularity. Therefore, universities must increase their efforts to gain more students in the field of computer engineering, since, after all, computer-based industries are still the largest in the world today.
Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument above?
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
Conclusion Clarification
N/A
Pre-Thinking Approach
Let’s see how we can make the conclusion less believable. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on linkage 1. Thus, the way to weaken the conclusion will be to break or weaken this linkage.
Linkage#1
- Weakener 1 – What if, even though the proportion of students in CE has reduced, the overall number of students has gone up? E.g. if there were a total of 100 students a decade ago and 60% of them took up CE whereas currently there are 200 students but only 50% take CE. Even then the absolute number of students would increase from 60 to 100. Then efforts might not be needed to gain more students in CE.
- Weakener 2 – What if, even though proportion of students in BE has gone up, CE is still the most popular GS course? E.g. BE and CE used to attract 20% and 60% of the students respectively a decade ago and now these numbers have changed to 30% and 52%. Even now CE is the most popular GS course and will produce the highest number of postgraduates who might join computer based industries. So efforts might not be needed to gain more students in CE.
With this understanding in mind, let’s evaluate the answer choices.
Answer Choices
A
Those who opt for computer engineering in their graduate studies course are most likely to apply for a job in the same field after they graduate.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
Even if that’s the case, the argument is based on the grounds that more people need to choose the field in the first place.
B
Biotechnical engineering has seen an unprecedented growth in the number of new companies that have sprung up in the field over the last few years.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
Even if there are more companies in BE, the passage tells us that computer engineering industries are still the largest. So it doesn’t affect the conclusion.
C
Most software companies insist on hiring only those people who have a master’s degree in the same field.
Incorrect - Opposite
This choice stresses the need for CE graduates and hence is in the opposite line of thought.
D
The total number of students opting for either computer engineering or biotechnical engineering as a field of choice for graduate studies has increased significantly over the last few years.
Correct
This choice is written along the lines of our pre-thinking Weakener #1, per Linkage #1.
E
According to several prominent analysts, the computer-based industry is the largest in the world by far, with medicine and its related fields coming in at a distant second.
Incorrect - No new information
Doesn’t provide new information. The passage already states that the computer based industries are the largest in the world.
The state of Orifiozis has been trying to increase the planting of trees in its prime cities. One of the reasons that residents hesitate to grow trees is the price of water. In order to increase the planting of trees in these cities, an environmental organization has suggested that the state reduce the water taxes on homes that have more than four trees that are older than three years.Which of the following, if true, most threatens the plan’s prospects for success?- a)Some residents are certain that the implementation of this suggestion will help.
- b)While water costs is the number one concern for most of the residents of Orifiozis, some residents have other minor concerns as well, such as the time required to maintain the trees.
- c)Most homes in the prime cities have space only for a maximum of two trees to grow.
- d)Some trees grow to full length in less than three years.
- e)Water taxes in Orifiozis are not as high as those in the neighboring state, which is known for its extensive greenery.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
The state of Orifiozis has been trying to increase the planting of trees in its prime cities. One of the reasons that residents hesitate to grow trees is the price of water. In order to increase the planting of trees in these cities, an environmental organization has suggested that the state reduce the water taxes on homes that have more than four trees that are older than three years.
Which of the following, if true, most threatens the plan’s prospects for success?
a)
Some residents are certain that the implementation of this suggestion will help.
b)
While water costs is the number one concern for most of the residents of Orifiozis, some residents have other minor concerns as well, such as the time required to maintain the trees.
c)
Most homes in the prime cities have space only for a maximum of two trees to grow.
d)
Some trees grow to full length in less than three years.
e)
Water taxes in Orifiozis are not as high as those in the neighboring state, which is known for its extensive greenery.
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Saumya Sharma answered |
The state of Orifiozis has been trying to increase the planting of trees in its prime cities. One of the reasons that residents hesitate to grow trees is the price of water. In order to increase the planting of trees in these cities, an environmental organization has suggested that the state reduce the water taxes on homes that have more than four trees that are older than three years.
