Test: Resolve a Paradox - GMAT MCQ

It presents a paradox in the performance of Ranger Airways and asks you to select the answer choice that would best resolve the apparent contradiction between the increase in revenue passenger miles and the declines in load factor and number of flights.

Let's examine each answer choice and evaluate its impact on the paradox:

(A) The average passenger capacity of airplanes decreased.
If the average passenger capacity of airplanes decreased, it means that the number of available seats in each flight decreased. This could potentially explain the decline in load factor, as fewer seats are being occupied. However, it does not explain the increase in revenue passenger miles because even with fewer seats, the total number of miles flown by paying passengers should have decreased. Thus, this answer choice does not resolve the paradox.

(B) The average length of flights increased.
If the average length of flights increased, it means that each flight covered more miles. This would explain the increase in revenue passenger miles because passengers would be flying longer distances. Additionally, it could also explain the decline in load factor and the number of flights, as longer flights might lead to reduced demand and fewer flights. Therefore, this answer choice resolves the paradox and is the most suitable option.

(C) There was an increase in the number of delays in both departures and arrivals.
The increase in delays does not directly address the paradox. While delays might affect the load factor and the number of flights, they do not explain the increase in revenue passenger miles. Thus, this answer choice does not resolve the paradox.

(D) There was an increase in the number of nonpaying passengers.
The increase in nonpaying passengers would not explain the increase in revenue passenger miles because these passengers are not contributing to the airline's revenue. Furthermore, it does not provide an explanation for the decline in load factor and the number of flights. Therefore, this answer choice does not resolve the paradox.

(E) Many of the passenger fares became more expensive.
The increase in passenger fares does not directly address the paradox. While it might impact the load factor and the number of flights, it does not explain the increase in revenue passenger miles. Thus, this answer choice does not resolve the paradox.

In conclusion, among the given answer choices, (B) The average length of flights increased is the best option to resolve the apparent paradox between the increase in revenue passenger miles and the declines in load factor and number of flights.

Let's go through each answer choice and analyze how it affects the lack of convergence between heart disease rates in France and the United States.

(A) Consumption of saturated fats is related more strongly to the growth of fatty deposits on artery walls, which reduce blood flow to the heart, than it is to heart disease directly.
This answer choice provides information about the relationship between saturated fats and heart disease. It suggests that the main effect of saturated fats is the growth of fatty deposits on artery walls rather than directly causing heart disease. However, it does not explain why the heart disease rates in France and the United States are not converging.

(B) Over the past 30 years, per-capita consumption of saturated fats has remained essentially unchanged in the United States but has increased somewhat in France.
This answer choice provides information about the changes in per-capita consumption of saturated fats in both countries over the past 30 years. However, it does not directly address why heart disease rates are not converging between the two countries.

(C) Reports of the health benefits of red wine have led many people in the United States to drink red wine regularly.
This answer choice suggests that the consumption of red wine has increased in the United States due to reports of its health benefits. However, it does not explain why heart disease rates in France and the United States are not converging.

(D) Cigarette smoking, which can also contribute to heart disease, is only slightly more common in France than in the United States.
This answer choice provides information about the prevalence of cigarette smoking in France and the United States. While smoking is a risk factor for heart disease, it does not directly address the lack of convergence in heart disease rates between the two countries.

(E) Regular consumption of red wine is declining dramatically among young adults in France, and heart disease typically does not manifest itself until middle age.
This answer choice provides a plausible explanation for the lack of convergence in heart disease rates. It states that regular consumption of red wine is declining dramatically among young adults in France, and heart disease typically manifests itself in middle age. This decline in red wine consumption among young adults could explain why heart disease rates are not converging despite the narrowing difference in red wine consumption between France and the United States.

Based on the analysis, answer choice (E) is the most plausible explanation for the lack of convergence in heart disease rates between France and the United States.

However, this year, OldFort United has been winning more games and James McGuel is averaging more goals per game. Despite these improvements, critics continue to doubt McGuel's capability and are voting against his inclusion in the team for the next season of the championship.

