Test: Cause and Effect - GMAT MCQ

The argument states that in the 2000 local election, only 28% of individuals between the ages of 18 and 25 voted, but in the 2004 local election, where candidates made more effort to appeal to younger voters, turnout was slightly higher at 39%. We are asked to find a piece of information that weakens this argument.

(A) The candidates for city council were ages 55, 72, and 64.

• This information does not have any direct impact on the argument. The age of the candidates is irrelevant to the turnout of the younger voters.

(B) The turnout among voters between the ages of 35 and 44 was 42% in 2004.

• This information is also irrelevant to the argument. The turnout among voters aged 35-44 does not provide any evidence about the impact of candidate appeals on the turnout of the 18-25 age group.

(C) Turnout among African-Americans between 18 and 25 decreased from 2000 to 2004.

• While this information suggests a decrease in turnout among African-Americans between 18 and 25, it does not directly weaken the argument. It does not provide any evidence that the efforts made by candidates to appeal to younger voters were ineffective.

(D) The polls stayed open later on Election Day in 2000.

• This information is also irrelevant to the argument. The extended polling hours in 2000 do not provide any evidence about the impact of candidate appeals on the turnout of the 18-25 age group.

(E) In 2004, a referendum on lowering the legal age for purchasing alcohol to 18 was on the ballot.

• This is the correct answer. The presence of a referendum on lowering the legal age for purchasing alcohol to 18 could significantly impact the turnout of the 18-25 age group. The potential interest and motivation to vote on such an issue may explain the increase in turnout from 28% to 39% in the 2004 local election. This weakens the argument because it suggests that the increase in turnout may be due to factors other than the candidates' efforts to appeal to younger voters.

Therefore, the correct answer is (E) - In 2004, a referendum on lowering the legal age for purchasing alcohol to 18 was on the ballot.

This passage presents the scenario of Mesa College, which has a long history of progressive arts education and relies on donations from its alumni for scholarships and campus improvements. It further states that the college has never had an athletic program, and many current students and alumni believe that this focus on arts has resulted in a strong arts program. However, despite objections from students and alumni, Mesa College has decided to institute a football program.

Given this information, we can analyze the likely outcome based on the passage:

(A) Alumni donations to Mesa College will increase.

• There is no direct information in the passage that suggests alumni donations will increase. In fact, since the college's decision to start a football program is against the objections of many students and alumni, it is possible that some alumni might be dissatisfied and choose to reduce their donations. Therefore, (A) is not likely to occur.

(B) Alumni will become very involved with boosting the football program at Mesa College.

• The passage does not provide any indication that alumni will become involved in boosting the football program. It only mentions that many students and alumni objected to the decision. Therefore, (B) is not likely to occur.

(C) Alumni donations to Mesa College will decrease.

• Given that many students and alumni are opposed to the football program, it is plausible that some alumni might reduce their donations as a form of protest or dissatisfaction. Therefore, (C) is likely to occur.

(D) The college will start offering more athletic scholarships than art scholarships.

• The passage does not provide any information regarding changes in scholarship distribution between athletics and arts. Therefore, (D) cannot be determined based on the given passage.

(E) The football program will fail.

• There is no information in the passage to suggest that the football program will fail. The objections of students and alumni do not guarantee the program's failure. Therefore, (E) cannot be determined based on the given passage.

Based on the passage, the most likely outcome is that alumni donations to Mesa College will decrease (C).

The argument states that Struthers College has built its reputation for academic excellence largely on significant contributions from wealthy alumni who are avid fans of the school's football team. The team has historically been successful, winning more national championships than any other team in its division. However, this year, the team did not win the division title. Therefore, the argument concludes that the college can expect a decline in alumni contributions next year.

To find the assumption in this argument, we need to identify the missing link between the premise and the conclusion. Let's analyze each answer choice:

(A) The college's reputation for academic excellence depends on the performance of its football team.
This answer choice goes beyond the scope of the argument. The argument does not mention the direct impact of the football team's performance on the college's academic reputation. Therefore, it is not a necessary assumption.