Which of the following, if true, most threatens the plan’s prospects for success?
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
Conclusion Clarification
There is no stated conclusion by the author. The question stem asks us to weaken the plan’s prospects. So we need to weaken the plan’s chances of achieving the stated goal.
Pre-Thinking Approach
Let’s see how we can weaken the plan’s chances of becoming a success. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on linkage 1.
Linkage#1 – Residents hesitate to grow trees because of the price of water.
- Weakener – As this linkage presents a challenge in achieving the goal of increasing the planting of trees in the prime cities, if this linkage is made stronger, the plan’s prospects for success are weakened. Weakener- What if the reduction in taxes is not significant enough to motivate people to plant more trees?
- Instance 1: For example: The proposed cut in water taxes is 5% whereas most of the resident of the state of Orifiozis feel that the water taxes are inflated by at least 25%- 30%.
Plan – Reduce the water taxes on homes that have more than four trees that are older than three years.
- Weakener - What if most of the homes were not be eligible to avail the reduction on water taxes?
- Instance 1: Most homes in the prime cities do not have sufficient space to have more than four trees.
With this understanding in mind, let’s take a look at the option statements.
Answer Choices
A
Some residents are certain that the implementation of this suggestion will help.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
The belief of some residents doesn’t tell us whether the plan would actually be helpful in achieving its aim.
B
While water costs is the number one concern for most of the residents of Orifiozis, some residents have other minor concerns as well, such as the time required to maintain the trees.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
This choice says that some residents have other minor concerns as well. The passage already states that water costs is one of the concerns, allowing for the possibility that there are other issues. Also, the plan is designed to address one particular problem that this choice concedes is the biggest concern for the residents.
C
Most homes in the prime cities have space only for a maximum of two trees to grow.
Correct
This choice is written along the lines of our pre-thinking per Linkage #2.
D
Some trees grow to full length in less than three years.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
Length of the trees is irrelevant to the argument.
E
Water taxes in Orifiozis are not as high as those in the neighboring state, which is known for its extensive greenery.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
This option presents a superfluous comparison between water taxes in Orifiozis and those in the neighboring states. We are already told that the residents of the state hesitate to grow trees because of the price of the water in the state.
Oil Company Spokesperson: Although wind, solar, biofuels and nuclear sources all compete with fossil fuels as primary sources of energy, their contribution to the world’s total energy demand is limited because they are more expensive than fossil fuels and in the case of nuclear, limited by waste and disposal concerns. While we recognize the risks of climate change, we also conclude that the world will continue to demand fossil fuels for a majority of its primary energy supplies for many decades to come.Which of the following statements, if true, would most strengthen the conclusion of the Spokesperson?- a)The risks of climate change will not force the governments across the world to levy heavy penalties on the use of fossil fuels.
- b)The costs of disposing nuclear waste have not declined significantly in the last year.
- c)In the last year, the combined contribution of wind, solar, biofuels and nuclear sources to the total energy requirement in the world was less than that of the fossil fuels.
- d)Many high ranking government officials are shareholders in the oil marketing companies.
- e)World’s total energy requirements are going to increase slowly but steadily over the next few decades.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Oil Company Spokesperson: Although wind, solar, biofuels and nuclear sources all compete with fossil fuels as primary sources of energy, their contribution to the world’s total energy demand is limited because they are more expensive than fossil fuels and in the case of nuclear, limited by waste and disposal concerns. While we recognize the risks of climate change, we also conclude that the world will continue to demand fossil fuels for a majority of its primary energy supplies for many decades to come.
Which of the following statements, if true, would most strengthen the conclusion of the Spokesperson?
a)
The risks of climate change will not force the governments across the world to levy heavy penalties on the use of fossil fuels.
b)
The costs of disposing nuclear waste have not declined significantly in the last year.
c)
In the last year, the combined contribution of wind, solar, biofuels and nuclear sources to the total energy requirement in the world was less than that of the fossil fuels.
d)
Many high ranking government officials are shareholders in the oil marketing companies.
e)
World’s total energy requirements are going to increase slowly but steadily over the next few decades.
