Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 700) - 1 - GMAT MCQ

To determine the main point of the passage, let's analyze each option:
(A) Incorrect. This option suggests that many fundamental experimental results are unreliable, which is too broad. The model focuses on non-replicable results, not all results.
(B) Correct. This option accurately captures the essence of Sommerer and Ott's model, which explains that scientists may fail to replicate results due to the nature of physical systems, making replication nearly impossible.
(C) Incorrect. This option is too extreme by saying experimental results can never be truly replicated.
(D) Incorrect. This option overgeneralizes by saying most physical systems are riddled basins of attraction, which is too strong a claim.
(E) Incorrect. This option incorrectly states the opposite of the model's suggestion.
The best choice is (B) because it accurately reflects the idea that non-replicable results may be due to the nature of the physical systems being studied.

To understand the function of the discussion about the chaos of physical systems, we need to identify what it emphasizes in the context of the passage.

(A) Incorrect. This option focuses on the number of physical irregularities, which is not the main emphasis.
(B) Incorrect. This option suggests unusual types of irregularities, which is not the main point.
(C) Incorrect. This option highlights the percentage of unpredictability, which is not emphasized.
(D) Correct. This option accurately reflects the focus on the degree of unpredictability in Sommerer and Ott’s model.
(E) Incorrect. This option focuses on the number of fractal properties, which is not the main emphasis.

The correct answer is (D) because the passage emphasizes how unpredictable the systems described in Sommerer and Ott’s model are.

To determine what Sommerer and Ott are most likely to agree with, let's examine each option:
(A) Incorrect. The passage does not discuss the impossibility of determining fractal properties.
(B) Incorrect. The passage does not state that it is impossible to predict the general destination of a particle in a chaotic system.
(C) Correct. This aligns with the idea that starting conditions in an experiment can never be re-created exactly, leading to the failure of replication.
(D) Incorrect. The passage does not discuss predicting the exact path of water in a non-boundary situation.
(E) Incorrect. The passage suggests unpredictability in chaotic systems, so determining the exact path based on initial placement and destination is unlikely.
The correct answer is (C), as it directly relates to the concept of re-creating starting conditions in an experiment, which is a key point in Sommerer and Ott's model.

The author's attitude toward the work of Sommerer and Ott can be inferred from the text. They are persuaded of the possibility that numerous unstable systems exist (as indicated by "believes that there are many systems that are not stable") and confident that the existence of these systems would call into question one of the foundations of science ("would put in question one of the basic pillars of science").

Therefore, the correct answer is (E) persuaded of the possibility that numerous unstable systems exist and confident that the existence of numerous unstable systems would call into question one of the foundations of science.

Option (C) is correct.

In the context of chaos theory and basin of attraction:

The model refers to a deterministic system where the behavior of particles (or points) is chaotic.
A riddled basin of attraction refers to a situation where the destination of particles (or water spilled) depends sensitively on the initial conditions.
Option (C) contrasts the model (deterministic chaos) with a riddled basin of attraction:

In the model, any particle's destination is unpredictable (chaotic).
In a riddled basin of attraction, only certain points have unpredictable destinations for water spilled.
Therefore, (C) accurately describes the distinction between the model and a riddled basin of attraction in terms of predictability of outcomes.
 

The author describes the learning curve as a familiar model that assumes a continuous and highly regular progression of learning over time. This model underlies the assumption that users of new technologies gradually learn and modify those technologies.

However, the subsequent paragraphs present an alternative perspective to challenge this assumption. The author explains that the learning and modification process associated with the introduction of new technology may not be continuous. Instead, there are periods of intense activity followed by longer periods of routine use, with intermittent spurts of learning and adaptation.

By introducing "the learning curve" model, the author provides a reference point for the traditional assumption about gradual learning progression. This allows the subsequent discussion to propose an alternative pattern of learning and adaptation, highlighting the discontinuous nature of the process when new technology is introduced.

Therefore, option C) "To identify a model to which an alternative is then proposed" accurately reflects the purpose of mentioning "the learning curve" in the passage. The model is introduced and later contrasted with the alternative pattern described in the passage.

What is the main point of the passage? What does the author try to do in it? He introduces an alternative theory to 'learning curve' for our consideration (in para 2). He explains how people learn new tech (perhaps). In para 3, he talks about how awareness of this theory could help managers be better prepared when introducing a new tech. 

A. explaining a phenomenon and its significance for managers

He does explain the phenomenon of "learning in bursts," and then he talks about its significance for managers. 

B. summarizing traditional assumptions about a phenomenon

He did not write the passage to talk about the traditional assumptions about a phenomenon. He only introduced what the traditional assumptions are and then presented an alternative.

