All questions of Bold Face for GMAT Exam

The increasing costs of fossil fuels such as gas, coal and oil due to the depleting resources of such fuels have prompted many to suggest bio-fuels as a cheaper and greener substitute for them. While biofuels may be more environment-friendly, it is highly debatable whether such fuels will in fact present a significant cost advantage. For instance, many common crops used as resources for biofuels can be economically grown only in limited parts of the world; in other regions the same crops would be impossible or extremely costly to grow.

Which of the following, if true, would serve the same function in the argument as the statement in boldface?

• a)
  in their efforts to reduce the wastage of water, most countries are substantially increasing the price at which they provide waters to the farmers.
• b)
  use of resources such as fertilizer to increase the production of crops used as sources to produce bio-fuels can lead to increased water pollution.
• c)
  the range of crops considered viable for bio-fuel production is wide enough to fit most agricultural zones.
• d)
  researchers are investigating ways to genetically engineer crops that are good resources for bio-fuels but that require huge amounts of water to grow.
• e)
  studies have shown that many unsaturated oils in bio-fuels leave gummy residues in car engines.

Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Meera Rana answered

Argument Analysis

Pre-Thinking

Conclusion Clarification

The author concludes that “While biofuels may be more environment-friendly, it is highly debatable whether such fuels will in fact present a significant cost advantage”. The question requires us to identify a statement that plays the same role as the portion in bold-face, which provides support for the author’s opinion that biofuels might not present significant cost advantage over fossil fuels.

Pre-Thinking Approach

In order to identify a statement that serves the same function in the argument as the statement in boldface, we need to understand the linkage between the original statement and the conclusion of the argument. Therefore, we need to observe linkage 2 and identify the option that replaces the original statement in the linkage.

Linkage #2:

Condition: The link connects a piece of evidence to the main conclusion. We need to identify a suitable instance that supports the claim that it is highly debatable whether biofuels will in fact present a significant cost advantage over fossil fuels. In other words, we need to find a piece of statement that supports the author’s opinion that “… it is highly debatable whether such fuels will in fact present a significant cost advantage”.

Strengthener:

• The overall demand for the crops used as resources for biofuels is expected to grow at a significantly higher rate than the supply of these crops.

With this understanding in mind, let's take a look at the answer choices.

Answer Choices

A

in their efforts to reduce the wastage of water, most countries are substantially increasing the price at which they provide waters to the farmers.

Correct

This option implies that the final price of crops might be high in most countries. Therefore, it supports the author’s claim and matches our pre-thinking analysis. 

B

use of resources such as fertilizer to increase the production of crops used as sources to produce bio-fuels can lead to increased water pollution.

Incorrect -  Irrelevant

Increase in water pollution is not a concern in the argument.

C

the range of crops considered viable for bio-fuel production is wide enough to fit most agricultural zones.

Incorrect - Opposite

If anything, this choice presents a consideration that the raw-material for producing bio-fuels may be widely available. This piece of information is opposite to the one provided in the boldface portion. 

D

researchers are investigating ways to genetically engineer crops that are good resources for bio-fuels but that require huge amounts of water to grow.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

The statement does not indicate that biofuels might not provide significant cost advantages as compared to fossil fuels. It only highlights biofuels’ dependency on huge amounts of water. We do not know if water would be disadvantageous from cost perspective.

E

studies have shown that many unsaturated oils in bio-fuels leave gummy residues in car engines.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

We are only concerned with the cost of biofuels. This statement is irrelevant to the context of the argument.

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Editor: The Economic Council’s declaration that budget cuts are effectively insignificant because there is no evidence that such cuts lead to lower economic growth is irresponsible and self-serving. A recent study has shown that budget cuts lead to a reduction in a country’s income over a long term period.  Since these cuts are usually enforced following an increase in national debt, which in turn has an impact on a country’s income, budget cuts clearly curtail a country’s long-term economic growth.

In the editor’s argument, the statements in boldface play which of the following roles?

• a)
  The first is an intermediate conclusion that supports the position taken by the argument; the second is that position.
• b)
  The first is the main conclusion of the argument; the second provides a reason to support an intermediate conclusion drawn in the argument.
• c)
  The first and the second both provide evidence in support of the position taken by the argument.
• d)
  The first is the position taken by the argument; the second is an intermediate conclusion that supports that position.
• e)
  The first provides evidence supporting a conclusion stated in the argument; the second is the author’s main conclusion.

Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Lavanya Menon answered

Argument Analysis

Pre-Thinking

The question requires us to identify the role played by the two bold face portions in the argument. To do so, we would examine the argument structure and the relationship of the bolded portions with respect to the main conclusion of the argument.

BF1 – As identified in the passage analysis, BF 1 is the main conclusion of the argument.

BF2 – It is an opinion that supports the main conclusion. This opinion is based on the statement preceding it, so it acts as an intermediate conclusion as well.

With this understanding in mind, let’s take a look at the option statements.

Answer Choices

A

The first is an intermediate conclusion that supports the position taken by the argument; the second is that position.

Incorrect – Both parts wrong

BF1 isn’t the intermediate conclusion; it’s the main conclusion.

Here “that position” refers to the one mentioned in the description of BF1. BF2 isn’t the position taken by the argument (main conclusion); it’s an intermediate conclusion.

B

The first is the main conclusion of the argument; the second provides a reason to support an intermediate conclusion drawn in the argument.

Incorrect – 2^nd part wrong

BF1 is the main conclusion.

BF2 isn’t a reason to support the intermediate conclusion; it is the intermediate conclusion.

C

The first and the second both provide evidence in support of the position taken by the argument.

Incorrect – Both parts wrong

BF1 doesn’t support the main conclusion; it is the main conclusion. BF2 does support the main conclusion but it isn’t evidence, it’s an opinion.

D

The first is the position taken by the argument; the second is an intermediate conclusion that supports that position.

Correct

This choice is written along the lines of our pre-thinking. BF1 is the main conclusion, which can also be called the position taken by the argument. BF2 is indeed an intermediate conclusion and it supports the main conclusion.

E

The first provides evidence supporting a conclusion stated in the argument; the second is the author’s main conclusion.

Incorrect – Both parts wrong

BF1 doesn’t provide evidence, it is the main conclusion. BF2 is the intermediate conclusion and not the main conclusion.

 

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Astronomer: Among recently-observed stars, LV-426 has been exhibiting signs of turbulent activity. Prior to this observation, scientists speculated over whether LV-426 could become a supernova, but dismissed the possibility since the star was dormant for a prolonged period of time. It now seems likely that LV-426 will explode into a supernova, since turbulent surges of activity have been observed in every star that has transformed into a supernova.

In the astronomer’s argument, which of the following roles do the boldfaced portions play?

• a)
  The first provides evidence for a prediction defended by the argument; the second is that prediction.
• b)
  The first describes a situation supporting a conclusion that is reevaluated by the argument; the second is a counterargument made by the author.
• c)
  The first describes an occurrence that does not contradict the main conclusion of the argument; the second provides the reason for that conclusion.
• d)
  The first gives information that supports an intermediate conclusion cited in the argument; the second states the reason for that conclusion.
• e)
  The first provides evidence in support of an observation that is dismissed in the argument; the second provides information that counters that observation.

Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Wizius Careers answered

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Achievers’ Administrative Officer: At Achievers’ School, students from economically underprivileged backgrounds, who study free of charge under the company’s social responsibility clause, tend to spend less time in school than the financially well-to-do, fee-paying students. This is despite the fact that on average, economically underprivileged children generally have more pressing academic needs than the fee-paying students. Critics of the school have concluded that the economically underprivileged students are not receiving proper academic attention. However, this conclusion is almost certainly baseless. Careful investigation has recently shown two things: students from financially well to do households hang around in school premises to discuss their after-school parties, and tend to stay back in the school after classes to attend such optional sports activities that have nothing to do with a student’s academic development. 

 In the administrative officer’s argument, the two boldface portions play which of the following roles?  

• a)
  The first states an observation that the argument as a whole disputes; the second is a fact that goes in favor of the position that the argument as a whole seeks to establish.
• b)
  The first is an observation that disfavors the main conclusion of the argument; the second provides support for the position that the argument seeks to establish.
• c)
  The first is an observation that the argument does not question; the second is evidence used against a conclusion in the argument. 
• d)
  The first is the position that the argument seeks to establish; the second provides support for the conclusion of the argument. 
• e)
  First and second both have been used to support the main conclusion of the argument.

Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Meera Rana answered

Argument Analysis

Pre-Thinking

Let’s look at the relationship between the two boldface portions w.r.t. the conclusion of the argument.

The argument concludes that However, this conclusion is almost certainly baseless. Here “this conclusion” refers to the conclusion drawn by the critics.

As shown in the passage analysis, BF1 (ref. below) presents a general observation.

This is despite the fact that on average, economically underprivileged children generally have more pressing academic needs than the fee-paying students.

Let’s consider BF2 (ref. below):

…students from financially well to do households hang around in school premises to discuss their after-school parties,

BF2 is a fact that provides the author’s reasoning for the conclusion. In other words, it has been used to support the conclusion of the author. Now the author’s conclusion is that the conclusion drawn by the critics is baseless. Therefore, BF 2 presents a consideration against the critics’ conclusion.

In all, BF1 presents a general observation and as such the author doesn’t dispute it and BF 2 presents a reason in support of the main conclusion of the argument, which disputes another conclusion- the one drawn by the critics.

With this understanding in mind, let’s take a look at the option statements.

Answer Choices

A.

The first states an observation that the argument as a whole disputes; the second is a fact that goes in favor of the position that the argument as a whole seeks to establish.

Incorrect – 1^st part wrong

The author doesn’t doubt or dispute the general observation stated in BF1. BF 2 has been described correctly. It supports the main conclusion or the position that the author seeks to establish.

B

The first is an observation that disfavors the main conclusion of the argument; the second provides support for the position that the argument seeks to establish.

Incorrect – 1^st part wrong

BF1 is an observation that doesn’t impact the strength of the main conclusion. The description of BF2 is correct. As noted in the passage analysis, it supports the main conclusion, i.e. the position that the argument seeks to establish.

C

The first is an observation that the argument does not question; the second is evidence used against a conclusion in the argument. 

Correct

Both portions have been identified correctly. BF 1 is indeed a general observation and as such the argument can’t question it. The description of BF2 matches our pre-thinking analysis. As noted then, BF 2 presents evidence in favor of the main conclusion, which in turn disputes the critics’ conclusion. Accordingly, BF2 goes against “a” conclusion presented by the critics.

D

The first is the position that the argument seeks to establish; the second provides support for the conclusion of the argument. 

Incorrect  – 1st part wrong

As seen in the passage analysis and the pre-thinking section, BF1 is a general observation that does not directly impact the main conclusion of the argument. BF2 has been identified correctly. It indeed has been used as a premise for the author’s conclusion.

E

First and second both have been used to support the main conclusion of the argument.

Incorrect  – Half incorrect

Although BF2 has been used in support of the author’s conclusion, BF1 is a general observation that does not lend any strength to the conclusion of the argument. 

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Food prices have been rising in the US for the last couple of years. One of the reasons is the use of food stocks for making biofuels, which are used as automobile fuel along with gasoline. Even though the government has said that there will not be any decrease in the use of biofuels, most analysts predict that food prices will come down despite no increase in the food stock availability.

Which of the following most helps to explain this apparent discrepancy?

• a)
  A large number of analysts do think that food prices will continue their upward trend.
• b)
  Biofuels are not the only alternatives to gasoline as automobile fuel.
• c)
  Wood chips and prairie grass are expected to replace food stock for the production of biofuels.
• d)
  Analysts are not always correct in their predictions.
• e)
  There is a strong shift in the eating habits of the US population from home-made food to junk food.

Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Sankar Desai answered

Argument Analysis

Pre-Thinking

Conclusion Clarification

The paradox here is that most analysts are predicting food prices would come down even when there is no increase in food stocks and there will be no decrease in the use of biofuels that consume food stocks, thereby contributing to the increase in food prices.

Pre-Thinking Approach

To resolve the paradox, let’s see how we can select a scenario in which both the situations can be true without contradicting each other. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on the seemingly contradictory situations.

Food prices can come down when one of these two things happens:

1. Demand goes down i.e. overall food consumption in the US decreases
2. Supply goes up i.e. there is more availability of food stocks to make food

We know that there is no increase in food stocks and there will be no decrease in the use of biofuels. In such a case, the following instances may explain the situation.

• Potential explanations

• • Instance 1:  The requirement of biofuels is fulfilled by some alternative of food stock. In this way, the use of biofuel will remain same but the use of food stock can be decreased, leading to a decline in prices.

• • Instance 2: A decrease in the food consumption in the US can lead to a decline in food prices, explaining the paradox.

• • Instance 3: The efficiency of the process that converts food stocks to biofuels increases so that the same amount of biofuels can be obtained with lower amount of food stocks.

With this pre-thinking in mind, let’s evaluate the answer choices.

Answer Choices

A

A large number of analysts do think that food prices will continue their upward trend.

Incorrect - Doesn’t explain the situation

This statement talks about the analysts who do not believe in the prediction made in the argument.  Our task in the question is to look for a choice that explains the prediction. A contrary belief will not do so.

B

Biofuels are not the only alternatives to gasoline as automobile fuel.

Incorrect - Doesn’t explain the situation

Even if other alternatives to gasoline are present, the use of biofuels isn’t going to come down, as declared by the government. So we still can’t explain why food prices will come down when the use of biofuels, which use food stocks, wouldn’t.

C

Wood chips and prairie grass are expected to replace food stock for the production of biofuels.

Correct

This option is written along the lines of our pre-thinking per the explanation presented in instance1. If this happens, more food stocks can be used to make food, increasing the supply of food and bringing down the prices.

D

Analysts are not always correct in their predictions.

Incorrect - Doesn’t explain the situation

Knowing the fact that analysts can be wrong in their prediction doesn’t explain the prediction given in the argument. Our task in the question is not to cast doubt on the given prediction but to explain it.