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Jhanvi Saha answered |
Oil Company Spokesperson: Although wind, solar, biofuels and nuclear sources all compete with fossil fuels as primary sources of energy, their contribution to the world’s total energy demand is limited because they are more expensive than fossil fuels and in the case of nuclear, limited by waste and disposal concerns. While we recognize the risks of climate change, we also conclude that the world will continue to demand fossil fuels for a majority of its primary energy supplies for many decades to come.
Which of the following statements, if true, would most strengthen the conclusion of the Spokesperson?
Solution
Please click here for the solution.
Answer Choices
A
The risks of climate change will not force the governments across the world to levy heavy penalties on the use of fossil fuels.
This option is correct.
Eliminates scenario in which conclusion breaks down.
Also an assumption
B
The costs of disposing nuclear waste have not declined significantly in the last year.
This option is incorrect.
Does not address waste and disposal concerns.
Only talks about costs and that too only about nuclear sources
C
In the last year, the combined contribution of wind, solar, biofuels and nuclear sources to the total energy requirement in the world was less than that of the fossil fuels.
This option is incorrect.
Expected given information in the passage.
Also, only talks about past, not future.
D
Many high ranking government officials are shareholders in the oil marketing companies.
This option is incorrect.
Irrelevant
E
World’s total energy requirements are going to increase slowly but steadily over the next few decades.
This option is incorrect.
Without information on growth of fossil fuels and other sources of energy, this option does not affect the argument
Because the municipal commission of City X expects a severe shortage of electrical power in the coming months, it has increased the rate at which it charges for the usage of electricity in the hope that people will decrease their usage. In the six weeks since this plan was implemented, one of the city’s prominent suppliers of electricity has reported that its customers are now using over 10 percent less power than they were before the price was raised. Clearly, the commission’s plan is working.Which of the following, if true, supports the conclusion that the municipal commission’s plan is not the reason for the decrease in usage mentioned above?- a)Electricity supply in hospitals, train stations and other public service areas is provided free of charge by the city.
- b)The population of City X is among the lowest in the urban regions of the country.
- c)Many industrial corporations that use extensive amounts of electrical power are soon going to open regional offices in City X.
- d)Citizens of City X have increasingly been choosing the option of sourcing their electrical power from more than one supplier.
- e)Per capita spending on electricity is no higher in City X than in other cities in the country.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Because the municipal commission of City X expects a severe shortage of electrical power in the coming months, it has increased the rate at which it charges for the usage of electricity in the hope that people will decrease their usage. In the six weeks since this plan was implemented, one of the city’s prominent suppliers of electricity has reported that its customers are now using over 10 percent less power than they were before the price was raised. Clearly, the commission’s plan is working.
Which of the following, if true, supports the conclusion that the municipal commission’s plan is not the reason for the decrease in usage mentioned above?
a)
Electricity supply in hospitals, train stations and other public service areas is provided free of charge by the city.
b)
The population of City X is among the lowest in the urban regions of the country.
c)
Many industrial corporations that use extensive amounts of electrical power are soon going to open regional offices in City X.
d)
Citizens of City X have increasingly been choosing the option of sourcing their electrical power from more than one supplier.
e)
Per capita spending on electricity is no higher in City X than in other cities in the country.
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Nandita Chauhan answered |
Because the municipal commission of City X expects a severe shortage of electrical power in the coming months, it has increased the rate at which it charges for the usage of electricity in the hope that people will decrease their usage. In the six weeks since this plan was implemented, one of the city’s prominent suppliers of electricity has reported that its customers are now using over 10 percent less power than they were before the price was raised. Clearly, the commission’s plan is working.
Which of the following, if true, supports the conclusion that the municipal commission’s plan is not the reason for the decrease in usage mentioned above?
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
Conclusion Clarification
The question stem asks us to provide a statement that supports the conclusion that the municipal corporation’s plan is not the reason for the decrease in electricity usage. In other words, we have to identify a statement that weakens the conclusion that the municipal corporation’s plan is the reason for the decrease in electricity usage.