To resolve this paradox, we need to find a statement that provides a plausible explanation for why critics are still doubting McGuel's capability despite the team's improved performance and his individual improvement. Let's evaluate each option:

(A) OldFort United has not been playing more matches this year: This statement does not explain the paradox. The number of matches played by the team does not directly address the doubts about McGuel's capability.

(B) Football critics are often wrong in their predictions: This statement provides a general observation about football critics but does not directly explain the paradox. It does not address why they would doubt McGuel despite the team's improved performance and his individual improvement.

(C) OldFort United's decision to hire Wayne Bruce has turned out well for the team as he is the leading scorer this year: This statement introduces a new player, Wayne Bruce, who has been performing well. While it may contribute to the team's success, it does not explain why critics continue to doubt McGuel's capability.

(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: This statement introduces a different issue regarding McGuel's nationality and his potential exclusion from the World Championship squad. While it may impact his future prospects, it does not directly explain the paradox of critics doubting his capability despite the team's improved performance and his individual improvement.

(E) After last year's poor performance, OldFort United has been relegated from the premier league and is currently playing against weaker opponents: This statement provides a plausible explanation for the paradox. After being relegated from the premier league due to their poor performance last year, OldFort United is now playing against weaker opponents. The critics' doubts about McGuel's capability may stem from the fact that he is performing well against weaker opponents, which may lead them to question his ability to perform at a higher level.

Based on the explanation above, the statement that most explains the paradox in the argument is (E) After last year's poor showdown, OldFort United has been relegated from the premier league and is currently playing against weaker opponents.

Let's analyze each answer choice and see which one best explains the difference in innovation between French painting and sculpture during the nineteenth century.

(A) In France in the nineteenth century, the French academy gave more of its financial support to painting than it did to sculpture.
This answer choice suggests that painting received more financial support from the French academy compared to sculpture. While this information may explain why there was more innovation in painting, it doesn't address the lack of innovation in sculpture. Therefore, it does not fully explain the difference.

(B) The French academy in the nineteenth century financially supported a greater number of sculptors than painters, but individual painters received more support, on average, than individual sculptors.
This answer choice suggests that while the French academy supported more sculptors, individual painters received greater financial support. However, this does not directly explain why there was more innovation in painting compared to sculpture. It focuses on the distribution of financial support rather than the impact on innovation.

(C) Because stone was so much more expensive than paint and canvas, far more unsponsored paintings were produced than were unsponsored sculptures in France during the nineteenth century.
This answer choice provides a plausible explanation for the difference in innovation. If stone, which is used for sculptures, was significantly more expensive than paint and canvas, it would result in fewer unsponsored sculptures being produced. On the other hand, the relatively lower cost of paint and canvas would allow for a greater number of unsponsored paintings. This could foster a more innovative environment in painting as artists had more freedom to experiment without financial constraints.

(D) Very few of the artists in France in the nineteenth century who produced sculptures also produced paintings.
This answer choice does not directly explain the difference in innovation between French painting and sculpture. It focuses on the overlap between artists working in both mediums but does not address the factors influencing innovation.

(E) Although the academy was the primary sponsor of sculpture and painting, the total amount of financial support that French sculptors and painters received from sponsors declined during the nineteenth century.
This answer choice suggests that both sculptors and painters experienced a decline in financial support from sponsors during the nineteenth century. While this information may provide context, it does not directly explain the difference in innovation between the two mediums.

Based on the analysis above, answer choice (C) is the most appropriate explanation. It highlights the cost disparity between materials used in sculpture and painting, which likely contributed to a larger number of unsponsored paintings and, consequently, a greater degree of innovation in French painting compared to sculpture during the nineteenth century.

Let's break down the options and see why option (A) is the best explanation for the surprising result described in the scenario.

(A) To be suitable for organic matter such as plants, fungi, and bacteria, oxygen must be within a very specific range, and BioHome’s oxygen was well beyond that which can be reasonably expected to support these life forms.

This option suggests that the oxygen level in BioHome was not within the specific range required to support organic matter like plants, fungi, and bacteria. Oxygen plays a vital role in the process of photosynthesis, which is essential for plant growth. If the oxygen levels are significantly higher or lower than the optimal range, it can hinder the growth of plants.