(B) Contributions from alumni are needed for the college to produce a winning football team.
This answer choice also goes beyond the scope of the argument. The argument does not discuss the relationship between alumni contributions and the football team's performance. Therefore, it is not a necessary assumption.

(C) Some Struthers alumni contribute to the college because they enjoy seeing its football team win.
This answer choice is the correct assumption. The argument assumes that alumni contributions are tied to the success of the football team. If some alumni contribute to the college because they enjoy seeing the team win, it is reasonable to assume that a decline in the team's performance would lead to a decline in alumni contributions.

(D) The college's football team will continue its losing streak next year.
This answer choice goes beyond the information provided in the argument. The argument does not make any claims about the future performance of the football team. Therefore, it is not a necessary assumption.

(E) As a group, the college's alumni will have at least as much discretionary money to give away next year as this year.
This answer choice is not directly relevant to the argument. The argument does not discuss the financial situation of the alumni or their discretionary funds. Therefore, it is not a necessary assumption.

In conclusion, the correct assumption in this argument is (C) Some Struthers alumni contribute to the college because they enjoy seeing its football team win. This assumption links the decline in the team's performance to the expected decline in alumni contributions, which is the conclusion of the argument.

Let's go through each answer choice and evaluate them:

(A) Prior to the drought of 1983, the government raised the target price for crops in order to aid farmers in reducing their debt loads.
This answer choice suggests that the government had already increased the target price for crops before the drought hit. If this were true, it would actually imply that farmers would receive more government aid, not less, since the market price would be more likely to fall short of the higher target price. Therefore, this answer choice does not explain the reduction in farm-program payments and can be eliminated.

(B) Due to the drought of 1983, United States farmers exported less food in 1983 than in the preceding year.
This answer choice suggests that the reduction in farm-program payments was due to a decrease in food exports by farmers. However, there is no direct connection between reduced food exports and the farm-program payments. It is possible that the reduction in exports could have had some economic impact, but it does not directly explain the reduction in farm-program payments. Therefore, this answer choice is not the best explanation and can be eliminated.

(C) Due to the drought of 1983, United States farmers had smaller harvests and thus received a higher market price for the 1983 crop than for the larger crop of the preceding year.
This answer choice provides a plausible explanation. If farmers had smaller harvests due to the drought, the reduced supply of crops would lead to higher market prices. Since farm-program payments are based on the difference between the market price and the target price, a higher market price would result in a smaller shortfall and, consequently, a reduction in farm-program payments. This answer choice provides a logical explanation and matches the information given in the question. Therefore, (C) is the best explanation.

(D) Due to the drought of 1983, United States farmers planned to plant smaller crops in 1984 than they had in 1983.
This answer choice discusses farmers' plans for future crops but does not directly explain the reduction in farm-program payments in 1983. The question specifically asks for an explanation of the reduction in payments that occurred in 1983, so this answer choice is not relevant and can be eliminated.

(E) Despite the drought of 1983, retail prices for food did not increase significantly between 1982 and 1983.
This answer choice presents information about retail prices for food but does not provide a clear explanation for the reduction in farm-program payments. The question focuses on the impact of the drought on farm-program payments, not on retail prices. Therefore, this answer choice does not explain the reduction in payments and can be eliminated.

In conclusion, based on the given information and the analysis of the answer choices, the best explanation for the reduction in farm-program payments during the drought of 1983 is (C) - Due to the drought of 1983, United States farmers had smaller harvests and thus received a higher market price for the 1983 crop than for the larger crop of the preceding year.

The passage states that adding ethanol to gasoline reduces exhaust emissions while slightly increasing evaporation from gasoline tanks. Evaporative emissions contribute significantly to smog in large cities during hot summer months, but in other weather conditions, they are less of a pollution problem compared to exhaust emissions.

The question asks us to consider air pollution as the only consideration. We need to select the option that aligns with this perspective. Let's evaluate each option:

(A) ethanol should be added only to gasoline intended for use in large cities: This option suggests that ethanol should be limited to use in large cities only. However, the passage does not mention anything about limiting ethanol usage to large cities. It discusses the impact of ethanol on exhaust and evaporative emissions but does not provide a specific geographical restriction. Therefore, option (A) is not the best completion.