C. pointing out ways in which managers have taken advantage of a phenomenon

He does not say that the managers have taken advantage of bursts of learning. He says that they CAN take advantage if they are aware of how people actually learn (in bursts) and he then explains how they can take advantage. 

D. arguing against introducing more than one new technology at a time

No such discussion. How many new tech are to be introduced at a time has not been mentioned. 

E. discussing the benefits and drawbacks of introducing new technology

He does not discuss the benefits and drawbacks of introducing new technology. He discusses how people learn new tech when it is introduced.

A. This choice is not the primary focus of the passage. While the passage mentions that users return to their customary production tasks, the primary emphasis is on the discontinuous nature of learning and adaptation when new technology is introduced.

B. The passage does not discuss the unpredictability of learning and adaptation due to differences in workers' familiarity with other technologies. Instead, it highlights the pattern of discontinuous learning and how users often engage intensely initially, followed by periods of routine use.

C. The passage does mention the importance of managers planning for intense user activity when new technology is introduced. However, it doesn't describe the entire process as inefficient but rather emphasizes the value of recognizing and planning for the patterns of learning and adaptation.

D. This option is not supported by the passage. The passage doesn't describe the process as initially slow and then accelerating. Instead, it highlights an initial burst of learning and adaptive activity when new technology is introduced, followed by a decline in user effort and attention.

E. This is the correct answer. The passage emphasizes that user learning and adaptation to new technology occur at intervals or discontinuously. Users engage intensely at the beginning, then return to their routine tasks, and later revisit the technology when challenges arise. This is the central idea of the passage. So, option E accurately reflects the main point of the passage regarding the process of user learning and adaptation to new technology.

(A) suggests that managers should prioritize maintaining productivity throughout the entire process of introducing a new technology. However, the passage doesn't explicitly emphasize maintaining productivity as the primary concern. Instead, it highlights the cyclical nature of user learning and adaptation, with periods of intense activity followed by routine use.

(B) This option recommends planning for a continuous learning curve. However, the passage argues against this assumption by explaining that learning and adaptation to new technology are not continuous but rather have periods of intense activity followed by routine use.

(C) This option aligns with the passage. It suggests that managers should take advantage of the initial surge of user activity and motivation to make necessary improvements to the technology. The passage implies that this is a beneficial approach.

(D) This option suggests a collaborative approach between managers and users to determine the learning needs. The passage doesn't explicitly address this recommendation. It focuses more on the pattern of user activity and how managers can harness it.

(E) This is also incorrect.

 The passage discusses how increased CO₂ levels might initially seem beneficial for plant growth and potentially mitigating global warming. However, it then goes on to explain the complexities and negative side effects, suggesting that the benefits have been overstated. Thus, option (C) best captures the main point of the passage.

The passage discusses that while increased plant growth due to higher CO₂ levels might seem beneficial, it fails to account for the increased decomposition rates caused by warmer temperatures, which release more CO₂. This undermines the hypothesis in the first paragraph. Hence, (B) is the correct answer.

The last paragraph presents research showing that increased CO₂ levels and higher temperatures can lead to more CO₂ being released from the decomposition of peat, which contradicts the initial hypothesis that more vegetation would reduce global warming. This undermines the hypothesis presented in the first paragraph. Thus, (A) is the best choice.

The passage mentions that Patterson and Flint's research indicates that increased CO2 levels would lead to differential growth rates among plant species, with some plants (like certain weeds) benefiting more than important crops. This aligns with option (D).

The passage acknowledges that increased levels of CO₂ can enhance the photosynthetic rates of certain plants, even though it later discusses complications and negative effects. Thus, (A) accurately reflects the passage's information.

This choice aligns with the pre-thinking and evaluates the potential impact on tea prices. If the domestic demand for tea in tea-importing countries decreases significantly, it could offset the effect of India's lower tea production and may not result in a significant increase in tea prices on the international market. Therefore, it is a relevant and important factor to consider.

B. Some people who would otherwise purchase pirated DVDs would be willing to purchase legitimate DVDs if they were less expensive and released earlier than they are now.

This assumption suggests that there is a potential market for legitimate DVDs among those who currently purchase pirated DVDs. If legitimate DVDs were more affordable and released earlier, these consumers would be willing to choose the legitimate option instead. This assumption forms the basis for the argument's claim that lowering prices and releasing DVDs sooner would mitigate the negative impact of piracy on film industry profits.

A. Wise people inevitably evaluate at least some of the things they observe.

Cicero's argument is based on the premise that emotions are a product of one's evaluation of events, people, and actions. In order for his reasoning to hold, it is necessary to assume that wise individuals engage in the process of evaluation. Without this assumption, Cicero's argument would not be applicable to wise people, as they would not be involved in the evaluation process that leads to emotions.