Pre-Thinking Approach
Let’s see how we can make the conclusion less believable. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on linkage 1. We see that the conclusion is drawn regarding the cause of the reported decline in EP. Hence, to weaken the conclusion, we can show an alternate cause that could have been responsible for the decline.
Linkage#1 –
- Weakener 1 – What if in those six weeks the weather has changed for the better and less air cooling/heating is required?
- Instance: City X transitioned from summer to autumn, a season in which the climatic conditions favour limited use of electrical items such as air-conditioners.
- Weakener 2 – What if customers are sourcing their EP from more than one supplier? In such a case the reported decline does not necessarily signify a decline in usage; it could instead mean that these people are sourcing more energy from some other source.
- Weakener 3 – What if there were lots of holidays during these 6 weeks and several customers went out of the city? This would result in lower EP usage.
With this understanding in mind, let's take a look at the option statements.
Answer Choices
A
Electricity supply in hospitals, train stations and other public service areas is provided free of charge by the city.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
This option doesn’t affect the conclusion in any way since the public spaces receiving free EP wouldn’t be affected by the MC’s plan that affects people paying for it.
B
The population of City X is among the lowest in the urban regions of the country.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
This factor is constant for both the situations-situation before the plan was implemented and during the plan. Hence, it cannot account for an alternate explanation for the decrease in the EP.
C
Many industrial corporations that use extensive amounts of electrical power are soon going to open regional offices in City X.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
This option is not relevant as it talks about a future event whereas the conclusion is about the past.
D
Citizens of City X have increasingly been choosing the option of sourcing their electrical power from more than one supplier.
Correct
This choice is written along the lines of our pre-thinking as per Weakener 2.
E
Per capita spending on electricity is no higher in City X than in other cities in the country.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
The comparison between per capita spending on E in X and other cities is not relevant to the conclusion. The conclusion is only about E usage in X.
An independent study comparing dispute resolution by the police forces in two countries, one in which the police officers are always armed and others in which police officers do not usually carry any fire-arms, found that the armed police force shot significantly more suspects than the unarmed one. The findings of the study clearly show that regular possession of a fire arm prompts police officers to disregard the use of less harmful alternatives such as tasers, CS spray etc. Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the above argument?- a)The unarmed police officers often undergo training programs related with sensitizing them towards people in general.
- b)In the cases considered, the overall level of danger involved to the unarmed police officers was relatively lower than the overall level of danger involved in cases in which the armed police officers used their fire-arms.
- c)In most of the cases studied, the use of the fire-arms was not initiated by the suspects being chased by the armed police.
- d)In many countries, the police officers work in teams of two and more often than not, one of the officers always carries a fire-arm.
- e)Studies show that in countries where the police forces are armed, the rate of death penalty is higher than in countries in which the police forces are unarmed.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
An independent study comparing dispute resolution by the police forces in two countries, one in which the police officers are always armed and others in which police officers do not usually carry any fire-arms, found that the armed police force shot significantly more suspects than the unarmed one. The findings of the study clearly show that regular possession of a fire arm prompts police officers to disregard the use of less harmful alternatives such as tasers, CS spray etc.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the above argument?
a)
The unarmed police officers often undergo training programs related with sensitizing them towards people in general.
b)
In the cases considered, the overall level of danger involved to the unarmed police officers was relatively lower than the overall level of danger involved in cases in which the armed police officers used their fire-arms.
c)
In most of the cases studied, the use of the fire-arms was not initiated by the suspects being chased by the armed police.
d)
In many countries, the police officers work in teams of two and more often than not, one of the officers always carries a fire-arm.
e)
Studies show that in countries where the police forces are armed, the rate of death penalty is higher than in countries in which the police forces are unarmed.