E

There is a strong shift in the eating habits of the US population from home-made food to junk food.

Incorrect - Doesn’t explain the situation

As we don’t know the amount of food stocks which go toward making junk food v/s home-made food, we can’t say whether this shift will lead to more use of food stocks or less.

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A prominent investor in a trading firm has alleged that stock exchanges, in a bid to generate more revenue, are tying up with trading firms and giving such firms unfair advantages over individual investors. The claim has resulted in an inquiry by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Since there have been previous claims about trading firms unfairly using computer algorithms to their advantage, the inquiry will likely lead to the finding that the investor’s allegations are justified.  

In the above argument, which of the following functions are played by the portions in boldface?

• a)
  The first is a judgment that challenges the position taken by the argument; the second is that position.
• b)
  The first is a conclusion that is disputed in the argument; the second is a prediction that provides support for the main conclusion of the argument.
• c)
  The first is a claim that is not disputed by the argument; the second is a prediction that provides support for the main conclusion of the argument.
• d)
  jThe first is a claim that is not disputed by the argument; the second supports the main conclusion of the argument.
• e)
  The first provides evidence supporting a conclusion stated in the argument; the second supports the author’s main conclusion.

Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Rhea Gupta answered

Argument Analysis

Pre-Thinking

Let’s look at the relationship between the two boldface portions w.r.t. the conclusion of the argument.

The argument concludes that the inquiry will likely lead to the finding that the investor’s allegations are justified. 

As shown in the passage analysis, BF1 (ref. below) presents the position of a prominent investor.

stock exchanges, in a bid to generate more revenue, are tying up with trading firms and giving such firms unfair advantages over individual investors.

Let’s consider BF2 below:

there have been previous claims about trading firms unfairly using computer algorithms to their advantage

BF2 is a fact that provides the author’s reasoning for the conclusion. In other words, it has been used to support the conclusion of the author. Now the author’s conclusion is that the claim mentioned in BF1 will probably be proven valid. So BF 1 and the main conclusion are in the same direction.

With this understanding in mind, let's take a look at the option statements.

Answer Choices

A

The first is a judgment that challenges the position taken by the argument; the second is that position.

Incorrect – Both parts wrong

BF1 doesn’t challenge the conclusion as discussed in the pre-thinking analysis above. In the second half of this statement, “that” refers to the position mentioned in the first half, i.e. the position taken by the argument or the main conclusion. As noted in the pre-thinking analysis, BF2 is a fact, not a position that supports the main conclusion.

B

The first is a conclusion that is disputed in the argument; the second is a prediction that provides support for the main conclusion of the argument.

Incorrect – Both parts wrong

BF1 can be considered the conclusion drawn by the investor; however, as noted in the pre-thinking analysis, this conclusion is not disputed by the author. BF2 does provide support for the main conclusion of the argument; however, it is not a prediction. 

C

The first is a claim that is not disputed by the argument; the second is a prediction that provides support for the main conclusion of the argument.

Incorrect – 2^nd  part wrong

BF1 has been identified correctly. It’s the investor’s claim that the argument does not dispute. However, as observed in option (B), BF2 is not a prediction.

D

The first is a claim that is not disputed by the argument; the second supports the main conclusion of the argument.

Correct

Both boldface portions have been identified along the lines of our pre-thinking.

E

The first provides evidence supporting a conclusion stated in the argument; the second supports the author’s main conclusion.

Incorrect – 1^st part wrong

BF1 doesn’t provide any evidence, rather, it states the claim made by an investor. BF2 has been identified along the lines of our pre-thinking. 

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Customers are aware that most of the faults that arise in their mobile phones are due to the excessive exposure of these phones to moisture or water. Accordingly, engineers at Talkit Inc. have developed a water-resistant phone that can stay underwater for at least 30 minutes without any resultant damage to either its hardware or software. However, since the manufacturing cost of the phone is anywhere between 25-30% more than that of an ordinary phone, the phone will be very expensive and as such not be able to find enough customers.

In the argument given, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

• a)
  The first is a reason provided to support a conclusion that the argument as a whole disputes; the second is an explanation that counters that conclusion.
• b)
  The first is an observation that the argument disfavors; the second is the position that the argument seeks to establish.
• c)
  jThe first is an observation that is not disputed by the argument; the second is a conclusion that is not supported by the first.
• d)
  The first is an observation that is not disputed by the argument; the second is an explanation that the argument favors.
• e)
  The first is a reason provided to support a conclusion which the argument as a whole disputes; the second is that conclusion.

Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Krithika Datta answered

Argument Analysis

 

Pre-Thinking

 Let’s look at the relationship between the two boldface portions w.r.t. the conclusion of the trade analysts.

Conclusion: The author concludes that the phone will be very expensive and as such not be able to find enough customers.

Let’s take a look at BF1 below:

BF1: Customers are aware that most of the faults that arise in their mobile phones are due to the excessive exposure of these phones to moisture or water.

BF1 states a fact. The author presents the fact in statement 2 as a consequence of BF1. Statement 2:

Accordingly, engineers at Talkit Inc. have developed a water-resistant phone that can stay underwater for at least 30 minutes without any resultant damage to either its hardware or software.

BF2: the phone will be very expensive and as such not be able to find enough customers.

BF2 presents the conclusion of the author. The author draws the above conclusion on the basis of the fact stated in the first half of the sentence, which is:

However, since the manufacturing cost of the phone is anywhere between 25-30% more than that of an ordinary phone,

In the light of statement 2 and the support for BF2, we can see that BF1 does not support the conclusion of the argument, BF2.

With this understanding in mind, let’s take a look at the option statements. 

Answer Choices

A

The first is a reason provided to support a conclusion that the argument as a whole disputes; the second is an explanation that counters that conclusion.

Incorrect – Both parts wrong

BF1 doesn’t state a reason to support any conclusion. It states an observation. In the second half of this statement, “that” refers to the conclusion mentioned in the first half. As BF1 doesn’t support any conclusion, BF2 cannot be an explanation that counters that conclusion. In fact, BF2 itself is a conclusion drawn by the author. 

B

The first is an observation that the argument disfavors; the second is the position that the argument seeks to establish.

Incorrect – 1st part wrong

BF1 is a fact and can be considered an observation, but the argument doesn’t disfavor it. BF2 is indeed the position that the argument seeks to establish- in other words the main conclusion of the argument.

C

The first is an observation that is not disputed by the argument; the second is a conclusion that is not supported by the first.

Correct

Both BF portions have been identified along the lines of our pre-thinking. BF1 can be described as an observation; this observation has not been challenged by the argument. BF2 is the conclusion of the argument, which is not supported by BF1 but by the fact that “the manufacturing cost of the phone is anywhere between 25-30% more than that of an ordinary phone.”

D

The first is an observation that is not disputed by the argument; the second is an explanation that the argument favors.

Incorrect – 2^nd part wrong

As observed in option C, BF1 has been identified correctly. However, BF2 is not an explanation; it’s an opinion by the author.

E

The first is a reason provided to support a conclusion which the argument as a whole disputes; the second is that conclusion.

Incorrect – Both parts wrong

BF1 doesn’t state a reason to support any conclusion. In the second half of this statement, “that” refers to the conclusion mentioned in the first half. As BF1 doesn’t support any conclusion, BF2 cannot be that conclusion. BF2 is the conclusion drawn by the author.

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In this era of ever increasing oil prices, fuel-efficiency is the primary concern of most car buyers. Because of the increasing demand for fuel-efficient cars, many companies have entered this segment, leading to fierce competition. Recently, both Toyota and General Motors launched their latest cars in this segment on the same day. Even though the car from General Motors fared much better on fuel efficiency, its market share has remained low compared to that of the car from Toyota.

Which of the following best explains the paradox presented above?

• a)
  Except higher fuel efficiency, the car from General Motors does not offer any other advantage over the car from Toyota
• b)
  On the same day when Toyota and General Motors launched their cars, a couple of other companies also launched their cars and, while one of them sold well, the other did not.
• c)
  With ever increasing range of products to choose from, consumers now rely much more on the brand name of a company than the promised features and, unlike General Motors, Toyota has been a known name in fuel efficient car industry.
• d)
  Since the total market for fuel-efficient cars has expanded a lot in the past, even companies with low market shares have made profits.
• e)
  Even though General Motors can service all the existing demand, its production capacity is much lower than the production capacity of Toyota.

Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Malavika Choudhury answered

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The Erythrovirus412, which affects farmed Atlantic salmon, infects human beings by adhering to red blood cells. The virus elevates the body’s white blood cell count, indicating that the body is fighting an infection. Surprisingly, when a group of recently-infected people were tested, the proportion of white blood cells compared to red blood cells in their bodies was similar to that of an uninfected person.

Which of the following, if true, most helps to explain the surprising finding?

• a)
  An infected body can sometimes attempt to stimulate its immune system by producing an unusually high number of white blood cells.
• b)
  Ingestion of infected salmon by people whose immune system is already weak can destroy a significant proportion of red blood cells in the body.
• c)
  The Nucleic Acid Test (NAT) used to detect the virus has revealed that the virus embeds itself in the plasma constituting the lining of a cell in addition to circulating through blood cells.
• d)
  The virus multiplies by increasing the number of its host cells.
• e)
  Most people infected by the virus develop fever two weeks after being infected, but show no other symptoms of the disease.

Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Preitee Ranjan Pradhan answered

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The daguerreotype, the earliest medium of photography that now exists only as a novelty for collectors and hobbyists, is created using photochemical processes that capture images formed on metal plates coated with bitumen. Even though bitumen is among the cheapest available materials in the market, a recent survey of hobbyists who create daguerreotypes in the twenty-first century revealed that the process is far more expensive than that of digital photography. 

Which of the following, if true, most helps to explain the above finding?

• a)
  The cost of bitumen has not increased significantly since the time in which the daguerreotype was first invented.
• b)
  Digital photography in the twenty-first century involves the use of costly SLR cameras that use multiple lenses, many of which are actually more expensive than the camera itself.
• c)
  Many hobbyists are also collectors who are willing to purchase expensive equipment in order to preserve what they consider a dying art form.
• d)
  The process to coat photographic plates to prepare them to capture images can only be carried out at specialized laboratories that charge extra rates for services that are not frequently in demand.
• e)
  Some hobbyists use materials other than bitumen to coat the metal plates on which the image is captured.

Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Advait Malik answered

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At Achievers’ School, students from economically underprivileged backgrounds, who study free of charge under the company’s social responsibility clause, tend to spend less time in school on a school day than the financially well-to-do fee paying students. This is despite the fact that on average economically underprivileged children have more pressing academic needs than the fee paying-students. However, despite the mentioned circumstances, the state’s education board concluded that the economically underprivileged students are receiving proper academic attention at Achievers’ School.

Which of the following, if true, most helps to explain the situation above?

• a)
  The company’s social responsibility clause was established under pressure from non-profit organizations.
• b)
  The school organizes free educational workshops on the weekends that are mostly attended by students who cannot afford private tuitions.
• c)
  The school has a lot of free of charge sports and extra-curricular activities designed especially for economically under-privileged children.
• d)
  The student-teacher ratio at Achievers’ School is the same for both the economically privileged and the economically underprivileged students.
• e)
  The average time taken to conduct a paid tutoring session is significantly lower than the average time taken to conduct a regularly scheduled class.

Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Kavya Chakraborty answered

Argument Analysis

Pre-Thinking

Conclusion Clarification

The author does not provide a conclusion as such. A paradoxical situation is presented in which the state’s education board concludes that the EUS are receiving proper academic attention at Achievers’ School. This conclusion is drawn despite the fact that EUS spend less time in school than FWS and have more pressing academic needs than FWS.

Pre-Thinking Approach

To resolve the paradox, let’s see how we can select a scenario in which both situations can be true without contradicting each other. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on the seemingly contradictory situations and try to come up with potential explanations for the same.

• Potential explanations

• • Instance 1: The two situations are possible if some other factor from the school’s side, apart from the time spent at school on school days, is also supporting the academic requirement of such students. In this case, even though these students tend to spend relatively less time in school on school days, their academic needs are getting fulfilled.
  • Instance 2:  What if extra time spent by FWS in school is spent in non-academic activities, whereas the time spent by them in academic activities is roughly the same as that spent by the EUS?

With this understanding in mind, let’s take a look at the option statements.

 

Answer Choices

A

The company’s social responsibility clause was established under pressure from non-profit organizations.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

This option tells us why the social responsibility clause was established. The reason for the clause is not relevant as it doesn’t explain the stated situation.

B

The school organizes free educational workshops on the weekends that are mostly attended by students who cannot afford private tuitions.

Correct

This option is written along the lines of our pre-thinking per explanation instance 1. It explains the situation by suggesting that the academic needs of EUS are being catered to through these weekend workshops.

C

The school has a lot of free of charge sports and extra-curricular activities designed especially for economically under-privileged children.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

This choice is irrelevant as it talks about sports and extra-curricular activities of the EUS, whereas the situation deals with their academic needs.

D

The student-teacher ratio at Achievers’ School is the same for both the economically privileged and the economically underprivileged students.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

The same student-teacher ratio does not explain the discrepancy between the time spent by the respective groups at school and the state’s education board’s declaration.

E

The average time taken to conduct a paid tutoring session is significantly lower than the average time taken to conduct a regularly scheduled class.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

This option presents an irrelevant comparison that does not deal with either of the two categories of students at Achievers’.

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The government of the country of Marina has recently implemented several changes in its regulations governing the migration of people in and out of the country.  Even though the changed regulations will not result in any decline in immigration, one of the causes of high unemployment in the country, the government is confident that the unemployment will reduce in the coming months because of the changes.

Which of the following, if true, provides the best reason for the expectation?