This option provides a reason why the sharp fall in the number of new customers reported by mobile phone companies may not be as concerning as it appears. It suggests that the industry has a history of making exaggerated claims about new customer acquisition. Therefore, the decrease in reported numbers may be a result of more accurate reporting rather than an actual decline in customer demand. This context helps to mitigate the concern raised by the sharp fall in new customer numbers.

(C) A thorough survey of a planet's surface is insufficient to establish beyond a doubt that the planet contains no life.

The statements highlight examples of microbial life thriving in extreme environments on Earth, such as deep within the bedrock and on the ocean floor. These findings indicate that life can exist in unexpected and challenging conditions. Therefore, the conclusion that a thorough survey of a planet's surface is insufficient to definitively establish the absence of life is supported. The presence of microbial life in unconventional locations on Earth suggests that there may be undiscovered forms of life elsewhere, even in environments that may appear inhospitable at first glance.

b) The scientists have evidence to support a hypothesis that the meteorite came from Mars.

The given information states that a meteorite discovered in Antarctica has geological characteristics common to Mars and contains fossilized remains of single-cell life forms. This suggests that the meteorite originated from Mars, providing evidence to support the hypothesis that it came from the planet. Therefore, option (b) is the most appropriate conclusion based on the provided information.

Options (a), (c), (d), and (e) are not directly supported by the given information. The statement does not provide sufficient evidence to conclude that life exists on Mars (option a), make a broad claim about human knowledge of life development in the solar system (option c), assert the existence of undiscovered meteorites in Antarctica (option d), or state that "acid-etching" is necessary to confirm the existence of fossilized remains in meteorites (option e).

A. This choice does not pertain to the flaw in the conclusion, as it merely presents an example of what other children drew, without addressing whether the child in question has Colourshift syndrome or not.

B. The correct option is as follows. If this statement is true, then the child would perceive the red coloring pencil as a green pencil and the green coloring pencil as a yellow pencil. Consequently, the child would still use the red pencil (which they perceive as green) to draw the red rose (which they see as green) and the green pencil (which they perceive as yellow) to draw the green leaves (which they see as yellow). The resulting drawing would still portray a red rose with green leaves, rather than a green rose with yellow leaves. This option clarifies the flaw in the conclusion.

C. This option does not relate to the flaw in the conclusion. It simply provides information about how Colourshift syndrome is acquired, without addressing the validity of the conclusion itself.

D. This option is irrelevant to Colourshift syndrome and the specific colors mentioned in the hypothesis. The hypothesis discusses the perception of red as green and green as yellow. If the child had color blindness and could not differentiate between blue and green, they would mistake green for blue, not yellow. Hence, this option does not address the flaw in the conclusion related to Colourshift syndrome.

E. This option does not represent a flaw in the argument. The child was not instructed to draw something from a storybook; rather, they were given a real red rose with green leaves to draw.

(C) If Powell lacked superior negotiating skills, she would not have been appointed arbitrator in this case. As everyone knows, she is the appointed arbitrator, so her negotiating skills are, detractors notwithstanding, bound to be superior.

In both the original argument and option (C), a conclusion is drawn based on the assumption that a certain condition or quality must exist because if it did not, a specific outcome or situation would not occur. The original argument assumes that if bilateral symmetry did not confer survival advantages, it would not be a common trait. Similarly, option (C) assumes that if Powell lacked superior negotiating skills, she would not have been appointed as an arbitrator in the case. Both arguments rely on the idea that the existence of a certain outcome implies the existence of a particular condition or quality.

Answer choice (A): This option is the correct one. Similar to the information provided, there is a correlation between lack of attention and poor academic performance. Both arguments caution against assuming a cause-and-effect relationship, as there could be a third factor (such as undiagnosed hearing problems) that is responsible for both.

Answer choice (B): This answer choice is incorrect because it does not consider the possibility of a common cause for the correlated events.

Answer choice (C): Although this option questions the validity of a causal relationship, like the stimulus, it fails to speculate on a common cause that could explain the correlation. Since this speculation was essential in the stimulus argument, this answer choice is incorrect.

Answer choice (D): This answer choice simply suggests that studying biology and chemistry alone is not sufficient for success as a physician.

Answer choice (E): Initially, this option may seem attractive as vigorous exercise does not guarantee good health, just as studying music does not guarantee improved math skills. However, the parallel ends there. There is no reason to suspect a common cause explaining the correlation between vigorous exercise and health. Instead, we are informed that vigorous exercise may not be essential, as less intense exercise could also have beneficial effects. This is similar to saying that studying music does not necessarily enhance math skills because listening to music alone might be sufficient. Therefore, this answer choice is incorrect.