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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?
Verified Answer
Customers are aware that most of the faults that arise in their mobile...
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 – 2nd 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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Most Upvoted Answer
Customers are aware that most of the faults that arise in their mobile...
Observation:
- The first boldfaced portion states that customers are aware of the main reason for faults in mobile phones being exposure to moisture or water.
- The second boldfaced portion mentions that the manufacturing cost of the water-resistant phone is significantly higher than that of an ordinary phone.

Role of the Boldfaced Portions:
- The first observation is not disputed by the argument, as it is acknowledged that customers are aware of the issue with water exposure in mobile phones.
- The second observation is also not disputed by the argument, as it is stated that the manufacturing cost of the water-resistant phone is higher than that of an ordinary phone.
- However, the argument does not support the conclusion that the water-resistant phone will not find enough customers due to its high cost, as there may still be a market for customers who prioritize water resistance over price.
- Therefore, the first observation is not refuted, and the second observation does not directly lead to the conclusion stated in the argument.
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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?
Question Description
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? for GMAT 2024 is part of GMAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the GMAT exam syllabus. Information about 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? covers all topics & solutions for GMAT 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for 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?.
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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'. 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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'. 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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? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice 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'. 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