• a)
  One of the main hurdles for the people of Marina seeking employment outside the country had been the recently removed government regulations requiring them to work within the country after their graduation for at least 10 years.
• b)
  Over the years, the government of Marina has made many significant changes to its immigration and emigration policies, impacting the overall unemployment rate every single time.
• c)
  Many Marinian companies have now stopped outsourcing their customer-service requirements from other countries, a change that will add thousands of new jobs to the economy.
• d)
  Because of the changed regulations, many people who would otherwise have immigrated to Marina will be discouraged to do so and will instead opt to immigrate to its neighboring country, Xamalia.
• e)
  In the past few years, top universities in Marina have tied up with major multi-national companies around the world, which hire most of the fresh college graduates.

Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Manasa Kulkarni answered

Argument Analysis

Pre-Thinking

Conclusion Clarification

N/A

Pre-Thinking Approach

To resolve the paradox, let’s see how we can select a scenario in which both the situations can be true without contradicting each other. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on the seemingly contradictory situations.

• Potential explanations

The action talks about changes in regulation on:

• Migration of people from Marina to other countries
• Migration of people from other countries to Marina

However, the prediction only talks about immigration (Migration of people from other countries to Marina) and says that immigration will not decline.

• Instance: What if the total number of people/job-seekers in Marina reduces, despite no reduction in the people migrating to Marina? Such a situation is possible if more people are likely to migrate out of Marina as a result of the recent changes.

With this understanding in mind, let's take a look at the option statements.

Answer Choices

A

One of the main hurdles for the people of Marina seeking employment outside the country had been the recently removed government regulations requiring them to work within the country after their graduation for at least 10 years.

Correct

The option states that as a result of the changes in migration regulations, an increase in the migration of recent graduates from Marina to other countries could be expected, possibly decreasing the total number of job-seekers in marina who could have otherwise contributed to the overall unemployment in the country.This option is on the same lines as our pre-thinking. 

B

Over the years, the government of Marina has made many significant changes to its immigration and emigration policies, impacting the overall unemployment rate every single time.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

This statement only talks about an impact on unemployment rate every time the policies are changed. Neither does this explain the reason behind a possible decline in unemployment, nor does it really assure that such a change in unemployment is warranted. 

C

Many Marinian companies have now stopped outsourcing their customer-service requirements from other countries, a change that will add thousands of new jobs to the economy.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

This option provides a reason for a decrease in the unemployment, a reason that is unrelated to the changes in migration policy. The correct option should explain how the stated policy changes shall lead to reduction in unemployment.

D

Because of the changed regulations, many people who would otherwise have immigrated to Marina will be discouraged to do so and will instead opt to immigrate to its neighboring country, Xamalia.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

This options says that immigration can possibly fall since many people from other countries shall migrate to Xamalia instead of Marina. However, the passage already says that the immigration will not decline.

E

In the past few years, top universities in Marina have tied up with major multi-national companies around the world, which hire most of the fresh college graduates.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

Just like option C, this option provides a reason that does not explain how the migration regulation changes shall lead to a decline in unemployment.

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Tryton, a trash bag manufacturer based in Tynon, introduced the X4bag that was larger in size than most trash bags. Tryton advertised that by using this bag, priced only marginally higher than most regular-sized trash bags by other companies, consumers could accumulate more trash before disposing of the bag, saving money by not using multiple smaller-sized bags for the same amount of trash. The sales of X4bags skyrocketed, but a survey conducted among Tryton’s customers showed that most customers were not spending less than before; some, in fact, were spending more.

Which of the following, if true, most helps to explain why the customers are not saving? 

• a)
  If not for the cost-saving, most customers would have preferred using the normal sized trash-bags.
• b)
  Along with the X4 bags, Tryton introduced the XJ scented trash-disposal bags that are slightly more expensive than the X4Bags.
• c)
  Environmentalists have always raised concerns that Tynon generates the highest amount of trash per person in the country.
• d)
  Tryton is also one of the biggest manufacturers of the normal sized trash bags that are priced slightly higher than similar bags from other companies.
• e)
  In Tynon the trash collection happens on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, so people throw out all their trash on these days, even if the trash bags are not full.

Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?

Chirag Roy answered

Argument Analysis

Pre-Thinking

Conclusion Clarification

N/A

Pre-Thinking Approach

To resolve the paradox, let’s see how we can select a scenario in which both situations can be true without contradicting each other. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on the seemingly contradictory situations.

• Potential explanations

• • Instance 1: The X4 bags were not efficiently utilized by the customers. For example: even though people can accumulate more trash in X4 bags, they might not be doing so for some reason. In such a case, if people are using multiple X4 bags as usual sized bags before, their spending may remain same or increase.

• • Instance 2:  Some factor has led to an increase in trash per household. In such a case, people’s requirement of bags may increase to more than it was before, leading to an increase in spending. 

Answer Choices

A

If not for the cost-saving, most customers would have preferred using the normal sized trash-bags.

Incorrect - Opposite

This statement compounds the paradox since it implies that customers wanted to save money but ended up spending more.

B

Along with the X4 bags, Tryton introduced the XJ scented trash-disposal bags that are slightly more expensive than the X4Bags.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

Even though XJ is more expensive than X4bags, we do not know about its capacity and the resultant cost impact on customers’ spending vis-à-vis other trash bags. Therefore, it does not explain why the customer spending did not decline.

C

Environmentalists have always raised concerns that Tynon generates the highest amount of trash per person in the country.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

Concerns of environmentalists are not relevant to the given situation. Also, the fact that Tynon generates the highest amount of trash per person in the country doesn’t tell us whether there has been any increase or decrease in the level of trash generated.

D

Tryton is also one of the biggest manufacturers of the normal sized trash bags that are priced slightly higher than similar bags from other companies.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

As this option talks about another product of Tryton, it is not relevant to the seemingly paradoxical situation mentioned in the argument.

E

In Tynon the trash collection happens on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, so people throw out all their trash on these days, even if the trash bags are not full.

Correct

This option is written along the lines of our pre-thinking per explanation instance 1.It shows that X4bags were not utilized to the full capacity.

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Studies show that families in which both the husband and the wife are working normally tend to be single-child families. It is commonly understood that such partners prefer to have only one child because of the lack of time on their hands to raise more than one child. However, other studies have shown that in households that have both the husband and wife working but that have more than one child, the partners married each other in their early twenties. Since majority of the working parents in single-child households marry post the age of thirty-five, it is clear that the real reason such families have only one child is the age of the parents that does not biologically allow them to have more than one child.

In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

• a)
  The first is an intermediate conclusion that supports the main conclusion of the argument; the second is used as a support for the position the argument seeks to establish.
• b)
  The first is evidence for a position that the author does not agree with; the second is the main position taken by the argument.
• c)
  The first is an explanation offered for an observation; the second is an observation that is used to support the position taken by the argument.
• d)
  The first is an explanation offered for an observation; the second is that observation.
• e)
  The first is a conclusion that supports the main conclusion of the argument; the second is a belief that too supports the main conclusion of the argument

Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Hridoy Gupta answered

Argument Analysis

 

Pre-Thinking

Conclusion Clarification

Main Conclusion of the argument: “real reason such families (families where both husband & wife work) have only one child is the age of the parents that does not biologically allow them to have more than one child”. Therefore, the main conclusion provides an explanation for an observation that families in which husband and the wife are working normally tend to be single-child families.

Pre-Thinking Approach

The question requires us to identify the role played by the two bold face portions in the argument. To do so, we would examine the argument structure and the relationship of the bolded portions with respect to the main conclusion of the argument.

BF1: As indicated in the passage analysis, BF1 forms a part of a statement that presents an observation.  In this observation, the highlighted portion/BF1 provides a commonly believed reason for the stated correlation that families in which both the husband and the wife are working, normally tend to be single-child families. Now, we see that the main conclusion of the argument presents a different reason, which is not in line with BF1, for the observed correlation. Therefore BF1 is something that:

1. Is a possible cause of an observation that is
2. Opposed by the main conclusion

BF2: As discussed in the passage analysis, BF2 starts with “since”, a premise marker, and supports the main conclusion. Therefore, BF2:

1. Is a fact that
2. Supports the main conclusion

With the above understanding in mind, let's take a look at the option statements.

 

Answer Choices

A

The first is an intermediate conclusion that supports the main conclusion of the argument; the second is used as a support for the position the argument seeks to establish.

Incorrect - 1^st part wrong

 

As seen in the pre-thinking, BF1 is not a conclusion that supports the main conclusion of the argument. BF2 supports the main conclusion, i.e. the position the argument seeks to establish.

B

The first is evidence for a position that the author does not agree with; the second is the main position taken by the argument.

Incorrect - Both parts wrong

 

BF1 isn’t evidence/fact; it’s a commonly believed reason. It does not support any position.BF2 supports the main conclusion, it is not the main position itself.

C

The first is an explanation offered for an observation; the second is an observation that is used to support the position taken by the argument.

Correct

 

As discussed in the pre-thinking analysis, BF1 offers an explanation for an observed correlation. BF2 can be called an observation and it does support the main conclusion, i.e. the main position taken by the argument.

D

The first is an explanation offered for an observation; the second is that observation.

Incorrect - 2^nd part wrong

The description of BF1 is correct. BF1 is an explanation of an observation. However, BF2 is a different observation; it is not the observation that is explained by BF1.

E

The first is a conclusion that supports the main conclusion of the argument; the second is a belief that too supports the main conclusion of the argument

Incorrect - Both parts wrong

 

As discussed earlier, BF1 does not support the main conclusion. BF2 is a fact, not a belief. It supports the main conclusion.

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Artists who have won prestigious awards usually receive much more glowing praise from critics than do artists who have not won any noteworthy awards. Since popularity tends to be short-lived and artists desire to make the most of their reputations, several artists produce as much work as they can in a short span of time. However, too much output may lead critics to believe that the artist has compromised on the quality of his or her work. Therefore, the best course of action for artists who have received prestigious awards and who want to continue to receive positive critical reviews is to ensure that they do not produce too much work in too short a period.

In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

• a)
  The first is an observation that supports an intermediate conclusion made by the author; the second is that conclusion.
• b)
  The first is an opinion that the argument challenges; the second is the position that the argument as a whole seeks to establish.
• c)
  The first is an intermediate conclusion that supports the position taken by the argument; the second is that position.
• d)
  The first is evidence that supports the intermediate conclusion drawn by the author; the second is the position taken by the argument.
• e)
  The first is an intermediate conclusion that supports the main conclusion of the author; the second is another intermediate conclusion that supports the main position taken by the argument.

Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Pranav Kulkarni answered

Passage Analysis

 

Pre-Thinking

In the passage analysis, we have identified that the main conclusion of the argument is: the best course of action for artists who have received prestigious awards and who want to continue to receive positive critical reviews is to ensure that they do not produce too much work in too short a period.

Let’s look at the relationship between the two boldface portions w.r.t the main conclusion:

BF1: too much output may lead critics to believe that the artist has compromised on the quality of his or her work.

BF2: the best course of action for artists who have received prestigious awards and who want to continue to receive positive critical reviews is to ensure that they do not produce too much work in too short a period.

Both BF1 and BF2 are author’s opinion.

To understand BF1 clearly, let’s combine it with the previous statement:

Previous statement + BF 1: Since popularity tends to be short-lived and artists desire to make the most of their reputations, several artists produce as much work as they can in a short span of time. + However, too much output may lead critics to believe that the artist has compromised on the quality of his or her work.

We clearly see that BF1 is a derived statement. Since the statement preceding BF1 says that artists tend to produce as much work as possible in a short span of time, the author derives that critics may doubt the quality of work if the output over a short period is too much. Hence, BF1 is a conclusion.

Now let’s look at BF2. From BF1, the author arrives at BF2, which is the main conclusion of the argument. Using BF1, the author concludes that to ensure that critics continue to provide positive review to artists who have won prestigious awards, the artists should not produce too much work in a short span of time. The conclusion marker: “therefore” between BF1 and BF2 suggests that BF1 is a premise for the conclusion BF2.

Therefore, BF1 is an intermediate conclusion that supports BF2, the main conclusion.

With this understanding in mind, let’s take a look at the option statements. 

Answer Choices

A

The first is an observation that supports an intermediate conclusion made by the author; the second is that conclusion.
 

Incorrect - Both parts wrong

BF1 is an opinion of the author and not an observation. Also, it does not support an intermediate conclusion. Instead, it itself is the intermediate conclusion.The word "that" in the second half of the statement refers to the intermediate conclusion mentioned in the first part of the option; however, BF2 is the main conclusion, not the intermediate conclusion.

B

The first is an opinion that the argument challenges; the second is the position that the argument as a whole seeks to establish.
 

Incorrect - 1st part wrong

BF1 is an opinion but is not challenged by the argument. In fact, BF1 supports the main position of the argument.
BF2 has been identified correctly as the main conclusion of the argument

C

The first is an intermediate conclusion that supports the position taken by the argument; the second is that position.
 

Correct

BF1 is an intermediate conclusion, which supports the main conclusion (position taken by the argument).The word "that" in the second half of the statement refers to the "position taken by the argument" (main conclusion). BF2 has been identified correctly as the main conclusion of the argument.

D

The first is evidence that supports the intermediate conclusion drawn by the author; the second is the position taken by the argument.
 

Incorrect - 1st part wrong

The first is not evidence, but author's opinion. Also it does not support an intermediate conclusion; it is the intermediate conclusion itself. BF2 has been identified correctly as the position taken by the argument, i.e. the main conclusion of the argument.

E

The first is an intermediate conclusion that supports the main conclusion of the author; the second is another intermediate conclusion that supports the main position taken by the argument.
 

Incorrect - 2nd part wrong

The option says that both BF1 and BF2 are intermediate conclusions that support the main conclusion. However, while BF1 is an intermediate conclusion, BF2 is the main conclusion.

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When the world-wide economic recession began in December 2007, 60% of the under-25 population was in the labor force, meaning they were either working or looking for work. Today, that figure has fallen to 55%.The decline in the participation rate among the young cannot be fully attributed to the recession. Labor force participation among young people peaked at just under 70% in 1989 and has trended downward ever since, primarily because of rising rates of college attendance. The presence of other factors that have driven the decline in the last few years cannot be discounted. The number of young people saying they’re “discouraged” — meaning they aren’t looking for jobs because they don’t think they can find one — has been trending upwards.