(B) the benefits of using gasoline to which ethanol has been added are greater in hot weather than in cold weather: This option focuses on the benefits of using ethanol-added gasoline in different weather conditions. However, the passage does not make a direct comparison between hot and cold weather conditions. It primarily emphasizes the impact of evaporative emissions and the relative pollution problem of exhaust emissions. Therefore, option (B) is not the best completion.

(C) the disadvantages of adding ethanol to gasoline are likely to be outweighed by the advantages, at least in cold weather: This option suggests that the benefits of adding ethanol to gasoline outweigh the disadvantages, particularly in cold weather. The passage does not provide explicit information about the disadvantages or advantages of adding ethanol to gasoline, but it does highlight that evaporative emissions pose less of a pollution problem than exhaust emissions except in hot weather. This option aligns with the idea that ethanol's disadvantages are likely outweighed by its advantages, at least in cold weather. Therefore, option (C) is a plausible completion.

(D) it is not necessary to work at reducing exhaust emissions in large cities: This option suggests that reducing exhaust emissions in large cities is unnecessary. However, the passage does not support this conclusion. It acknowledges that exhaust emissions are a pollution problem and that adding ethanol reduces exhaust emissions. Therefore, option (D) is not the best completion.

(E) adding ethanol to the gasoline used in large cities will improve air quality in the cities in hot weather: This option focuses on the impact of adding ethanol to the gasoline used in large cities during hot weather. While the passage mentions that evaporative emissions contribute to smog in large cities during hot summer months, it does not provide enough information to conclude that adding ethanol will improve air quality in those cities. Therefore, option (E) is not the best completion.

Based on the above analysis, option (C) stands out as the best completion. It aligns with the information provided in the passage and supports the idea that the advantages of adding ethanol to gasoline likely outweigh the disadvantages, at least in cold weather, when considering air pollution as the only consideration.

The speculation presented in the question is that minor mental illness often causes sleep disorders. We are asked to find the answer choice that weakens this speculation the most. Let's analyze each option:

(A) Some persons with minor mental illness do not have sleep disorders.

• This statement suggests that not all individuals with minor mental illness have sleep disorders. If this is true, it weakens the speculation because it shows that the presence of minor mental illness does not always lead to sleep disorders. However, it doesn't directly address whether minor mental illness often causes sleep disorders.

(B) Those with minor mental illness are more subject to infectious diseases than mentally healthy persons are.

• This statement discusses the susceptibility to infectious diseases of individuals with minor mental illness compared to mentally healthy persons. While this information may be interesting, it does not directly address the speculation about the relationship between minor mental illness and sleep disorders.

(C) Sleep disorder is often caused by certain nerve-stimulating drugs or by extreme stress.

• This statement provides alternative causes for sleep disorders, such as the use of certain drugs or extreme stress. It suggests that sleep disorders can be triggered by factors other than minor mental illness. This weakens the speculation by indicating that sleep disorders may not be solely caused by minor mental illness.

(D) Persons with sleep disorders often develop minor mental illness.

• This statement provides evidence of a different causal relationship. It suggests that individuals with sleep disorders are more likely to develop minor mental illness, rather than minor mental illness causing sleep disorders. This weakens the speculation by indicating a reverse relationship between the two conditions.

(E) Persons without mental illness sometimes have sleep disorders.

• This statement suggests that sleep disorders can occur in individuals without any mental illness. While this information is relevant and indicates that sleep disorders are not exclusive to mentally ill individuals, it does not directly address the speculation about minor mental illness causing sleep disorders.

Out of the given options, (D) is the most relevant in weakening the speculation because it suggests that the relationship between sleep disorders and minor mental illness may be the reverse of what the speculation states.

Let's examine each answer choice:

(A) The life spans of sunfish are not diminished by high pollution levels, but the number of offspring they create during their lifetime is diminished.

• This answer choice suggests that the decrease in the sunfish population is due to a decrease in their reproduction rate caused by cleaner water. However, this explanation does not address why the sunfish population has dwindled when pollution levels have dropped.

(B) Several artificial chemicals are introduced into the lake as a result of the refinement process, but these chemicals are known to have a benign effect on fish.