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Ameya Yadav answered |
An independent study comparing dispute resolution by the police forces in two countries, one in which the police officers are always armed and others in which police officers do not usually carry any fire-arms, found that the armed police force shot significantly more suspects than the unarmed one. The findings of the study clearly show that regular possession of a fire arm prompts police officers to disregard the use of less harmful alternatives such as tasers, CS spray etc.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the above argument?
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
Conclusion Clarification
N/A
Pre-Thinking Approach
Let’s look at Linkage #1 and see what kind of information can strengthen the conclusion. Thus, the way to strengthen the conclusion will be to strengthen this linkage.
Linkage # 1
- Strengthener 1: Providing a reason to believe that the kind of cases compared between the two countries were similar in nature.
- Instance: There isn’t a significant difference in the proportion of armed suspects in the 2 countries.
- Strengthener 2: Since the author talks about absolute numbers, it is possible to rule out that the country in which more suspects are being shot does not have a significantly higher number of crimes and hence higher number of suspects. Otherwise, it is possible that even with more number of suspects shot, this country’s rate of shooting suspects could be lower or comparable to the other country’s. Hence, as a defender, the following information could strengthen the argument:
- Instance: The rate of suspects being shot in two countries is comparable.
- Strengthener 3: No other factor led to the limited use of LHAs by the armed Police force. For instance, what if LHAs are significantly less easily available to the police force which is usually armed? It could go against the conclusion as then it is possible that the lack of availability and not the disregard prompts these police officers to use fire arms.
- Instance: Police forces in both countries can easily access the LHAs.
With this understanding in mind, let’s take a look at the option statements.
Answer Choices
A
The unarmed police officers often undergo training programs related with sensitizing them towards people in general.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
This option does not provide us any basis to conclude anything about the armed police force. On the basis of this information, we cannot understand whether the armed police force goes through a similar training or not.
B
In the cases considered, the overall level of danger involved to the unarmed police officers was relatively lower than the overall level of danger involved in cases in which the armed police officers used their fire-arms.
Incorrect - Opposite
This option provides a possible alternate cause – higher level of danger present in case of PFAA – which could lead to the PF disregarding the use of LHA. This choice is opposite to our pre-thinking strengthener # 1.
C
In most of the cases studied, the use of the fire-arms was not initiated by the suspects being chased by the armed police.
Correct
This choice is written along the lines of our pre-thinking per Linkage #1, Strengthener 3. It basically rules out the possibility that the need of the situation was such that the police officers had to disregard LHAs and use fire arms.
D
In many countries, the police officers work in teams of two and more often than not, one of the officers always carries a fire-arm.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
This option isn’t relevant as the passage specifically compares countries where PF are always armed and countries where PF are not usually armed.
E
Studies show that in countries where the police forces are armed, the rate of death penalty is higher than in countries in which the police forces are unarmed.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
This is not relevant as we don’t know how the rate of death penalty impacts the conclusion.
Workers with master’s degrees usually hold more senior management positions and earn higher salaries than do workers without master’s degrees, even when those with master’s degrees have the same amount of experience as, or even less experience than, those without. A recent Economics Today editorial claims that seniority and pay scales should be determined on the basis of experience, not qualifications. However, this claim is baseless. Master’s students often undergo up to fifteen months of hands-on project work, and this period of internship should count as experience.Which of the following, if true, weakens the author’s argument?- a)There is often little difference between the nature of the work done during internship and that of the work done by salaried employees.
- b)The claims made in Economics Today have been challenged by various trade and business associations.
- c)During the period of internship, students can earn salaries comparable to the ones earned by managers without master’s degrees.
- d)Student interns are often assigned to administrative tasks such as accounting and record-keeping that do not give them any substantial exposure to product development or management.
- e)Most of the companies where students do their project work offer full-time management positions to the students after they complete their internships.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Workers with master’s degrees usually hold more senior management positions and earn higher salaries than do workers without master’s degrees, even when those with master’s degrees have the same amount of experience as, or even less experience than, those without. A recent Economics Today editorial claims that seniority and pay scales should be determined on the basis of experience, not qualifications. However, this claim is baseless. Master’s students often undergo up to fifteen months of hands-on project work, and this period of internship should count as experience.