(B) Most of the plants housed in BioHome were from lower latitudes similar to the latitude of BioHome itself.

This option discusses the origin of the plants in BioHome. While the latitude of the plants might be relevant for some specific plant species, it does not directly explain why the plants in BioHome failed to grow as expected.

(C) Even though BioHome was engineered to sustain a single person, theoretically several people could fit within it.

This option mentions the capacity of BioHome to accommodate multiple people. While this information may be interesting, it does not provide an explanation for the unexpected growth of plants.

(D) Nearly all materials used to construct the BioHome are cutting edge materials conducive to organic lifeforms.

This option refers to the materials used in constructing BioHome. While the choice of materials can have an impact on the overall functionality of the facility, it does not specifically explain why the plants failed to grow as expected.

(E) BioHome has subsequently become home to a number of plant species ranging from typical houseplants to more exotic tropical plants.

This option suggests that plants have started to grow in BioHome after the initial surprising results. However, it does not provide an explanation for why the plants initially failed to grow as expected.

In summary, option (A) is the best explanation for the surprising result because it directly addresses the issue of oxygen levels, which are crucial for supporting organic matter like plants, fungi, and bacteria. The scenario describes the unexpected failure of plants to grow, and the oxygen being outside the suitable range can explain this outcome.

The Fermi paradox is a thought-provoking question that raises concerns about the apparent contradiction between the high probability of the existence of technologically advanced extraterrestrial civilizations and the lack of evidence or contact with such civilizations. To resolve the paradox, scientists and researchers have put forward various explanations and hypotheses. Let's analyze each statement and its relevance to the Fermi paradox:

(A) Some scientists believe that the conditions needed for complex life to evolve are unique to Earth, and hence the likelihood of extraterrestrial life is marginal.
This statement suggests that the development of complex life forms may require very specific conditions that are rare or unique to Earth. If this is true, then the absence of extraterrestrial civilizations could be explained by the rarity of the necessary conditions. However, it is important to note that the statement presents a belief held by some scientists and is not widely accepted or proven.

(B) Life forms do arise and evolve elsewhere, but events such as ice ages, asteroid impacts, as experienced on Earth, destroy life before complex life forms can evolve.
This statement proposes that although life may arise on other planets, destructive events such as ice ages or asteroid impacts prevent the development of complex life forms. This could explain why we haven't detected any technologically advanced civilizations. However, it assumes that these destructive events are common and universally prevent the evolution of complex life, which is speculative.

(C) Technological civilizations may destroy themselves before or shortly after developing radio or space flight technology through nuclear or biological warfare or accidental contamination.
This statement suggests that technologically advanced civilizations might self-destruct due to the misuse of their advanced technology, resulting in their inability to make contact with other civilizations. This hypothesis is based on the assumption that civilizations tend to destroy themselves, which is one possible explanation for the lack of observable contact.

(D) It may be that advanced civilizations exist in our galaxy, but they are simply too far apart for two-way communication to be effective.
This statement proposes that although advanced civilizations exist, the vast distances between stars and galaxies make effective two-way communication impractical. The size of the universe and the limitations of the speed of light could result in civilizations being too far apart to establish meaningful contact. This explanation aligns with the concept of the vastness of space and the challenges associated with interstellar communication.

(E) According to Judeo-Christian belief, God has placed human beings as the only intelligent life in the universe.
This statement presents a religious perspective suggesting that humans are the only intelligent life in the universe based on Judeo-Christian belief. While this viewpoint represents a specific religious interpretation, it does not provide a scientific explanation or resolution to the Fermi paradox.

Among these statements, option (D) seems to be the most scientifically plausible explanation for the Fermi paradox. The vastness of the universe and the limitations of communication across large distances could result in the absence of observable contact between advanced civilizations. However, it is important to note that the Fermi paradox is still a topic of active scientific debate, and multiple factors could contribute to the lack of evidence for extraterrestrial civilizations.

The situation described in the question is that the city council of Granara has announced a plan to provide free intercom service to all residents. Initially, people were happy about the announcement because it meant they would save money on telephone bills. However, when it came time to implement the plan, people were hesitant to pay the $100 one-time fee required to participate.