• This answer choice introduces the possibility of artificial chemicals being introduced into the lake as a result of the water refinement process. However, it states that these chemicals have a benign effect on fish, which would not explain the dwindling sunfish population.

(C) The water refinement process creates an environment extremely favorable to pike, a predator fish feeding on all types of fishes.

• This answer choice suggests that the water refinement process creates an environment that is favorable to pike, a predator fish that feeds on all types of fish, including sunfish. If the population of pike increases due to the water refinement process, it could lead to a decrease in the sunfish population, providing a logical explanation for the observed phenomenon.

(D) The heaviest concentrations of sunfish population in the lake are at its northern and northeastern shores, many miles away from the water refinery.

• This answer choice introduces the information about the location of the heaviest concentrations of sunfish population being far away from the water refinery. However, it does not provide a direct explanation for the dwindling sunfish population when pollution levels have dropped.

(E) Ever since 1972, a strictly enforced state regulation has prevented anglers from over-fishing Lake Thomas.

• This answer choice introduces the idea that strict regulations have prevented anglers from over-fishing Lake Thomas since 1972. While this information may be relevant to the overall management of the sunfish population, it does not directly explain why the population has dwindled while pollution levels have dropped.

After evaluating all the answer choices, it becomes clear that option (C) provides the most logical and direct explanation for the observed phenomenon. The water refinement process creating an environment favorable to pike, a predator fish feeding on all types of fishes, would explain why the sunfish population in Lake X has dwindled despite the decrease in pollution levels.

(A) Other types of virus have surface proteins that closely resemble proteins found in various organs of mice.

• This answer choice introduces a new piece of information about other viruses and their resemblance to proteins in mice organs. While it might be interesting, it doesn't directly support the scientists' reasoning about antibodies and keratitis caused by the herpesvirus. Therefore, this answer choice is not the most helpful.

(B) Mice that are infected with the herpesvirus but do not develop keratitis produce as many antibodies as infected mice that do develop keratitis.

• This answer choice provides information about mice infected with the herpesvirus but do not develop keratitis. The fact that these mice produce as many antibodies as infected mice that do develop keratitis suggests that the presence or absence of antibodies alone might not be the determining factor for the development of keratitis. Therefore, this answer choice weakens the scientists' reasoning rather than supporting it.

(C) Mice infected with a new strain of the herpesvirus that has different surface proteins did not develop keratitis.

• This answer choice directly supports the scientists' reasoning. It states that when mice were infected with a new strain of the herpesvirus that had different surface proteins, they did not develop keratitis. This implies that the development of keratitis is specifically linked to the presence of antibodies that target the surface proteins of the herpesvirus. Therefore, this answer choice strengthens the scientists' reasoning and is the most helpful in supporting their hypothesis.

(D) Mice that have never been infected with the herpesvirus can sometimes develop keratitis.

• This answer choice introduces the possibility that mice that have never been infected with the herpesvirus can still develop keratitis. This information suggests that there could be other factors involved in the development of keratitis besides the antibodies to the herpesvirus. Therefore, this answer choice weakens the scientists' reasoning and is not the most helpful.

(E) There are mice that are unable to form antibodies in response to herpes infections, and these mice contract herpes at roughly the same rate as other mice.

• This answer choice provides information about mice that are unable to form antibodies in response to herpes infections. However, it doesn't directly relate to the development of keratitis. The fact that these mice contract herpes at roughly the same rate as other mice suggests that the absence of antibodies doesn't significantly affect the overall contraction of herpes. Therefore, this answer choice is not the most helpful in supporting the scientists' reasoning.

In conclusion, answer choice (C) is the most helpful in supporting the scientists' reasoning as it directly links the absence of keratitis to the presence of a new strain of the herpesvirus with different surface proteins.

The argument states that regular exercise improves the health of a person's heart and cardiovascular system. It also provides statistics about the decrease in the proportion of heart attacks among people under the age of 60, along with the increase in their regular exercise habits. The study suggests a possible correlation between exercise and a decrease in heart attacks.

To strengthen the argument, we need to find an option that supports the idea that exercise is the primary factor contributing to the decrease in heart attacks among people under the age of 60.