In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

• a)
  The first is a general opinion with which the author partially agrees; the second is a fact that supports that opinion.
• b)
  The first is an opinion that is the main position taken by the author; the second is an intermediate conclusion drawn in order to support the main conclusion.
• c)
  The first is evidence cited in order to support the main conclusion of the argument; the second presents the author’s opinion that also supports the main conclusion.
• d)
  The first is an opinion that is the main conclusion of the argument; the second provides evidence to support the intermediate conclusion, which in turn supports the main conclusion.
• e)
  The first is an intermediate conclusion drawn in order to support the main conclusion; the second is an opinion that is the main conclusion of the argument.

Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Rajdeep Nair answered

Argument Analysis

 

Pre-Thinking

Let’s look at the relationship between the two boldface portions w.r.t. the conclusion of the argument.

BF1: The decline in the participation rate among the young cannot be fully attributed to the recession.

BF2: The presence of other factors that have driven the decline in the last few years cannot be discounted.

Both BF1 and BF2 present the author’s opinions. BF1 states an author’s position that recession is not the only reason behind the stated decline in the labour force participation rate of the under-25 population. This assertion is supported by the reasoning:

(i)  that the participation rate has been declining ever since it almost reached 70% in 1989 because of the rising rates of college attendance and

(ii) that other factors leading to the decline in the last three years have to be taken in to account as well; for example: the number of young people saying they are not motivated to find jobs and hence aren’t looking for any has been increasing.

As you can see, BF2 is part of the second reason stated above and is another opinion of the author that supports BF1. Since the author states 2 opinions –BF1 and BF2 and BF2 supports BF1, therefore, BF1 is the main conclusion of the argument.

Let’s combine BF2 with the next statement:

BF2 + Next Statement: The presence of other factors that have driven the decline in the last three years cannot be discounted. + The number of young people saying they’re “discouraged” — meaning they aren’t looking for jobs because they don’t think they can find one — has been trending upwards.

BF2 is an author’s opinion and is supported by the statement following it, which talks about “discouraged” young people. This statement supports BF2 since it talks about one such “other factor”. Also, BF2 supports BF1, the main conclusion of the argument.

Therefore, BF1 is the main conclusion and BF2 is an intermediate conclusion that supports BF1.

With this understanding in mind, let’s take a look at the option statements.

Answer Choices

A

The first is a general opinion with which the author partially agrees; the second is a fact that supports that opinion.

Incorrect - Both parts wrong

BF1 is an opinion by the author and not a general opinion.  Also, as shown in our pre-thinking analysis, BF1 is the main conclusion presented by the author and therefore cannot be an opinion that he/she partially agrees to. BF2 does support BF1 but is another opinion of the author and not a fact.

B

The first is an opinion that is the main position taken by the author; the second is an intermediate conclusion drawn in order to support the main conclusion.

Correct

Both BF portions have been identified along the lines of our pre-thinking. BF1 is an opinion that is the main position taken by the argument (main conclusion).

BF 2 is an opinion used to support BF1 (main conclusion). Therefore, BF2 is an intermediate conclusion.

C

The first is evidence cited in order to support the main conclusion of the argument; the second presents the author’s opinion that also supports the main conclusion.

Incorrect - 1^st part wrong

The first is an opinion of the author and not evidence (fact). BF1 doesn't support the main conclusion; it itself is the main conclusion of the argument. BF2 is an opinion by the author that supports the main conclusion.

D

The first is an opinion that is the main conclusion of the argument; the second provides evidence to support the intermediate conclusion, which in turn supports the main conclusion.

Incorrect - 2^nd part wrong

BF1 has been identified correctly as the main conclusion of the argument. BF2 doesn’t provide evidence that supports the intermediate conclusion. Instead, BF2 is the intermediate conclusion itself.

E

The first is an intermediate conclusion drawn in order to support the main conclusion; the second is an opinion that is the main conclusion of the argument.

Incorrect - Both parts wrong

BF1 is not an intermediate conclusion that supports the main conclusion. Instead, it is the main conclusion. BF2 is an opinion but not the main conclusion. Instead, it is an intermediate conclusion that supports the main conclusion, BF1.

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Voter turnout is the percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election. US has seen a trend of increasing voter turnout in most states since 1960s until the most recent 2008 presidential election. Much of this analysis is predicated on voter turnout as measured as a percentage of the voting-age population.  California has the highest voting-age population as compared to any other state in US. However, while the voter turnout in California was lowest from 1972 till 1980, it shot up right after 1980 and has been increasing since then.

Which of the following, if true, most helps to explain the change between the voter turnout from 1972 till 2008 in California?

• a)
  The total voting age population was highest between 1960 and 1972.
• b)
  Between 1972 and 2004 US saw an overall increase in eligible voters.
• c)
  A considerable voting-age population in California was nationalized (made citizens) in 1980, and since then this population has been turning up in great proportions to vote.
• d)
  After 1980 Govt. of California has steadily attempted to increase the rates of voting among young people by initiating programs such as MTV’s "Rock the Vote" and the "Vote or Die“.
• e)
  In California the voter turnout in Presidential Elections is almost always more as compared to General Elections.

Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Chirag Roy answered

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Many tourists and local vacationers come to the Heluma River for white water rafting from July to September every year. This year, there were several protests about the ecological harm caused by rafting activities in the river.  Even though a survey showed that people’s interest in rafting in the Heluma River area remained unaffected by the protests, the rafting companies in the area saw a significant decline in their sales in September, a month when they usually have the most sales during the year.

Which of the following, if true, best explains the apparent discrepancy described above? 

• a)
  The number of protests that happened against rafting was the largest this year.
• b)
  The river Meluda, which is only a few hours from the Heluma, was announced suitable for rafting only three years ago.
• c)
  Because of excessive rainfall this year, the Heluma became much rougher and more dangerous than usual.
• d)
  The protestors did not effectively explain all the ecological damage caused by rafting.
• e)
  The forest department did not believe that the amount of rafting in the Heluma river would do any lasting damage to the ecological conditions in the area.

Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Akshay Khanna answered

Argument Analysis

Pre-Thinking

Conclusion Clarification

N/A

Pre-Thinking Approach

To resolve the paradox, let’s see how we can select a scenario in which both the situations can be true without contradicting each other. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on the seemingly contradictory situations (ref: logical structure above)

• Potential explanation

What if the decline in sales was an outcome of some other factor? Clearly, if the decline happened because of a factor other than the protest, then both the facts do not lead to any discrepancy. It would essentially mean that the decline and protests had no correlation.

• • Instance: Due to a land-slide the only route to river Heluma remained closed for most part of the rafting season.

With this pre-thinking in mind, let’s evaluate the answer choices.

Answer Choices

A

The number of protests that happened against rafting was the largest this year.

Incorrect- Irrelevant

The passage clearly states that as per the survey, people’s interest in rafting was not affected by the protests. Therefore, the number of these protests is irrelevant.

B

The river Meluda, which is only a few hours from the Heluma, was announced suitable for rafting only three years ago.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

Even if Meluda was announced fit for rafting, neither the option nor the passage gives us any link between this fact and the decline in the sales observed for the rafting companies.

C

Because of excessive rainfall this year, the Heluma became much rougher and more dangerous than usual.

Correct

This option is written along the lines of our pre-thinking per explanation instance 1.It provides a new piece of information that could possibly act as a cause for the observed decline in sales.

D

The protestors did not effectively explain all the ecological damage caused by rafting.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

We already know that as per the survey, the protests did not affect people’s interest. Hence, the details of the protests and why they may have not succeeded are irrelevant.

E

The forest department did not believe that the amount of rafting in the Heluma river would do any lasting damage to the ecological conditions in the area.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

A positive re-enforcement from the fire-department does not explain why the rafting companies experienced a decline in their sales.

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Researchers have recently come across a phenomenon that they have named “the obesity paradox”.  The body mass index (BMI) is used as a statistical measurement to estimate healthy body weight and a high BMI is linked with multiple cardiovascular diseases. However, research data indicate that overweight people with a high BMI, compared to people with a normal BMI, have the lowest risk of cardiovascular mortality. 

Which of the following, if true, most helps to explain the paradoxical findings stated in the passage?

• a)
  Research shows that BMI divides the weight too much in short people, making short people think they are thinner than they actually are.
• b)
  People diagnosed with obesity are two times more likely to be preemptively prescribed cardioprotective medications than people with normal weight.
• c)
  There was little difference between the genetic pre-disposition to cardiovascular diseases for all the patients studied irrespective of whether they were over or underweight.
• d)
  The data also showed that sleep deprivation, a condition related with cardiac failure, was prevalent in most people studied under the research.
• e)
  The researchers also found that the risk of cardiovascular mortality was the highest in underweight patients.

Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Chirag Roy answered

Argument Analysis

Pre-Thinking

Conclusion Clarification

N/A

Pre-Thinking Approach

To explain the result of the study, let’s see how we can select a scenario in which such a result can be possible without contradicting any fact given in the argument. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on the seemingly contradictory situations.

• Potential explanation 1: The argument tells us that a high BMI is linked with multiple cardiovascular diseases but that the overweight people with a high BMI have the lowest cardiovascular mortality. So, it is possible that even though over-weight people have a high risk of such diseases, they never actually get such diseases because they get medical intervention at the right time.

• • Instance: Overweight people are more likely to receive preventive medication against cardiovascular diseases as they run a high risk of developing them.

• Potential explanation 2: What if overweight people are likely to develop some other disease, which does not affect people with a normal BMI, for which they have to take regular medication and that medication also protects them against cardiovascular disease? So, technically they are not being treated for cardiovascular diseases but they are receiving preventive medications for the same and hence they have the lowest cardiovascular mortality.

With this pre-thinking in mind, let’s evaluate the answer choices.

Answer Choices

A

Research shows that BMI divides the weight too much in short people, making short people think they are thinner than they actually are.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

There is no information given about the height of the people with a normal or high BMI. Hence, there is no link that we can establish between the information given in this choice and the argument.

B

People diagnosed with obesity are two times more likely to be preemptively prescribed cardioprotective medications than people with normal weight.

Correct

This is the correct choice and is close to the pre-thinking we came up with in Potential explanation 1.  If people with obesity (overweight people) are twice as likely to receive preventive medications for cardiovascular diseases then it could explain why they have the lowest mortality rate from such diseases.

C

There was little difference between the genetic pre-disposition to cardiovascular diseases for all the patients studied irrespective of whether they were over or underweight.

Incorrect - Compounds the paradox

A possible explanation for the observed paradox could have been that the people with a normal BMI (who were studied for the purpose of the research) could have had a higher genetic pre-disposition to cardiovascular diseases. However, this choice rules out that possibility, compounding the apparent paradox.

D

The data also showed that sleep deprivation, a condition related with cardiac failure, was prevalent in most people studied under the research.

Incorrect - Insufficient information

The choice does not differentiate between people with a normal BMI and the ones with a high BMI. Hence, we cannot determine what impact it has on solving the apparent paradox.

E

The researchers also found that the risk of cardiovascular mortality was the highest in underweight patients.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

Information about underweight people does not account for the low mortality rate observed in overweight people despite a high BMI in them. 

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It has been observed that sad music can trigger positive emotions. Under an independent study conducted to study the emotions evoked by different kinds of music, 44 volunteers, including musicians and non-specialists, were made to listen to two pieces of music - one sad and one happy. It was found that most of the volunteers reported experiencing emotions such as relief and calmness while listening to the piece of sad music.

Which of the following, if true, most helps to explain the results of the study mentioned above?

• a)
  In various films centering on murder mysteries, happy music is used in the background of scenes that are visually disturbing.
• b)
  Participants were made to listen to the two pieces of music on different days.
• c)
  While listening to the piece of sad music, participants of the study felt the piece of sad music was more tragic and less romantic than they felt about the situations in their lives.
• d)
  Most of the participants heard the two pieces of music for the first time in their lives.
• e)
  Only a few people are good at separating the emotions experienced via art and those experienced in real life.

Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Malavika Choudhury answered

Argument Analysis

Pre-Thinking

Conclusion Clarification

N/A

Pre-Thinking Approach

To explain the result of the study (positive emotions while listening to sad music), let’s see how we can select a scenario in which such a result can be possible without contradicting any fact given in the argument. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on the seemingly contradictory situations.

• Potential explanation: What if the participants could not associate themselves with the piece of music? Or what if they felt better about their actual lives vis-à-vis the sadness in the piece of music they listened to?
  • Instance: Most of the participants could not relate to the chosen piece of sad music as they found it overly morose and felt that their real life was far more peaceful and calm.

 With this pre-thinking in mind, let’s evaluate the answer choices.

Answer Choices

A

In various films centering on murder mysteries, happy music is used in the background of scenes that are visually disturbing.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

The results asked to explain relate to listening to sad music and its contrary effect on people. This choice talks about happy music.

B

Participants were made to listen to the two pieces of music on different days.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

Different time frames when pieces of music were listened to don’t explain the result of the study (emotions contrary to the tone of sad music).

C

While listening to the piece of sad music, participants of the study felt the piece of sad music was more tragic and less romantic than they felt about the situations in their lives.

Correct

This option is written along the lines of our pre-thinking per the stated instance. It implies that while listening to SM, participants felt relatively good about their real lives and hence experienced relief and calmness.

D

Most of the participants heard the two pieces of music for the first time in their lives.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

There is no stated or implied correlation between listening to a piece of music multiple times and the emotions generated because of the same.

E

Only a few people are good at separating the emotions experienced via art and those experienced in real life.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

This choice does not give us any information to conclude anything about why people felt happy while listening to a piece of sad music.

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Although the e-commerce industry in Inasia is not profitable as yet, as most companies in the sector suffer from challenges such as inefficient supply chains and insufficient funds,  Nile Corporation, a world leader in the e-commerce sector has recently made its foray into the Inasian market. Its decision to enter the market is correct regardless of all the opposing theories. Most analysts believe that e-commerce will gain a sizeable market share in Inasia as more young people with higher disposable incomes will start buying products online over the next five years. 