Which of the following, if true, weakens the author’s argument?
a)
There is often little difference between the nature of the work done during internship and that of the work done by salaried employees.
b)
The claims made in Economics Today have been challenged by various trade and business associations.
c)
During the period of internship, students can earn salaries comparable to the ones earned by managers without master’s degrees.
d)
Student interns are often assigned to administrative tasks such as accounting and record-keeping that do not give them any substantial exposure to product development or management.
e)
Most of the companies where students do their project work offer full-time management positions to the students after they complete their internships.
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Pallavi Sharma answered |
Workers with master’s degrees usually hold more senior management positions and earn higher salaries than do workers without master’s degrees, even when those with master’s degrees have the same amount of experience as, or even less experience than, those without. A recent Economics Today editorial claims that seniority and pay scales should be determined on the basis of experience, not qualifications. However, this claim is baseless. Master’s students often undergo up to fifteen months of hands-on project work, and this period of internship should count as experience.
Which of the following, if true, weakens the author’s argument?
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
Conclusion Clarification
The author concludes that the claim made by a recent Economics Today editorial is baseless because master’s degree students often undergo up to fifteen months of hands-on project work, and this period of internship should count as experience.
Pre-Thinking Approach
Let’s see how we can make the conclusion less believable. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on linkage 1 and the conclusion. Thus, the way to falsify the conclusion will be to break this linkage i.e. find a new piece of information that may suggest that the comparison made in the intermediate conclusion is probably not relevant, i.e. the period of internship cannot be counted as experience.
Linkage#1 – Master’s students often undergo up to fifteen months of hands-on project work, and this period of internship should count as experience.
- Weakener – What if the work done by students during their internship period is not comparable to work done by salaried workers? In such a case, the conclusion will not hold.
-
- Instance 1: For example, what if the students work only on small in-house projects during their internship, whereas the work done by a salaried worker is very different as it involves client dealing and product development?
With this understanding in mind, let's move on to evaluating the answer choices.
Answer Choices
A
There is often little difference between the nature of the work done during internship and that of the work done by salaried employees.
Incorrect - Opposite
The similar nature of work suggests that the work done during internship period should count as experience.
B
The claims made in Economics Today have been challenged by various trade and business associations.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
The basis for the conclusion drawn by the author needs to be weakened and not the claims made by ET.
C
During the period of internship, students can earn salaries comparable to the ones earned by managers without master’s degrees.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
Salary earned during internship does not indicate anything about the experience earned during that time.
D
Student interns are often assigned to administrative tasks such as accounting and record-keeping that do not give them any substantial exposure to product development or management.
Correct
This option is written along the lines of our pre-thinking linkage. The fact that student interns are not given the tasks that may expose them to product development and management highlights the difference in the nature of work done by a student and a salaried worker.
E
Most of the companies where students do their project work offer full-time management positions to the students after they complete their internships.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
The positions offered to the students have no bearing on the argument. The argument focuses on the nature of the work done by students during their internship.
Government spokesperson: To counter the malnutrition issues caused by insufficient iodine in people’s dietary intake, we plan to provide subsidies for salt manufacturers who opt to manufacture iodized salt, which will replace regular salt. Since many salt manufacturers have already signed up to produce iodized salt under the program, there will be a significant decline in health problems caused by the consumption of non-iodized salt in a few years.Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports the spokesperson’s conclusion?- a)Some salt manufacturers are concerned that consumers will prefer regular salt to iodized salt.
- b)Both freshwater and saltwater fish, which form a significant part of the staple diet of people in the country, are rich in iodine content.
- c)Many physicians believe that direct iodine supplements are the only way to combat the iodine deficiency in the country.
- d)Apart from iodine, other nutritional minerals that are essential for good health are found in equal amounts in regular salt as well as iodized salt.