The question asks for an explanation for the residents' hesitation to sign up for the intercom service despite believing in its benefits. Let's examine each answer choice:

(A) Cheap mobile phone connection plans for long distance calls were round the corner and everyone was waiting for them.
This answer choice suggests that people are hesitant to pay for the intercom service because they are aware that cheaper mobile phone plans are going to be available soon. However, this does not explain why people wouldn't want to take advantage of the current offer, especially if the savings from the telephone bills would justify the $100 fee. Therefore, this choice does not provide a convincing explanation for the residents' hesitation.

(B) The intercom would benefit people only when everyone in the town had a connection, and people were skeptical about everyone signing up.
This answer choice offers a plausible explanation. If the intercom system requires widespread adoption in order to be effective, people might hesitate to sign up because they are skeptical about whether everyone in the town will actually participate. In such a scenario, the benefits of the intercom service would be diminished if only a few households have connections. This choice aligns with the residents' hesitation and provides a logical reason for their reluctance. Therefore, (B) is a strong contender.

(C) The same telecom companies that provided private telephone connections to residents would build the intercom network.
This answer choice does not provide a convincing explanation for the residents' hesitation. The fact that the same telecom companies would build the intercom network does not necessarily explain why people wouldn't want to sign up. It does not address the potential benefits or concerns of the residents regarding the intercom service. Thus, (C) is not a suitable explanation for their hesitation.

(D) The intercom network did not include the offices outside town where some of the residents worked.
This answer choice introduces a separate issue regarding the inclusion of offices outside of town in the intercom network. While this might be a valid concern for some residents, it does not explain the overall hesitation of the residents to sign up. It focuses on a specific subset of users and their needs, rather than providing a comprehensive explanation for the broader reluctance. Therefore, (D) is not the best explanation.

(E) People believe that $100 was worth their savings in telephone bills of six months, and not three months as the Mayor believed.
This answer choice suggests a discrepancy in the perceived value of the $100 fee and the expected savings. If people believe that the savings in telephone bills would justify a $100 fee for six months rather than three, it could explain their hesitation to sign up. However, this explanation does not directly address the residents' belief in the benefits of the scheme. It focuses solely on the monetary aspect and doesn't explain why people wouldn't want to take advantage of the scheme even if the savings are worth it. Therefore, (E) is not the most suitable explanation.

After analyzing all the answer choices, we can conclude that (B) is the best option. It provides a plausible reason for the residents' hesitation by highlighting their skepticism about everyone in the town signing up for the intercom service, thus ensuring its effectiveness and benefits for all residents.

Let's examine each answer choice and determine which one provides the best explanation for the apparent discrepancy described in the question.

(A) A person who normally maintains a half-empty freezer would save a considerable amount of money by using a freezer that is half as large.
This answer choice suggests that using a smaller freezer would save money, but it does not explain why a half-empty freezer would consume more energy than a fully stocked one. Therefore, it does not contribute to explaining the discrepancy.

(B) An electric freezer can operate efficiently only if chilled air is free to circulate within the freezing compartment.
This answer choice highlights the importance of proper air circulation within the freezer. However, it does not specifically address why a half-empty freezer would consume more energy. It provides a general condition for efficient operation but does not directly explain the discrepancy.

(C) A given volume of air in a freezer requires much more energy to be maintained at a temperature below freezing than does an identical volume of frozen food.
This answer choice is the most plausible explanation for the discrepancy. It suggests that maintaining a volume of air at a temperature below freezing requires more energy compared to maintaining the same volume of frozen food at the same temperature. In a half-empty freezer, there is more air than frozen food, which leads to increased energy consumption.

(D) The door of a full freezer is likely to be opened more often, and for a longer period of time, than is the door of a half-empty freezer.
This answer choice suggests that a full freezer may be accessed more frequently, potentially leading to increased energy consumption. However, it does not explain why a half-empty freezer, in general, consumes more energy. This explanation would depend on individual usage patterns and does not provide a consistent reason for the discrepancy.