In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

• a)
  The first is a belief that does not dispute the position taken by the argument; the second is that position.
• b)
  The first is a belief that goes against the main conclusion of the argument; the second is a judgment that favors the main conclusion of the argument.
• c)
  The first is an observation that is not disputed by the argument; the second is a conclusion that supports the main conclusion of the argument.
• d)
  The first is evidence used to support the position that the argument does not oppose; the second is a belief that supports the position that the argument seeks to establish.
• e)
  The first is the explanation for a belief that the author agrees with; the second is a prediction in favor of the main conclusion of the argument.

Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Devika Yadav answered

Argument Analysis

Pre-Thinking

Conclusion Clarification

N/A

Pre-Thinking Approach

The question requires us to identify the role played by the two bold face portions in the argument. To do so, we would examine the argument structure and the relationship of the bolded portions with respect to the main conclusion of the argument.

Main Conclusion:Its decision to enter the market is correct regardless of all the opposing theories.

BF 2 : e-commerce will gain a sizeable market share in Inasia

BF 1: as most companies in the sector suffer from challenges such as inefficient supply chains and insufficient funds

As we observed in the passage analysis, the author uses the analysts’ opinion expressed in BF2 to support the main conclusion. Therefore, BF2 supports the position taken by the author. Now BF1, as understood in the passage analysis, is a fact and as such the author can’t dispute it.

With this understanding in mind, let’s move on to the answer choice analysis.

Answer Choices

A

The first is a belief that does not dispute the position taken by the argument; the second is that position.

Incorrect – Both parts wrong

BF1 is not a belief but a fact. BF2 isn’t the position taken by the argument. It’s the analysts’ opinion.

B

The first is a belief that goes against the main conclusion of the argument; the second is a judgment that favors the main conclusion of the argument.

Incorrect – 1^st part wrong

BF1 isn’t a belief and it doesn’t comment on the main conclusion. BF2 can be called a judgment that favors the main conclusion.

C

The first is an observation that is not disputed by the argument; the second is a conclusion that supports the main conclusion of the argument.

Correct

BF1 is an observation and the argument doesn’t dispute it. BF2 is the analysts’ conclusion and it supports the main conclusion.

D

The first is evidence used to support the position that the argument does not oppose; the second is a belief that supports the position that the argument seeks to establish.

Incorrect – 1^st part wrong

BF1 can be called evidence but it doesn’t support any position. BF2 can be called a belief that supports the main conclusion.

E

The first is the explanation for a belief that the author agrees with; the second is a prediction in favor of the main conclusion of the argument.

Incorrect – 1^st part wrong

BF1 could be considered an explanation but not for any belief. It explains a circumstance. BF2 is a prediction made by the analysts and it does support the conclusion of the argument.

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Although in the past the media had been abuzz with rumors that the famous film director Ben Zu would send his entry to the prestigious Film Directors’ Guild competition, which invites entries every year from script-writers/directors who are ready to sign the undertaking that their scripts are based on original-story plots, many critics dismissed these rumors, citing the signing of this undertaking as the main impediment to his entering the yearly competition. This year, it is possible that Zu, whose last few films were adaptations of some bestselling Chinese novels, will finally enter the competition as he has signed the required disclosure. 

Which of the following options best describes the functions of the statements in boldface?

• a)
  The first describes an opinion which the argument as a whole opposes; the second provides a reason for the position that the argument seeks to establish.
• b)
  The first is a fact that is relevant in understanding the importance of the second, which has been used as a reason for the position taken by the author.
• c)
  The first is a consideration that opposes the position taken by the argument; the second is that position.
• d)
  The first is a position that is disputed by the argument; the second provides support for that position.
• e)
  The first provides support for an intermediate conclusion made in the argument; the second is that conclusion.

Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Rajdeep Nair answered

Argument Analysis

Pre-Thinking

Let’s look at the relationship between the two boldface portions w.r.t. the conclusion of the argument.

The argument concludes that this year, it is possible that Zu, whose last few films were adaptations of some bestselling Chinese novels, will finally enter the competition.

As shown in the passage analysis, the author reaches the above conclusion by taking in to account the fact presented in BF1 (ref. below):

BF1: many critics dismissed these rumors, citing the signing of this undertaking as the main impediment to his entering the yearly competition.

Thus, BF1 is a fact that is considered by the author while drawing his conclusion.

The author uses BF 1 as a basis for citing the fact mentioned in BF 2 and uses BF 2 to support his/her conclusion. Please consider BF2 below:

BF2: he has signed the required disclosure.

Therefore, both BF1 and BF2 present facts. BF1 is a fact that is considered by author while deriving the conclusion. BF2 is a fact that provides the author’s reasoning for the conclusion and we understand the relevance of the same in supporting the conclusion in the light of BF1.

With this understanding in mind, let’s take a look at the option statements. 

Answer Choices

A

The first describes an opinion which the argument as a whole opposes; the second provides a reason for the position that the argument seeks to establish.

Incorrect – 1^st  part wrong

BF1 is not an opinion; it’s a fact and hence the argument does not oppose it. BF2 does provide a reason for the position that the argument seeks to establish, in other words, the main conclusion of the argument.

B

The first is a fact that is relevant in understanding the importance of the second, which has been used as a reason for the position taken by the author.

Correct

BF1 is a fact that helps to understand the importance of BF2, i.e. signing of the disclosure in predicting that Ben Zu will probably enter the competition this time. Also, as noted in the prethinking, BF2 has been used to support author’s conclusion.

C

The first is a consideration that opposes the position taken by the argument; the second is that position.

Incorrect – Both parts wrong

BF1 can be described as a consideration; however, it doesn’t oppose the main conclusion of the argument.. In the description of BF2, “that position” refers to the position mentioned in the first portion of the choice, i.e. the main conclusion. But BF2 is a reason for the author’s conclusion, not the conclusion itself.

D

The first is a position that is disputed by the argument; the second provides support for that position.

Incorrect – Both parts wrong

BF1 is not a position (opinion); it’s a fact and is hence not disputed by the argument. Also, BF2 provides support for the author’s position, and not for BF1.

E

The first provides support for an intermediate conclusion made in the argument; the second is that conclusion.

Incorrect – Both parts wrong

There is no intermediate conclusion in the argument and hence there is no question of BF1 suporting the same. In the second half of this statement, “that” refers to the conclusion mentioned in the first half. BF2 is not an intermediate conclusion; it is a fact that supports the author’s main conclusion.

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Many people choose listening to a particular kind of music that is compatible with the mental state they are in. However, studies have shown that people can report feeling happier and calm after listening to sad music. Nevertheless, it is uncalled for to conclude that sad music actually makes people happy. The studies also found that the people only felt positive emotions after listening to sad music when the purpose of listening to it was to release emotions. Contrarily, when the purpose of listening to such music was to recall memories, people felt even more morose after listening to sad music.

In the above argument, the two boldface portions play which of the following roles?

• a)
  The first is an observation that the argument accepts as true; the second is a belief that forms part of the support for the main conclusion of the argument.
• b)
  The first is evidence against the main conclusion of the argument; the second is an intermediate conclusion used to support the main conclusion of the argument.
• c)
  The first is evidence that is used to support a conclusion drawn in the argument; the second is part of the reasoning used to support another conclusion drawn in the argument.
• d)
  The first is an observation, an implication of which is disputed in the argument; the second is part of the reasoning used to support the position taken by the argument as a whole.
• e)
  The first is a belief that the argument does not dispute; the second is an observation that forms part of the support for the main conclusion of the argument

Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Tanishq Choudhury answered

Argument Analysis

Pre-Thinking

In order to understand the role played by the two highlighted portions, we need to consider the relationship between the two boldface portions w.r.t. the conclusion of the argument.

The argument concludes that it is uncalled for to conclude that sad music actually makes people happy.

As shown in the passage analysis, the author states that a certain conclusion cannot be drawn on the basis of the information given in BF 1(ref. below):

people can report feeling happier and calm after listening to sad music.

Thus, BF1 is a fact or an observation that, as per the author, does not support a particular conclusion.

Let’s consider BF2 below:

when the purpose of listening to such music was to recall memories, people felt even more morose after listening to sad music.

BF2 along with statement 4 (ref.: passage analysis) has been used to support the conclusion. Thus, BF2 is part of the reasoning used to support the argument.

Therefore, both BF1 and BF2 present facts. BF1 is a fact that, as per the author, does not support a particular opinion/implication and BF2 is a fact that is part of the author’s reasoning for the conclusion of the argument.

With this understanding in mind, let’s take a look at the option statements.

 

Answer Choices

A

The first is an observation that the argument accepts as true; the second is a belief that forms part of the support for the main conclusion of the argument.

Incorrect - 2^nd  part wrong

BF1 has been identified correctly. BF2 is not a belief but an observation that forms part of the support for the main conclusion. 

B

The first is evidence against the main conclusion of the argument; the second is an intermediate conclusion used to support the main conclusion of the argument.

Incorrect - Both parts wrong

BF1 is evidence but it hasn’t been used to dispute the main conclusion. In fact, the main conclusion argues against an interpretation of BF1. BF2 is not an opinion; thus, it cannot be an intermediate conclusion. BF2 is part of an observation that has been used in support of the argument.

C

The first is evidence that is used to support a conclusion drawn in the argument; the second is part of the reasoning used to support another conclusion drawn in the argument.

Incorrect - Both parts wrong

BF1 has not been used in support of any conclusion. BF2 is used to support the conclusion of the argument; however, this is the only conclusion and hence the word “another” is not justified in this choice.

D

The first is an observation, an implication of which is disputed in the argument; the second is part of the reasoning used to support the position taken by the argument as a whole.

Correct

Both boldface portions have been identified along the lines of our pre-thinking.

E

The first is a belief that the argument does not dispute; the second is an observation that forms part of the support for the main conclusion of the argument

Incorrect - 1^st part wrong

BF1 is not a belief; it’s an observation. BF2 has been identified along the lines of our pre-thinking.

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In an effort to propagate afforestation, the state of Tonilla started charging companies that cut down trees in forested land for wood to use as raw material. These charges included planting and growing costs. In the three decades since this law was enforced, the cost for planting and growing trees has not changed much. However, the average price paid by companies subject to this law has reduced from $5 per ton of wood to $2 per ton of wood obtained through cutting down trees.

Which of the following, if true, most helps to explain the drop in price paid by the companies?

• a)
  Most of the companies have been accurately reporting the kinds of trees being cut by them.
• b)
  These companies are unlikely to be in favor of the charges for planting or growing the trees that they are cutting.
• c)
  Trees such as teak and rosewood that have high planting and growing charges are less likely to be utilized for wood now than they were three decades ago.
• d)
  Thorinilla, a neighboring state of Tonilla, also tried to execute the same procedure in its state, but failed because of strong opposition.
• e)
  There is no harsh punishment in the state of Tonilaa for subverting laws related to afforestation.

Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Chirag Roy answered

Argument Analysis

Pre-Thinking

Conclusion Clarification

N/A

Pre-Thinking Approach

To explain the drop in price paid by the companies while the P&G remained almost stable, let’s see how we can come up with a scenario in which both situations can be true without contradicting each other. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on the seemingly contradictory situations.

• Potential explanations

Since we are talking in average costs, it is possible that there was a particular species of trees that was very expensive to grow and was being cut in large quantity. Accordingly, the charges paid by the companies for this tree were increasing the overall average amount paid for cutting trees. But now that the demand for goods from this tree has decreased, the cutting has too, bringing down the average amount paid for cutting trees.  

• • Instance 1: The cutting of trees that had high P&G has reduced significantly, leading to lower average price paid by companies subject to the law mentioned in the argument.

        In the above case, despite the same P&G  in the 3 decades (since the law was enforced), the average price paid by the companies could have decreased over the years.

With this pre-thinking in mind, let’s evaluate the answer choices.

Answer Choices

A

Most of the companies have been accurately reporting the kinds of trees being cut by them.

Incorrect - Opposite

We need to look for an option that explains the current situation. If anything, this choice compounds it as we know that most of the companies are not trying to misreport the kinds of trees cut by them. Such misreporting could lead to miscalculation of charges applicable to these companies, possibly leading to lower overall average charges.

B

These companies are unlikely to be in favor of the charges for planting or growing the trees that they are cutting.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

The attitude of the companies towards the P&G doesn’t explain the drop in average price paid by them in spite of not much change in the P&G cost.

C

Trees such as teak and rosewood that have high planting and growing charges are less likely to be utilized for wood now than they were three decades ago.

Correct

This option is written along the lines of our pre-thinking as per explanation instance 1.  Decline in use of trees that have high P&G cost could be the reason for the decline in average price paid by companies. 

D

Thorinilla, a neighboring state of Tonilla, also tried to execute the same procedure in its state, but failed because of strong opposition.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

The failure of a neighboring state to execute the same procedure doesn’t explain the situation in SOT.

E

There is no harsh punishment in the state of Tonilaa for subverting laws related to afforestation.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

Just because there is no harsh punishment for such cases doesn’t mean that companies are subverting these laws.

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Last year, football player James McGuel faced severe criticism for his poor show that contributed significantly to OldFort United’s worst performance in the history of National Premier League Football Championship. Despite the fact that OldFort United has been winning many more games this year and that James McGuel is averaging more goals per game than last year, critics continue to doubt McGuel’s capability and are voting against his inclusion in the team for the next season of the championship.

Which of the following statements most explains the paradox in the above argument?

• a)
  OldFort United has not been playing more matches this year.
• b)
  Football critics are often wrong in their predictions.
• c)
  OldFort United’s decision to hire Wayne Bruce has turned out well for the team as he is the leading scorer for the team this year.
• d)
  Many critics have raised questions about the actual nationality of James McGuel, making it likely that he will be excluded from the World Championship squad for the country.
• e)
  After last year’s poor showdown, OldFort United has been relegated from the premier league and is currently playing against weaker opponents.

Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?