- e)Most companies are increasing the selling price of salt to compensate for the cost of the iodine added to the salt.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Government spokesperson: To counter the malnutrition issues caused by insufficient iodine in people’s dietary intake, we plan to provide subsidies for salt manufacturers who opt to manufacture iodized salt, which will replace regular salt. Since many salt manufacturers have already signed up to produce iodized salt under the program, there will be a significant decline in health problems caused by the consumption of non-iodized salt in a few years.
Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports the spokesperson’s conclusion?
a)
Some salt manufacturers are concerned that consumers will prefer regular salt to iodized salt.
b)
Both freshwater and saltwater fish, which form a significant part of the staple diet of people in the country, are rich in iodine content.
c)
Many physicians believe that direct iodine supplements are the only way to combat the iodine deficiency in the country.
d)
Apart from iodine, other nutritional minerals that are essential for good health are found in equal amounts in regular salt as well as iodized salt.
e)
Most companies are increasing the selling price of salt to compensate for the cost of the iodine added to the salt.
|
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Avantika Sengupta answered |
Government spokesperson: To counter the malnutrition issues caused by insufficient iodine in people’s dietary intake, we plan to provide subsidies for salt manufacturers who opt to manufacture iodized salt, which will replace regular salt. Since many salt manufacturers have already signed up to produce iodized salt under the program, there will be a significant decline in health problems caused by the consumption of non-iodized salt in a few years.
Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports the spokesperson’s conclusion?
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
Conclusion Clarification
N/A
Pre-Thinking Approach
To strengthen the argument, we need to pre-think assumptions. The conclusion can be strengthened by supporting these assumptions. To pre-think assumptions, let’s see how we can falsify this conclusion. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on linkage 1 and the conclusion. We will understand the condition under which the conclusion is falsified. The assumption then will be that the condition does not exist. Also note that as we focus on a particular linkage, we will keep the other linkage in mind as well.
Linkage#1
- Falsification Condition: What if, despite the subsidies, IS is priced at a significantly higher level than NIS, making it difficult for most NIS consuming people to afford it?
- Assumption : Iodized salt will be available at a comparable price, making it possible for a significant number of people consuming regular salt to switch to it.
- Strengthener: What if it is not be able to replace NIS? What if NIS has some other important nutrients that IS lacks? In such a case it’s possible that people would not want to substitute NIS with IS. A choice that defends the argument against such a situation would support the spokesperson’s prediction.
- Instance: Regular salt has no important health nutrients that are missing from iodized salt.
With this understanding in mind, let’s take a look at the option statements.
Answer Choices
A
Some salt manufacturers are concerned that consumers will prefer regular salt to iodized salt.
Incorrect - Opposite
This choice raises a consideration against the consumption of IS.
B
Both freshwater and saltwater fish, which form a significant part of the staple diet of people in the country, are rich in iodine content.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
The plan aims to counter the malnutrition issues caused by insufficient iodine in people’s dietary intake only by substituting regular salt with iodized salt.
C
Many physicians believe that direct iodine supplements are the only way to combat the iodine deficiency in the country.
Incorrect - Opposite
If anything, this choice weakens the argument by suggesting that substituting regular salt with iodized salt would not be successful in countering malnutrition issues caused by iodine deficiency.
D
Apart from iodine, other nutritional minerals that are essential for good health are found in equal amounts in regular salt as well as iodized salt.
Correct
This option is written along the lines of our pre-thought strengthener. It suggests that NIS can be substituted by IS without compromising on any important health nutrients and with an added advantage of iodine content. This fact increases our belief in the assumption that a significant number of NIS consuming people will consume IS.
E
Most companies are increasing the selling price of salt to compensate for the cost of the iodine added to the salt.
Incorrect - Opposite
If price is an important consideration for the consumers, they would be reluctant to replace regular salt with iodized salt. Thus if anything, this information weakens the plan.
The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) is rigorously working on eradicating the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) fungi that has damaged hemlock trees on the east coast of the country. In addition to other steps to eradicate the fungi, the EPA has conducted awareness sessions for hemlock growers on the extent of damage that HWA can cause and given the growers detailed instructions on how to identify and destroy the fungi. Which of the following, if true, would provide the most support for the prediction that the EPA’s action will have its intended effect?- a)Some fungal infestations on pine trees closely resemble the HWA fungi.