Let's evaluate each option:

(A) Some people over the age of 60 exercise as much or more than do people under the age of 60.

• This option provides information about exercise habits among people over the age of 60, but it does not directly relate to the argument or provide evidence for the correlation between exercise and a decrease in heart attacks among people under 60.

(B) The proportion of the population aged 60 and over has remained constant over the last five years.

• This option directly strengthens the argument by stating that the proportion of the population aged 60 and over has not changed. Since the proportion of heart attacks among people under 60 has decreased, it suggests that the decrease is likely due to their increased exercise habits rather than a change in the overall age distribution.

(C) The use of cholesterol-lowering drugs has reduced the frequency of heart attacks among all age groups.

• This option introduces a new factor, cholesterol-lowering drugs, which may contribute to a decrease in heart attacks. However, it does not directly support the argument that exercise is the primary factor in reducing heart attacks among people under 60.

(D) People aged 60 and over are generally less capable of strenuous exercise than are people under the age of 60.

• This option provides information about the capability of people aged 60 and over to engage in strenuous exercise but does not directly support the argument or establish a connection between exercise and a decrease in heart attacks.

(E) A number of factors, such as nutrition and stress levels, affect the incidence of heart attacks.

• This option acknowledges that various factors can influence the incidence of heart attacks, but it does not specifically address the role of exercise or support the argument.

After evaluating all the options, it becomes clear that option (B) is the most suitable one. It directly supports the argument by stating that the proportion of the population aged 60 and over has remained constant over the last five years. This information strengthens the correlation between increased exercise among people under 60 and the decrease in heart attacks, as it suggests that factors other than a change in age distribution are responsible for the decline.

Therefore, the correct answer is (B).

The information states that domestically produced wines tested in the bottle had lead contents lower than the amount allowed for drinking water. However, when the wines were poured, both domestic and imported wines contained lead levels higher than the standard for drinking water. Italian wines were found to have some of the highest lead levels.

To explain the increase in lead levels of domestically produced wines, we need to find a plausible reason. Let's analyze each option:

(A) Pipes soldered with lead are often used in the wine production process.

• This option suggests that lead pipes used in the wine production process could contribute to increased lead levels. However, since domestically produced wines tested in the bottle had lower lead contents, it doesn't explain the increase in lead levels when the wines are poured. Hence, this option is not the most likely explanation.

(B) The grapes used to make wine are often exposed to the automobile exhaust produced by leaded gasoline.

• This option suggests that grapes exposed to leaded gasoline exhaust could lead to increased lead levels in the wine. However, this option doesn't directly explain why domestically produced wines have increased lead levels when poured. It may explain lead levels in general, but it doesn't differentiate between domestic and imported wines. Thus, this option is not the most likely explanation.

(C) Leaky corks may allow the wines to react with the lead foil caps commonly used to cover the corks.

• This option suggests that leaky corks could cause wines to react with lead foil caps, leading to increased lead levels. However, it doesn't explain why domestically produced wines have increased lead levels when poured. Additionally, this option does not address the fact that Italian wines were found to have some of the highest lead levels. Therefore, this option is not the most likely explanation.

(D) Deposits from the lead foil caps commonly used to cover corks may accumulate on the lips of the bottles.

• This option suggests that lead deposits from the foil caps may accumulate on the lips of the bottles. When the wine is poured, these lead deposits could mix with the wine, leading to increased lead levels. This explanation directly addresses the increase in lead levels when poured and provides a plausible reason for the domestically produced wines to have higher lead levels. Hence, this option is the most likely explanation.

(E) Domestic wineries often use contaminated groundwater in the wine production process.

• This option suggests that domestic wineries use contaminated groundwater, which could contribute to increased lead levels in the wine. However, this option doesn't explain why domestically produced wines have increased lead levels when poured. Additionally, it doesn't account for the fact that Italian wines were found to have higher lead levels. Therefore, this option is not the most likely explanation.

In conclusion, among the given options, (D) is the most likely explanation for the increase in lead levels of domestically produced wines. It provides a plausible reason for the increase in lead levels when the wines are poured and is consistent with the information provided.