Kavya Chakraborty answered

Argument Analysis

Pre-Thinking

Paradox Clarification

Even though this year OU is  winning more games and JM has been scoring more goals per game than last year, , critics are doubtful about JM’s capability and are voting against his inclusion in OU next year - two apparently conflicting situations amounting to a paradox.

Pre-Thinking Approach

Let’s see how we can explain the situation at hand. To do so, we will look at the logical structure and the paradoxical pieces of information. Then we’ll try to come up with instances which can explain the coexistence of the seemingly conflicting pieces of information.

Paradox – Critics are doubtful about JM’s performance even when he has been averaging more goals/game and OU has been winning many more games.

• • Instance #1 – JM is performing better than last year but he still might be performing much worse than what is expected from him. E.g. let’s say he was brought into OU with an expectation that he’ll score 1 goal/game and he scored 0.2 goals/game last year. Then, even if he scores 0.4 goals/game (double of last year) he’ll still fall short of expectations and critics would want him to be replaced by a better player.
  • Instance #2– The overall playing conditions for OU could have changed. E.g. a lot of star players of other teams might not be playing in NPL, making OU a comparatively stronger team with weaker opponents or perhaps OU itself is not playing in NPL but in a lower league in which its chances of winning are much higher. In both these cases, it is possible that there is no improvement in JM’s performance and, therefore, critics don’t want him in the next season.

With this understanding in mind, let's take a look at the option statements.

 

Answer Choices

A

OldFort United has not been playing more matches this year.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

This option is not relevant as the information about overall matches played is not required when the passage already talks about goals/match.

B

Football critics are often wrong in their predictions.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

This option is about whether critics’ predictions are right or wrong whereas we are interested in knowing why they are making these recommendations in the first place.

C

OldFort United’s decision to hire Wayne Bruce has turned out well for the team as he is the leading scorer for the team this year.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

This option is not relevant as it talks about another player and not JM.

D

Many critics have raised questions about the actual nationality of James McGuel, making it likely that he will be excluded from the World Championship squad for the country.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

This option is not relevant as it talks about a different issue (JM’s nationality) and not JM’s performance or the reasons for the critics’ opinion.

E

After last year’s poor showdown, OldFort United has been relegated from the premier league and is currently playing against weaker opponents.

Correct

This choice is written along the lines of our pre-thinking per Instance #2.

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The stock price of companies that have high earnings per share growth increases fast.  Because "CEO compensation is tied to the increase in stock price, many companies use cash from operations to buy back shares to increase the overall earnings per share."  However, in practice, this strategy is often counterproductive as this leaves little cash to be invested in developing new products and services. In the long run this reduces the overall earnings per share and the stock price.

In the passage above, the two bold faced portions play the following roles:

• a)
  The first is a reason to pursue a certain strategy to achieve an aim, the second is that strategy.
• b)
  The first is a consideration raised to support a certain strategy that may be counter- productive; the second is a strategy that can help mitigate the consideration.
• c)
  The first is a reason to pursue a certain strategy to achieve an goal; the second is that goal
• d)
  The first is inferred from the opening line of the passage while the second is the key to achieving the first
• e)
  The first is a consideration that is used to justify adopting a certain strategy, the second presents the intended outcome of that strategy.

Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Palak Yadav answered

Argument Analysis

The stock price of companies that have high earnings per share growth increases fast.  Because CEO compensation is tied to the increase in stock price, many companies use cash from operations to buy back shares to increase the overall earnings per share.  However, in practice, this strategy is often counterproductive as this leaves little cash to be invested in developing new products and services. In the long run this reduces the overall earnings per share and the stock price.

Logical Structure:

 

 

 

Pre-Thinking

1. Statement 1 states the reason for the strategy employed in Statement 2.
2. The argument disapproves of this strategy.

Answer Choices

A

The first is a reason to pursue a certain strategy to achieve an aim, the second is that strategy.

This statement correctly captures the roles played by the segments.

B

The first is a consideration raised to support a certain strategy that may be counter- productive; the second is a strategy that can help mitigate the consideration.

While first is the reason or consideration behind the strategy, the argument confidently states that this strategy is mostly counter-productive.  Thus use of “may” undermines the extent to which the argument refutes the strategy.  Second is the strategy but it does not mitigate the first. 

C

The first is a reason to pursue a certain strategy to achieve an goal; the second is that goal

Second is not the goal but means to the goal.  Second is the strategy.

D

The first is inferred from the opening line of the passage while the second is the key to achieving the first

The opening line of the passage simply states a common principle.  In no way CEO compensation information can be inferred from this common principle.

E

The first is a consideration that is used to justify adopting a certain strategy, the second presents the intended outcome of that strategy.

Second is the strategy itself and not the intended outcome.

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It is widely known that oxidants are toxic in large amounts, and our cells naturally generate their own anti-oxidants to neutralize them. Accordingly it is advised that people boost the intake of antioxidants to counter the effects of toxic "reactive oxygen species," or ROS, the elevated levels of which are connected with various cancers. However, such advice may not have any substantial medical grounds as new research shows that tumor-promoting ROS are produced at cellular energy factories called mitochondria whereas supplements and dietary antioxidants tend to accumulate at scattered distant sites in the cell not connected with mitochondria at all.

In the argument above, the two bold-face portions play which of the following roles?

• a)
  The first is a conclusion against the position taken by the argument; the second acts as evidence in support of that position.
• b)
  The first is evidence that the argument disputes; the second is an observation that supports the main conclusion drawn by the argument.
• c)
  The first acts as evidence against the position taken by the argument; the second acts as a reason in support of the position taken by the author.
• d)
  The first is a conclusion that is disputed by the argument; the second is evidence that supports that conclusion.
• e)
  The first is a conclusion that the argument as a whole disputes; the second is evidence that supports the position taken by the argument. 

Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?

Srestha Basu answered

Argument Analysis

Pre-Thinking

Conclusion Clarification

Main Conclusion of the argument: “However, such advice may not have any substantial medical grounds”. Therefore, the main conclusion provides an explanation and a piece of evidence that opposes the advice mentioned in the previous statement.

Pre-Thinking Approach

The question requires us to identify the role played by the two bold face portions in the argument. To do so, we will examine the argument structure and the relationship of the bolded portions with respect to the main conclusion of the argument.

BF1 – As explained in the passage analysis, BF1 presents a third party’s conclusion, which is opposed by the main conclusion.

BF2 – It presents evidence to support the main conclusion.

With the above understanding, let us analyze the option statements.

Answer Choices

A

The first is a conclusion against the position taken by the argument; the second acts as evidence in support of that position.

Incorrect - 1^st part wrong

The main conclusion opposes BF1, not the other way round. The description of BF2 is correct; BF2 acts as a piece of evidence to support the main conclusion – position taken by the argument, which is referred to as “that” position.

B

The first is evidence that the argument disputes; the second is an observation that supports the main conclusion drawn by the argument.

Incorrect - 1^st part wrong

BF1 is not evidence. It is a claim that the argument disputes. BF2 can be called an observation/a piece of evidence that supports the main conclusion.

C

The first acts as evidence against the position taken by the argument; the second acts as a reason in support of the position taken by the author.

Incorrect - 1^st part wrong

BF1 is not evidence/a fact. It is an opinion challenged by the main conclusion. The description of BF2 is correct.

D

The first is a conclusion that is disputed by the argument; the second is evidence that supports that conclusion.

Incorrect - 2^nd part wrong

BF1 is a conclusion that the argument disputes. However, the description of the second part is incorrect; BF2 is evidence that supports the main conclusion which disputes the conclusion in BF1. Therefore, BF2 is evidence against that conclusion.

E

The first is a conclusion that the argument as a whole disputes; the second is evidence that supports the position taken by the argument. 

Correct

As discussed in the pre-thinking analysis, the description of both the parts is correct. BF1 is a conclusion that the argument challenges. BF2 is evidence that supports the main conclusion, the position taken by the argument.

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Fast food chains constantly face the problem of low employee retention, to counter which the companies offer high salaries. The companies have come up with the solution of hiring retired people who have a very low attrition rate. However, their time taken to service an order is more and they require going through long training programs at regular intervals. Thus, for most fast food chains the gain in employee retention does not compensate for the increase in time taken to serve each customer. Nevertheless, since the customers continue to be more appreciative when served by retired people, their employment is likely to become an industry-wide feature.

In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

• a)
  The first is a consideration raised to support a conclusion, which is disputed in the argument; the second is a fact that goes against the intermediate conclusion of the argument.
• b)
  The first is evidence used to support a conclusion that goes against the main conclusion of the argument; the second is a fact that the argument seeks to explain.
• c)
  The first is an objection raised to a proposed solution; the second is evidence that casts doubt on the accuracy of that objection.
• d)
  The first is a circumstance cited to support a conclusion; the second is a consideration that goes in favor of a position not supported by that conclusion.
• e)
  The first is a judgment that supports the main conclusion drawn by the author; the second is a claim that supports the intermediate conclusion.

Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Kavya Chakraborty answered

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Organite is a kind of bioorganic fertilizer that is produced by harvesting wastewater from both households and industrial sources. The water is chemically treated at water reclamation facilities, where nutrients are extracted from the waste. These nutrients are then used to produce Organite, which has greatly decreased the need to produce synthetic nutrients. However, production of synthetic nutrients for fertilizers has increased by 60 percent over the last decade.

Which of the following, if true, most helps to explain the apparent discrepancy?

• a)
  Many farmers are not convinced that products created from recycled waste can be as effective as conventional methods of fertilizing crops.
• b)
  The production rate of bioorganic fertilizers is significantly lower than the growth rate of the overall market for fertilizers.
• c)
  Bioorganic products have been proven to be more successful than synthetic products in the process of fertilization.
• d)
  Bioorganic materials are increasingly finding uses in processes other than agricultural fertilization.
• e)
  Several nutrients can be extracted from sources other than wastewater from domestic and industrial sources.

Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Nikhil Khanna answered

Argument Analysis

Pre-Thinking

Conclusion Clarification

N/A

Pre-Thinking Approach

To resolve the paradox, let’s see how we can select a scenario in which both the situations can be true without contradicting each other. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on the seemingly contradictory situations.

• Potential explanations

• • Instance 1: Demand for fertilizers has been significantly more than the production of Organite (bioorganic fertilizer) in the last decade. In such a case, production of synthetic nutrients to meet the demand for fertilizers could be required. Thus, even if OG has reduced the need for SN, production of SN has still increased.

• • Instance 2:  The production of OG, i.e. the process of harvesting wastewater and then chemically extracting nutrients from waste could be significantly more expensive than the production of SN. In such a case, despite the reduced need to produce SN, SN may be preferred, leading to its increased production.

With this pre-thinking in mind, let’s evaluate the answer choices.

Answer Choices

A

Many farmers are not convinced that products created from recycled waste can be as effective as conventional methods of fertilizing crops.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

How the opinion of the farmers impacts the ultimate production of fertilizers is neither implied nor stated in either the argument or the choice.

B

The production rate of bioorganic fertilizers is significantly lower than the growth rate of the overall market for fertilizers.

Correct

This option is written along the lines of our pre-thinking as per explanation instance 1.

C

Bioorganic products have been proven to be more successful than synthetic products in the process of fertilization.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

This choice presents an overall comparison between two different kinds of fertilizers but does not talk about Organite in particular.

 

D

Bioorganic materials are increasingly finding uses in processes other than agricultural fertilization.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

Diverse use of bioorganic materials is not relevant to the argument.

E

Several nutrients can be extracted from sources other than wastewater from domestic and industrial sources.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

Nutrients extracted from sources other than wastewater are not relevant to the discrepancy mentioned in the argument.

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Two years ago, after witnessing several consecutive years of excessive rent increases in the city and continual protests about the same, the city of Raylayer decided to fix an upper limit on these increases. Since then the landlords have not been able to increase the rent amounts substantially, but on an average the total amount people have been spending to rent similar accommodation has increased at a rate much higher than the increase in the rents. 

 Which of the following, it true, most helps to explain why the rent cap did not achieve its goal?

• a)
  The demand for independent houses, houses that are typically rented at a much higher rate than apartments in a multi-storeyed buildings, has not gone down in the past two years.
• b)
  Landlords have the liberty to hike maintenance charges, charges not limited by the ceiling on the rent.
• c)
  Seven years ago, a similar rent ceiling program was implemented in Raylayer, but it was subsequently cancelled because of the frequent protests by different associations that protect the interest of landlords in Raylayer.
• d)
  Raylayer is one of the most expensive cities to live in the country.
• e)
  The overall demand for rented accommodation in Raylayer has been at an all-time low since many people decided to move to nearby cities two years ago when the city faced excessive hikes in rents.

Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Manasa Kulkarni answered

Argument Analysis

Pre-Thinking

Conclusion Clarification

N/A

Pre-Thinking Approach

To explain why the rental cap didn’t achieve its goal of limiting the amount spent on renting an accommodation, let’s see how we can select a scenario in which both situations can be true without contradicting each other. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on the seemingly contradictory situations.

• Potential explanations

• • Instance 1: What if there is some additional component that people had to spend on along with the rent while renting an accommodation?

     If people’s spending on this component increases significantly, the total spending to rent a place of accommodation can increase at a higher rate than the increase in rent.

With this pre-thinking in mind, let’s evaluate the answer choices.

Answer Choices

A

The demand for independent houses, houses that are typically rented at a much higher rate than apartments in a multi-storeyed buildings, has not gone down in the past two years.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

Demand for certain type of houses doesn’t explain why despite the insubstantial increases in the rent amounts, the spending on renting an accommodation increased at a much higher rate.

B

Landlords have the liberty to hike maintenance charges, charges not limited by the ceiling on the rent.

Correct

This option is written along the lines of our pre-thinking per explanation instance 1. If landlords hike the maintenance charges, total spending (maintenance + rent) could increase at a higher rate than the increase in rent.