(E) On average, it takes less energy to keep food frozen than it does to get it from room temperature to a frozen state.
This answer choice compares the energy required to maintain frozen food versus the energy required to freeze it initially. However, it does not address the discrepancy between a half-empty freezer and a fully stocked one. It provides information about energy usage during the freezing process but does not explain the energy consumption difference between the two scenarios.

In conclusion, option (C) provides the most reasonable explanation for the apparent discrepancy described in the question.

Statement: CarStore's sales personnel have an average of fifteen years' experience selling automobiles, and they regularly sell more cars than other local dealers. Despite this, CarStore has recently implemented a mandatory training program for all sales personnel.

We need to find the answer choice that best explains the given facts. Let's analyze each option:

(A) The sales personnel in CarStore have historically specialized in aggressively selling automobiles and add-on features.

This option suggests that the sales personnel at CarStore have been successful due to their aggressive selling techniques. However, it does not explain why CarStore has implemented a mandatory training program despite their success. So, this option does not provide the best explanation.

(B) Salespeople at other local dealers average 10 years' experience.

This option provides information about the experience level of salespeople at other local dealers but does not explain why CarStore has implemented a training program despite their experienced personnel. It does not directly address the discrepancy between CarStore's experience and the need for training. Therefore, this option is not the best explanation.

(C) It is common for new or less experienced employees to participate in training programs.

This option suggests that training programs are typically for new or less experienced employees. It does not explain why CarStore, which has experienced personnel, would implement a mandatory training program. Hence, this option does not provide the best explanation.

(D) Pricing information, which used to be confidential, has recently been released on the internet, and many customers try to negotiate lower prices using this data.

This option suggests that the recent release of pricing information on the internet has affected customer behavior. As a result, CarStore's sales personnel may require training to adapt to this new challenge. It explains why CarStore, despite having experienced sales personnel, has implemented a mandatory training program. This option provides a plausible explanation, making it a strong contender for the correct answer.

(E) Several retailers that compete directly with CarStore use "customer-centered" sales approaches.

This option introduces information about the sales approaches used by CarStore's competitors. However, it does not directly address why CarStore has implemented a training program despite its experienced sales personnel. Therefore, this option is not the best explanation.

Based on the analysis, option (D) is the best explanation for the given facts. It explains why CarStore, despite having experienced sales personnel, has implemented a mandatory training program due to the release of pricing information on the internet, affecting customer behavior.

However, despite this increase, many expectant mothers still found their pregnancy-related expenses difficult to bear. The question asks for the option that best explains this result.

Let's analyze each answer choice:

(A) The majority of expectant mothers who found their pregnancy-related expenses no easier to bear relied entirely on the government stipend to meet these expenses.

This option suggests that expectant mothers who heavily depended on the government stipend still found it difficult to cover their expenses. However, it does not explain why the stipend increase did not alleviate their financial burden.

(B) The prices of nutritional supplements and obstetric services that meet the special needs of expectant mothers have increased much faster than inflation has.

This option provides a plausible explanation for the result observed. If the prices of essential items like nutritional supplements and obstetric services have increased at a higher rate than inflation, the stipend increase may not have been sufficient to offset these rising costs. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that the stipend increase did not make pregnancy-related expenses easier to bear.

(C) The Rutranian banking system is so inefficient that cashing a stipend check can take as much as two weeks.

While this option highlights a potential issue with the banking system, it does not directly explain why expectant mothers still found their expenses difficult to bear. Delays in cashing the stipend check could be a problem, but it does not necessarily imply that the increased stipend did not help alleviate financial burdens.

(D) The stipend increase was implemented when the number of expectant mothers in Rutrania who were living below the poverty level was higher than ever before.

This option provides information about the poverty level of expectant mothers at the time of the stipend increase. While it indicates a challenging economic situation, it does not specifically address why the stipend increase did not improve the situation for these mothers.

(E) The latest stipend increase was the first such increase in the last decade.

This option suggests that the stipend increase was the first in a long time. While this may provide some context, it does not directly explain why expectant mothers still found their expenses difficult to bear.

Among the answer choices, option B provides the most plausible explanation. If the prices of essential items for expectant mothers have increased faster than inflation, it would undermine the impact of the stipend increase and make pregnancy-related expenses no easier to bear.

Therefore, the correct answer is B.