- b)Reports have shown that the HWA also affects another plant species known as the bleeding hearts, a species that is commercially cultivated by hemlock growers in the same area as hemlocks.
- c)The eradication of HWA is likely to cause a serious imbalance in the ecosystem of the east coast area.
- d)Hemlock trees have also been considerably damaged by the fungus E. Coli, which is native to the east coast area and attacks trees through their roots.
- e)Some sub-species of hemlock trees can resist fungal infestations without human intervention.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) is rigorously working on eradicating the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) fungi that has damaged hemlock trees on the east coast of the country. In addition to other steps to eradicate the fungi, the EPA has conducted awareness sessions for hemlock growers on the extent of damage that HWA can cause and given the growers detailed instructions on how to identify and destroy the fungi.
Which of the following, if true, would provide the most support for the prediction that the EPA’s action will have its intended effect?
a)
Some fungal infestations on pine trees closely resemble the HWA fungi.
b)
Reports have shown that the HWA also affects another plant species known as the bleeding hearts, a species that is commercially cultivated by hemlock growers in the same area as hemlocks.
c)
The eradication of HWA is likely to cause a serious imbalance in the ecosystem of the east coast area.
d)
Hemlock trees have also been considerably damaged by the fungus E. Coli, which is native to the east coast area and attacks trees through their roots.
e)
Some sub-species of hemlock trees can resist fungal infestations without human intervention.
|
|
Avantika Sengupta answered |
The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) is rigorously working on eradicating the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) fungi that has damaged hemlock trees on the east coast of the country. In addition to other steps to eradicate the fungi, the EPA has conducted awareness sessions for hemlock growers on the extent of damage that HWA can cause and given the growers detailed instructions on how to identify and destroy the fungi.
Which of the following, if true, would provide the most support for the prediction that the EPA’s action will have its intended effect?
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
Conclusion Clarification
The passage doesn’t mention the conclusion; however, the question stem requires us to support the prediction that the EPA’s action will have its intended effect.
Pre-Thinking Approach
Let’s see how we can make the conclusion more believable. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on linkage 1. Thus the way to strengthen the conclusion will be to support this linkage.
Linkage#1 –
- Strengthener 1 – An option that shows that hemlock growers will be motivated to gett rid of the HWA. Unless the argument assumes so, there is no link between the EPA’s objective of eradicating the fungi and its efforts to educate the hemlock growers about the damage of the HWA and ways of identifying and destroying the same.
With this pre-thinking in mind, let's take a look at the option statements.
Answer Choices
A
Some fungal infestations on pine trees closely resemble the HWA fungi.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
Neither the choice nor the argument gives us any link between pine trees and hemlock growers whom the EPA has targeted in its actions.
B
Reports have shown that the HWA also affects another plant species known as the bleeding hearts, a species that is commercially cultivated by hemlock growers in the same area as hemlocks.
Correct
This choice is written along the lines of our pre-thinking per the Linkage. It provides a reason to believe that the HG will be motivated to get rid of HWA as it affects another species that is commercially grown by them, possibly affecting their income.
C
The eradication of HWA is likely to cause a serious imbalance in the ecosystem of the east coast area.
Incorrect - Opposite
A possible side effect of the eradication of the HWA in the mentioned area, if anything, works in the opposite direction.
D
Hemlock trees have also been considerably damaged by the fungus E. Coli, which is native to the east coast area and attacks trees through their roots.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
This option talks about another fungus E.Coli that can affect hemlock trees. We are concerned with the eradication of HWA fungi only. Therefore, the effect of any other fungus is irrelevant to the argument.
E
Some sub-species of hemlock trees can resist fungal infestations without human intervention.
Incorrect - Irrelevant
We already know from the argument that the hemlock trees under question are affected by the HWA fungi. Hence information about some sub-species that may not be affected by fungal infestations is irrelevant.
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