C

Seven years ago, a similar rent ceiling program was implemented in Raylayer, but it was subsequently cancelled because of the frequent protests by different associations that protect the interest of landlords in Raylayer.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

The fact that a similar program was implemented 7 years ago and was subsequently cancelled doesn’t tell us why the program launched 2 years ago didn’t achieve its goal.

D

Raylayer is one of the most expensive cities to live in the country.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

This option talks about high living cost of the city in general; however, the given situation is based only on rental costs. 

E

The overall demand for rented accommodation in Raylayer has been at an all-time low since many people decided to move to nearby cities two years ago when the city faced excessive hikes in rents.

Incorrect - Opposite

The all-time low demand for rented accommodation should go in favor of lower spending on renting accommodations. Hence, if anything, this choice compounds the paradox rather than resolving it.

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As the US increased the production of natural gas released from underground shale formations, creating more output of polyethylene, it was expected that makers of plastic products such as plastic trash bags, toys, containers etc., which use polyethylene as a raw material, would benefit from the same as a result of the decrease in the price of natural gas. However, makers of plastic products have instead reported no cost benefit as a result of the increase in the supply of natural gas.

Which of the following, if true, most explains the zero cost benefit as reported by the makers of plastic products mentioned in the above argument?

• a)
  To discourage people from using plastic products, many countries have started levying heavy taxes on the plastic industry as a measure to increase the cost of production and the resultant price of plastic products.
• b)
  The price of ethane, a component of natural gas and raw material for polyethylene has decreased due to the increased supply of natural gas.
• c)
  The makers of polyethylene have increased their profit margins and hence are not passing on lower cost benefits to their customers.
• d)
  It is predicted that plastic manufacturers will eventually realize cost benefits, once the production of natural gas is further ramped up.
• e)
  Since the production of natural gas released from shale formation has increased, the demand for plastic products has decreased significantly.

Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Pranav Kulkarni answered

Argument Analysis

Pre-Thinking

Conclusion Clarification

N/A

Pre-Thinking Approach

To resolve the paradox, let’s see how we can select a scenario in which both the situations can be true without contradicting each other. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on the seemingly contradictory situations.

• Potential explanations

• • Instance 1: It’s possible that even though the production of NG has increased and its price has declined, the cost of converting NG to poly has increased leading to no reduction in price of poly (raw material for plastic products) for PM. Thus, as the price of the raw material is same for PM, it’s possible that they have had no cost benefit.

• • Instance 2:  Even if the production of NG has increased and its price has declined, the poly makers may increase their profit margin resulting in the same cost price of poly for PM. 

With this understanding in mind, let's take a look at the option statements.

Answer Choices

A

To discourage people from using plastic products, many countries have started levying heavy taxes on the plastic industry as a measure to increase the cost of production and the resultant price of plastic products.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

The argument deals with no cost benefit as a result of the increased production of NG. Cost increase because of heavy taxes is not relevant to the argument. 

B

The price of ethane, a component of natural gas and raw material for polyethylene has decreased due to the increased supply of natural gas.

Incorrect - Opposite

Decline in price of ethane because of increased supply of NG should lead to a decline in price of poly leading to a cost benefit for PM. Thus, this option, if anything, compounds the paradox.

C

The makers of polyethylene have increased their profit margins and hence are not passing on lower cost benefits to their customers.

Correct

This option is written along the lines of our pre-thinking per explanation instance 2.  Same price of raw material implies no cost benefit to PM, who are the customers of poly makers.

D

It is predicted that plastic manufacturers will eventually realize cost benefits, once the production of natural gas is further ramped up.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

This option does not shed any light on the existing condition mentioned in the passage. It instead talks about a future, hypothetical situation.

E

Since the production of natural gas released from shale formation has increased, the demand for plastic products has decreased significantly.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

Decrease in demand for plastic products doesn’t explain why PM have not benefitted because of increase in the supply of NG.

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Syldania, the world’s largest exporter of iron ore, annually ships about 30 million tons of iron ore to other countries. Experts predict that because of a recent global increase in the production of iron ore, the export market for iron ore will shrink significantly next year. However, the Syldanian government has recently issued a directive stating that the number of iron ore processing plants in the country is to be increased.

Which of the following, if true, most helps to explain this apparent discrepancy?

• a)
  Syldania can compensate for the amount of revenue that it loses from reduced sales of iron ore by increasing the selling price of the ore
• b)
  All the workers at Syldania’s iron ore processing plants are employed by the government.
• c)
  Bordia, the world’s second-largest exporter of iron ore, is soon expected to overtake Syldania in iron ore production.
• d)
  The domestic demand for iron ore and its by-products is expected to increase considerably in Syldania.
• e)
  The number of iron ore processing plants in Syldania is already greater than the number of such plants in most other countries. 

Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Manasa Kulkarni answered

Argument Analysis

Pre-Thinking

Conclusion Clarification

N/A

Pre-Thinking Approach

To resolve the paradox, let’s see how we can select a scenario in which both the situations can be true without contradicting each other. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on the seemingly contradictory situations. Now the apparent paradox is that even though experts have predicted that the demand for IO will decrease significantly in the coming year, the government of Syldania, world’s largest exporter of IO, has ordered for an increase in the number of IO processing plants in the country.

Potential explanations

• What if there is enough domestic demand for IO in Syladania to absorb the increase in the IO production? In such a scenario, even though the IO export market for Sylandaia may shrink, the government’s decision to increase IO plants will be reasonable.

• • Instance : Local demand for IO in Syladania is expected to increase significantly the coming year. 

With this understanding in mind, let's take a look at the option statements.

Answer Choices

A

Syldania can compensate for the amount of revenue that it loses from reduced sales of iron ore by increasing the selling price of the ore

Incorrect - Irrelevant

The ability to make up for loses does not explain why the country would apparently want to reach a state of excess supply. 

B

All the workers at Syldania’s iron ore processing plants are employed by the government.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

Under which sector - private or public - the workers are employed does not help explain the paradox.

C

Bordia, the world’s second-largest exporter of iron ore, is soon expected to overtake Syldania in iron ore production.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

Even if Syldania is concerned with losing its top position as an iron ore exporter, it still gives no reason to increase the number of iron ore processing plants since export market is expected to fall.

D

The domestic demand for iron ore and its by-products is expected to increase considerably in Syldania.

Correct

This matches the instance identified in pre-thinking and is the correct  choice. It suggests that even though the increased iron-ore production may impact the export market, there will be enough demand within Syldania to absorb the product generated by the new iron-ore processing units in the country.

E

The number of iron ore processing plants in Syldania is already greater than the number of such plants in most other countries. 

Incorrect - Irrelevant

Comparison with other countries with regards to the number of IO plants does not help us understand why the Syldanian government has decided to increase such plants despite an expected fall in the demand for IO in the export market.

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Air Spectacular, known for its best service in the airline industry and top-rated travelling experience, has had a greater number of accidents than Aero Sensational over the past few years. Aero Sensational charges roughly the same price as Air Spectacular for its flights. However, most of the travellers have preferred Air Spectacular over Aero Sensational for their flights from Raylayer to Sensei during the same period.  

Which of the following, if true, most helps to explain the preference of the travellers despite the greater number of accidents referred to above?

• a)
  Although the number of accidents is greater for Air Spectacular, some accidents do not cause serious injuries to travellers. 
• b)
  Over the past few years, people have become highly sensitive to the cost of flying.
• c)
  For its flights from Rayler to Sensei, the Air Spectacular uses a different model of airplane, with a smaller capacity, than the model Aero Sensational uses for its flight on the same route.
• d)
  Most Air Spectacular flights, but not its flight from Raylayer to Sensei, use the Toncon airport, which, because of its short runway, is among the world’s most dangerous airports.
• e)
  Unlike Aero Sensational, Air Spectacular is planning to implement a plan to provide insurance to travellers who are injured during an accident.

Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Kavya Chakraborty answered

Argument Analysis

Pre-Thinking

Conclusion Clarification

N/A

Pre-Thinking Approach

To resolve the paradox, let’s see how we can select a scenario in which both the situations can be true without contradicting each other. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on the seemingly contradictory situations.

• Potential explanations

• • Instance 1: The ratio of accidents to the total number of flights is smaller for Air Spectacular than for Aero Sensational.

 In the above case, despite the greater number of accidents, Air Spectacular could be considered comparatively safer than Aero Sensational.

• • Instance 2: What if most of the accidents at Air Spectacular happen on other flights and not on flights from Raylayer to Sensei? In such a case, travellers could prefer flights on this particular route. So the correct explanation could state that:

In this one sector (flights from Raylayer to Sensei), Air Spec.has a history of significantly lower number of accidents than Aero Sens.

With this pre-thinking in mind, let’s evaluate the answer choices.

Answer Choices

A

Although the number of accidents is greater for Air Spectacular, some accidents do not cause serious injuries to travellers. 

Incorrect - Irrelevant

The occurrence of fewer serious injuries in some accidents doesn’t explain the preference of travelers for that particular sector. 

B

Over the past few years, people have become highly sensitive to the cost of flying.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

As both airlines charge roughly the same price for their flights, this information is not relevant.

C

For its flights from Rayler to Sensei, the Air Spectacular uses a different model of airplane, with a smaller capacity, than the model Aero Sensational uses for its flight on the same route.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

A different model of plane doesn’t tell us if one of the models is better than the other and thus doesn’t give us a potential reason for the preference of travelers.

D

Most Air Spectacular flights, but not its flight from Raylayer to Sensei, use the Toncon airport, which, because of its short runway, is among the world’s most dangerous airports.

Correct

This option is written along the lines of our pre-thinking per explanation instance 2.Greater number of accidents could be a result of using the dangerous airport, a cause that’s missing from the sector for which people prefer to fly with Air Spectacular.

E

Unlike Aero Sensational, Air Spectacular is planning to implement a plan to provide insurance to travellers who are injured during an accident.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

The plan that is yet to be implemented is irrelevant to the argument that is about the last few years.

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Products that are full of novel features generally have higher profit margins than simpler products. Because the stock market rewards higher returns on research and development and a company’s decisions are driven by stock prices, incumbents in any industry invest their research and development efforts on making products more complex, leaving the products that provide the lowest profit margins to competitors. However, such a strategy can easily backfire since it allows competitors to build competence and slowly come after those high margin products. Therefore, the best strategy for an incumbent is to invest to maintain leading positions in both low margin and high margin products.

In the above argument, the two boldface portions play which of the following roles?

• a)
  The first is a belief that the argument does not dispute; the second is a conclusion that supports another conclusion in the argument.
• b)
  The first is part of a reason for an observed behavior; the second is evidence that supports the main conclusion of the argument.
• c)
  The first is part of a reason for an observed behavior; the second is a belief that supports the position taken by the author.
• d)
  The first is an observation that the argument does not dispute; the second is a fact that supports the main conclusion of the argument.
• e)
  The first is a belief used to explain an observed behavior; the second is an intermediate conclusion that supports the main conclusion of the argument.

Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Rajdeep Nair answered

Argument Analysis

Argument Analysis

Let’s look at the relationship between the two boldface portions w.r.t. the conclusion of the argument.

The argument concludes that Therefore, the best strategy for an incumbent is to invest to maintain leading positions in both low margin and high margin products.

As shown in the passage analysis, BF1 (ref. below) presents a fact or an observation that is part of the reason proposed to explain the strategy adopted by the prominent companies.

Because the stock market rewards higher returns on research and development …

Let’s consider BF2 below:

…such a strategy can easily backfire…

As discussed in the passage analysis, BF2 is an opinion expressed by the author regarding the strategy adopted by the prominent companies in any industry. The author uses this conclusion to support another opinion expressed by him/her, which is the main conclusion of the argument. Therefore, BF2 is an intermediate conclusion.

In all, BF1 presents a reason for a strategy adopted by the prominent companies in any industry and BF2 states an opinion that disfavors this strategy and that supports the main conclusion of the argument.

With this understanding in mind, let’s take a look at the option statements.

Answer Choices

A

The first is a belief that the argument does not dispute; the second is a conclusion that supports another conclusion in the argument.

Incorrect - 1^st part wrong

As seen in the passage analysis and the prethinking section, BF 1 is not a belief; it’s a fact. BF2 has been identified correctly. It is the intermediate conclusion that the author uses to support the main conclusion of the argument.

B

The first is part of a reason for an observed behavior; the second is evidence that supports the main conclusion of the argument.

Incorrect - 2nd part wrong

BF1 has been identified correctly. As explained in the passage analysis, it forms a part of the reason given for the behavior observed in prominent companies, companies that leave low profit margins for competitors to produce. However, the description of BF2 is incorrect. BF2 is not a piece of evidence (fact). It’s an opinion.

C

The first is part of a reason for an observed behavior; the second is a belief that supports the position taken by the author.

Correct

Choice C describes BF1 in the exact same manner as choice B does. As noted then, this description is correct. Also, as discussed in the pre-thinking section, BF 2 is a conclusion/belief/opinion expressed by the author to support the main conclusion of the argument or in other words the position taken by the author.

D

The first is an observation that the argument does not dispute; the second is a fact that supports the main conclusion of the argument.

Incorrect - 2^nd part wrong

BF1 can be categorized as an observation about a particular trend observed in the stock market. However, BF2, as stated in the passage analysis and the prethinking section, is not a fact; it’s an opinion expressed by the author.

E

The first is a belief used to explain an observed behavior; the second is an intermediate conclusion that supports the main conclusion of the argument.

Incorrect - 1st part wrong

BF1 indeed has been used to explain the stated behavior of the prominent companies, but it is not a belief. The description of BF2 is correct. It is a conclusion drawn by the author to support the main conclusion of the argument.

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The sales of a product increases as the number of people who have used it increases. Sampling is a good method to increase the awareness of the products. Therefore, many energy drink manufacturers put stalls around each city they are targeting and distribute free energy drinks as each flavor is launched. Such distribution increases the demand for the new flavor, forcing competitors to come up with a similar flavor of the energy drink and reducing the overall sales and profits of that flavors. Eventually energy drink manufacturers are forced to keep producing new flavors.

In the argument above, the two portions play which of the following roles?

• a)
  The first is a consideration raised to show that adopting a certain strategy is unlikely to achieve the intended effect; the second is presented to explain the appeal of that strategy.
• b)
  The first is an assumption that has been used to justify a certain strategy; the second is a consideration that is used to cast doubt on that assumption.
• c)
  The first is a consideration raised in support of a strategy the argument endorses; the second presents grounds in support of that consideration.
• d)
  The first is a consideration raised to explain the appeal of a certain strategy; the second is a consideration raised to call into question the wisdom of adopting that strategy.
• e)
  The first is a principle that forms the basis for a course of action that the argument indicates may not have the desired outcome; the second presents the course of action.

Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?

Ankita Chauhan answered

Argument Analysis

Pre-Thinking

1. First statement states a principle.
2. Second statement shows application of that principle
3. The passage concludes by applying this principle, sales increase only for a short duration and eventually the sales reduce because of competition.

Answer Choices

A

The first is a consideration raised to show that adopting a certain strategy is unlikely to achieve the intended effect; the second is presented to explain the appeal of that strategy.

The first is the principle behind the strategy expressed in second.

B

The first is an assumption that has been used to justify a certain strategy; the second is a consideration that is used to cast doubt on that assumption.

First is principle used to justify the strategy expressed in second.  Second does not cast doubt on the first.

C

The first is a consideration raised in support of a strategy the argument endorses; the second presents grounds in support of that consideration.

First explanation is correct.  Second presents the strategy itself and not the ground to support the first.

D

The first is a consideration raised to explain the appeal of a certain strategy; the second is a consideration raised to call into question the wisdom of adopting that strategy.

The second is an application of the strategy suggested in the first. The second does not call into question the wisdom of adopting the strategy.

E

The first is a principle that forms the basis for a course of action that the argument indicates may not have the desired outcome; the second presents the course of action.

This choice identifies the roles played by both the bold faced portions correctly.

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Last year, the economic downturn affected economies throughout the world. Several million people across nations lost their jobs. Accordingly, the tourism business in the country of Daland, a popular international tourist destination, was severely affected on account of limited business from foreign tourists. However, even though most countries are still trying to recover from the recession, hoteliers in Daland have found that the business this year is back to its original form.

Which of the following, if true, most helps to explain the change between the first and the second year of the recession in the hotel business?

• a)
  The hotel business is one of the most profitable businesses in Daland.
• b)
  Other businesses such as clothing and luxury products have been affected more severely than the hotel business.
• c)
  Most business sectors in Daland were affected by the recession only this year and hence many locals who typically travel to foreign countries chose to visit local destinations.
• d)
  One of the historical sites in Daland features in the World Heritage List of the International Archaeological Society.
• e)
  After suffering a setback last year, the Hotel Association of Daland considered decreasing the tariff rates to such a level that most hotels would have barely reached the break-even point.

Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Jatin Kapoor answered

Argument Analysis

Pre-Thinking

Conclusion Clarification

N/A

Pre-Thinking Approach

In order to resolve this paradox between the seemingly contradictory situations, we need to find a new piece of information that shows that despite most countries still trying to recover from the recession, Daland’s tourism could have received enough business.

Potential explanations

• Explanation 1 : What if the situation of most countries is different from the situation of the countries that contribute most to tourism in Daland?
  • Instance:  Even though most countries are recovering from recession, the countries that contribute the maximum to Daland’s tourism have fully recovered from it.

• Explanation 2: What if domestic tourism improved and compensated for the lack of foreign tourists?
  • Instance: This year, the local population of Daland contributed the most to Daland’s tourism.

With this understanding in mind, let’s take a look at the answer choices.

 

 

Answer Choices

A

The hotel business is one of the most profitable businesses in Daland.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

This option doesn’t help in explaining the situation. The profitability of hotel business compared to other businesses isn’t relevant.

B

Other businesses such as clothing and luxury products have been affected more severely than the hotel business.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

The extent to which hotel business has been affected compared to other businesses isn’t relevant.

C

Most business sectors in Daland were affected by the recession only this year and hence many locals who typically travel to foreign countries chose to visit local destinations.

Correct

This choice is written along the lines of our pre-thinking per Explanation#2.

D

One of the historical sites in Daland features in the World Heritage List of the International Archaeological Society.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

This option doesn’t explain why hotel business is back to the earlier level in Daland when most countries are still struggling with economic recession. Also, the historical site must have always been present there and is not a new addition in the past year.

E

After suffering a setback last year, the Hotel Association of Daland considered decreasing the tariff rates to such a level that most hotels would have barely reached the break-even point.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

This option talks about a consideration. We don’t know if the Hotel Association of Daland actually did something. Moreover, if they had acted upon it, profitability would have been negatively affected which goes against the fact that hotel business is back to its earlier level.

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It may seem that no group has been hit harder by the recession than the young since the official unemployment rate for those under age 25 is 16.2%, more than double the rate for the population as a whole. However, the figures may not provide the correct picture. The worst – hit group could be people above 60, an age-group in which the impact has been so severe that people have stopped even looking for jobs. Since the government considers only those jobless people unemployed who are actively looking for work, people who stop looking are instead considered “not in the labor force,” even if they prefer to work given the opportunity.

In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

• a)
  The first and second are facts used in order to support a conclusion.
• b)
  The first is an observation that is challenged by other information in the argument; the second is that information. 
• c)
  The first is a consideration used to challenge the position taken by the author; the second provides an alternative explanation that supports the opinion of the author.
• d)
  The first provides certain data whose implications are at issue in the given argument; the second challenges the authenticity of that data.
• e)
  The first is used as a basis to infer an implication, the validity of which becomes doubtful in light of the other information presented in the argument; the second is a part of that information

Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?

Geetika Sarkar answered

Argument Analysis

Pre-Thinking

Let’s look at the relationship between the two boldface portions, keeping our analysis of the two bold-face portions (as presented in the passage analysis) in mind:

Bold-face portion 1 (BF1): the official unemployment rate for those under age 25 is 16.2%

Bold-face portion 2 (BF2): the government considers only those jobless people unemployed who are actively looking for work

Both BF1 and BF2 are facts. When combined with statements which immediately follow them, they are leading to two different conclusions. Let’s take a look at BF1, BF2 and the statements following them:

BF1 + Next portion of the statement: The official unemployment rate for those under age 25 is 16.2%, more than double the rate for the population as a whole.

BF2 + Next portion of the statement: Since, the government considers only those jobless people unemployed who are actively looking for work, people who stop looking are instead considered “not in the labor force,” even if they prefer to work given the opportunity.

Main conclusion: However, the figures may not provide the correct picture.

Intermediate conclusion: The worst – hit group could be people above 60…

BF 1 and the next portion lead to the conclusion that the young are the worst hit by the recession as they have a much higher unemployment rate than the general population. But this conclusion is disputed by the main conclusion of the argument.  The information presented in BF 2 and the adjoining portion support the intermediate conclusion drawn in favour of the main conclusion. BF2 and the connected portion suggest that says that a lot of people (above 60) are not even accounted for in the statistics as they have stopped looking for work. For such people, official unemployment rate won’t reflect their true condition. Hence, declaring that the young are the worst hit by the recession on the basis of official unemployment figures may not be correct.

With this understanding in mind, let’s take a look at the option statements.

Answer Choices

A

The first and second are facts used in order to support a conclusion.

Incorrect

While BF1 and BF2 are both facts, they are not supporting the same conclusion as we saw during the pre-thinking phase.

B

The first is an observation that is challenged by other information in the argument; the second is that information. 

Incorrect – Both parts wrong

BF1 is taken as a fact but is not challenged anywhere in the argument. Only an interpretation of BF1 is questioned. BF2 is part of the information that challenges the implication of BF1 and not BF1 itself.

C

The first is a consideration used to challenge the position taken by the author; the second provides an alternative explanation that supports the opinion of the author.

Incorrect – Both parts wrong

BF1 occurs earlier in the statement than the author' opinion. So it wouldn't be accurate to say it challenges the author's opinion. BF2 is part of the reasoning used to support the opinion of the author; however, BF2 doesn't provide any alternate explanation.

D

The first provides certain data whose implications are at issue in the given argument; the second challenges the authenticity of that data.

Incorrect – 2nd part wrong

While BF1 does provide data whose implications are at issue in the argument, BF2 doesn't challenge the authenticity of that data, only the implication of it.

E

The first is used as a basis to infer an implication, the validity of which becomes doubtful in light of the other information presented in the argument; the second is a part of that information.

Correct

BF1 is used as a basis to infer that young are the worst hit by the recession. This implication has been challenged by the information presented by BF2 and the statement immediately after it. Note the use of 'part of that information.'

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The revival of Kranland’s automobile industry is being pitched as a beacon of hope in an economy that has been broadly flat for the most part of the last two years. It is being suggested that the industry can help boost the country’s economy by increasing its manufacturing output and resultant exports, and create high quality jobs. However, many economists claim that even if automobiles companies help increase the country’s exports, they will not be a major source of new jobs over the long term.

 Which of the following best explains the reason for the doubt expressed by the economists?  

• a)
  The automobile industry does not create low-quality jobs. 
• b)
  Even though the exports of Sonic Automobiles, a manufacturing company in Kranland, grew more than 20% in the last year, its number of employees grew only by 5%.
• c)
  The automobile industry is a capital intensive industry and frequently goes through cycles of growth and recession.
• d)
  To succeed in the global manufacturing industry, a company has to be extraordinarily efficient, requiring the use of the same workforce for more production. 
• e)
  Ranland’s automobile companies are financially well off than their Kranlandian peers and can cut down their prices to gain market share.

Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Pranav Kulkarni answered

Argument Analysis

Pre-Thinking

Paradox Clarification

The apparent paradox is that how can the auto manufacturing companies in Kranland not add many jobs in the long run despite an increase in the exports and the corresponding increase in the manufacturing.

Pre-Thinking Approach

To resolve the paradox, let’s see how we can select a scenario in which both the situations can be true without contradicting each other. To do so, we will look at the logical structure, focusing on the seemingly contradictory situations.

Potential explanations

• What if the auto mobile manufacturing industry in Kranland outsources many of its jobs to other countries?
• What if the manufacturing companies become so efficient in their usage of workforce that an increase in production may not translate in to an increase in employment? 

With this understanding in mind, let's take a look at the option statements.

Answer Choices

A

The automobile industry does not create low-quality jobs. 

Incorrect - Irrelevant

We are concerned about the number of jobs, not the quality of jobs. If the car industry creates a large number of high quality jobs, the economists’ doubt won’t be supported. Thus, incorrect.

B

Even though the exports of Sonic Automobiles, a manufacturing company in Kranland, grew more than 20% in the last year, its number of employees grew only by 5%.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

This choice talks only about one company, while economists’ doubt pertains to the entire manufacturing sector. Even if we say that their doubt could be based on data from single company, a 5% growth in employment is probably not a small growth. This still indicates that as exports will grow, so will employment. Thus, this option is also inconsistent with the conclusion.

C

The automobile industry is a capital intensive industry and frequently goes through cycles of growth and recession.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

This does not even talk about jobs.

D

To succeed in the global manufacturing industry, a company has to be extraordinarily efficient, requiring the use of the same workforce for more production. 

Correct

This is right on track. This choice implies that to succeed in the global market (exports), a company needs to produce more using the same workforce. Therefore, even if exports increase, this increase may not lead to a corresponding increase in jobs. Thus, this statement supports the economists’ doubt.

E

Ranland’s automobile companies are financially well off than their Kranlandian peers and can cut down their prices to gain market share.

Incorrect - Irrelevant

Like option C, this also doesn’t talk about jobs. Thus, incorrect.

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The US and New Zealand are the only two countries where direct to consumer (DTC) advertising of prescription drugs is legal.  Many research organizations and pharmaceutical industry groups contend that the ads are educational and provide consumers with important information that may benefit their health. Opponents counter that DTC drug ads are often just sales pitches which pressure doctors to provide unnecessary medications and cause patients to seek unhelpful and costly remedies. The recently published data speaks amply in favor of the latter group: the average number of prescriptions for new drugs with DTC advertising is currently nine times greater than prescriptions for new drugs without DTC ads. The claims that only the most reliable companies pursue DTC ads and therefore, this data is expected, are not rooted on facts since a number of such heavily advertised drugs have been shown to have long term safety problems.

In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

• a)
  The first is evidence that supports a judgment given in the argument; the second is an opinion that forms the basis of an objection to that support.
• b)
  The first is a fact that supports the main conclusion of the argument; the second is a judgment that increases the belief in the support.
• c)
  The first is a judgment that supports a claim that is supported by the argument; the second provides a counter-claim.
• d)
  The first is an observation that seems to support a judgment made in the argument; the second creates doubts on a conclusion that is challenged in the argument.
• e)
  The first is evidence that supports a conclusion which is challenged in the argument; the second provides another evidence to support that conclusion.

Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Chirag Roy answered

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Tenured professors at higher education institutions are certainly given more prestige than other lecturers are. But they are not better teachers as shown by a working paper published by National Education Research Institute (NERI).  NERI collected, from more than 15,000 students, ratings for both tenured and non-tenured professors. Even though we would expect tenured professors to get much better ratings because of their much greater experience, the results showed otherwise. Non-tenured professors got better ratings, slightly though, than tenured professors. This clearly shows that there is an immediate need to do course correction – after all, the whole purpose of the existence of the education system is to provide quality teaching to the students.

In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

• a)
  The first provides evidence that has been used to challenge a common expectation; the second can be interpreted to challenge the common expectation.
• b)
  The first presents a judgment that the argument as a whole seeks to explain; the second is a fact that supports the main conclusion of the argument. 
• c)
  The first is a fact that supports a conclusion that in turn supports the position that the argument seeks to establish; the second supports that conclusion.
• d)
  The first is a fact that has been used to support a position that the argument seeks to establish; the second is another consideration raised in order to support that position.
• e)
  The first is a judgment that challenges one of the intermediate conclusions drawn in the argument; the second can be interpreted to support that intermediate conclusion.

Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?