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Directions: Each of these critical reasoning practice questions are based on a short argument, a set of statements, or a plan of action. For each question, select the best answer of the choices given.
Though the Great Fakir is a well-respected illusionist and escape artist, he has recently become outspokenly critical of the performance act of the Magnificent Mystic, calling it largely staged and fake. The Magnificent Mystic’s stage act involves a “Buried Alive” set-piece, wherein he appears to be placed in a coffin which is then wrapped in chains, and lowered into a make-shift grave, only to reappear from the side of the stage after several minutes. The Great Fakir criticized the Magnificent Mystic’s act in an editorial as “an obvious form of mechanical trickery,” but the Great Fakir’s own world-famous performance act uses mechanical devices such as boxes, ladders, and glass panes to create his own stage illusions, which have helped him become the world’s most popular touring magician.
Q. The argument's reasoning is most open to criticism on the basis that it:
  • a)
    attacks the morality of the Magnificent Mystic’s stage act rather than its efficacy.
  • b)
    implies popularity lends credibility.
  • c)
    undermines the credentials of the Great Fakir.
  • d)
    differentiates between types of mechanical trickery.
  • e)
    suggests that there is no difference between the two magicians’ acts.
Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Directions:Each of these critical reasoning practice questions are bas...
The correct response is (E). This is a flaw question, and the correct answer will accurately describe the author’s gap in logic. In the argument, the Great Fakir is presented as somewhat hypocritical, since he also uses “mechanical trickery” while calling the Magnificent Mystic’s act “largely staged and fake”. The author wants us to believe that since “the Great Fakir’s own world-famous performance act uses mechanical devices such as boxes, ladders, and glass panes to create his own stage illusions” the Great Fakir is hypocritical in calling the Magnificent Mystic’s act largely staged and fake. This need not be the case unless the two acts are similar in all regards. If the Great Fakir’s act has several important differences that make it look more real than the Magnificent Mystic’s act, then the author would be wrong in suggesting that the Great Fakir is hypocritical in his criticism of the Magnificent Mystic’s act.
Answer choice (B) is incorrect because although the author states that the Great Fakir has become the world’s most popular touring magician partly because of his use of mechanical devices to create his own optical illusions, the author’s main point is that the Great Fakir is hypocritical in his criticism of the Magnificent Mystic’s act. The suggestion that the Great Fakir is the world’s most popular touring magician is secondary to the author’s main point, and certainly isn’t the main problem with suggesting that the Great Fakir is hypocritical in his criticism of the Magnificent Mystic’s act. The main issue is that he assumes the two acts are similar in all regards.
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Directions:Each of these critical reasoning practice questions are bas...
Understanding the Argument
The argument critiques the performance of the Magnificent Mystic while highlighting the Great Fakir's use of similar techniques. The key issue is the inconsistency in the Great Fakir's stance.
Critical Analysis of Option E
The correct answer is option 'E', which suggests that the Great Fakir's criticism implies there is no difference between the two magicians' acts. Here’s why this reasoning is flawed:
  • Same Techniques, Different Critiques: Both the Great Fakir and the Magnificent Mystic utilize mechanical devices in their performances. By criticizing the Mystic's act as "staged and fake," the Fakir inadvertently places his own methods under scrutiny, as they share similar foundations.
  • Inconsistency in Standards: The argument fails to differentiate between the two acts adequately. If the Great Fakir condemns the Mystic for mechanical trickery, it raises questions about the legitimacy of his own performances, which also rely on such devices.
  • Implication of Equivalence: By equating the Mystic's act with an obvious form of trickery, the Great Fakir's critique suggests that all mechanical trickery is inherently flawed, including his own, leading to an untenable position.

Conclusion
In essence, the argument's reasoning is most vulnerable because it overlooks the similarities between the two magicians' performances. The Great Fakir’s critique lacks a solid foundation when his own performances are built on the same principles he criticizes, making option 'E' the most valid criticism of the argument.
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Directions:Each of these critical reasoning practice questions are bas...
The correct response is (E). This is a flaw question, and the correct answer will accurately describe the author’s gap in logic. In the argument, the Great Fakir is presented as somewhat hypocritical, since he also uses “mechanical trickery” while calling the Magnificent Mystic’s act “largely staged and fake”. The author wants us to believe that since “the Great Fakir’s own world-famous performance act uses mechanical devices such as boxes, ladders, and glass panes to create his own stage illusions” the Great Fakir is hypocritical in calling the Magnificent Mystic’s act largely staged and fake. This need not be the case unless the two acts are similar in all regards. If the Great Fakir’s act has several important differences that make it look more real than the Magnificent Mystic’s act, then the author would be wrong in suggesting that the Great Fakir is hypocritical in his criticism of the Magnificent Mystic’s act.
Answer choice (B) is incorrect because although the author states that the Great Fakir has become the world’s most popular touring magician partly because of his use of mechanical devices to create his own optical illusions, the author’s main point is that the Great Fakir is hypocritical in his criticism of the Magnificent Mystic’s act. The suggestion that the Great Fakir is the world’s most popular touring magician is secondary to the author’s main point, and certainly isn’t the main problem with suggesting that the Great Fakir is hypocritical in his criticism of the Magnificent Mystic’s act. The main issue is that he assumes the two acts are similar in all regards.
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Directions:Each of these critical reasoning practice questions are based on a short argument, a set of statements, or a plan of action. For each question, select the best answer of the choices given.Though the Great Fakir is a well-respected illusionist and escape artist, he has recently become outspokenly critical of the performance act of the Magnificent Mystic, calling it largely staged and fake. The Magnificent Mystic’s stage act involves a “Buried Alive” set-piece, wherein he appears to be placed in a coffin which is then wrapped in chains, and lowered into a make-shift grave, only to reappear from the side of the stage after several minutes. The Great Fakir criticized the Magnificent Mystic’s act in an editorial as “an obvious form of mechanical trickery,” but the Great Fakir’s own world-famous performance act uses mechanical devices such as boxes, ladders, and glass panes to create his own stage illusions, which have helped him become the world’s most popular touring magician.Q. The arguments reasoning is most open to criticism on the basis that it:a)attacks the morality of the Magnificent Mystic’s stage act rather than its efficacy.b)implies popularity lends credibility.c)undermines the credentials of the Great Fakir.d)differentiates between types of mechanical trickery.e)suggests that there is no difference between the two magicians’ acts.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? for GMAT 2025 is part of GMAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the GMAT exam syllabus. Information about Directions:Each of these critical reasoning practice questions are based on a short argument, a set of statements, or a plan of action. For each question, select the best answer of the choices given.Though the Great Fakir is a well-respected illusionist and escape artist, he has recently become outspokenly critical of the performance act of the Magnificent Mystic, calling it largely staged and fake. The Magnificent Mystic’s stage act involves a “Buried Alive” set-piece, wherein he appears to be placed in a coffin which is then wrapped in chains, and lowered into a make-shift grave, only to reappear from the side of the stage after several minutes. The Great Fakir criticized the Magnificent Mystic’s act in an editorial as “an obvious form of mechanical trickery,” but the Great Fakir’s own world-famous performance act uses mechanical devices such as boxes, ladders, and glass panes to create his own stage illusions, which have helped him become the world’s most popular touring magician.Q. The arguments reasoning is most open to criticism on the basis that it:a)attacks the morality of the Magnificent Mystic’s stage act rather than its efficacy.b)implies popularity lends credibility.c)undermines the credentials of the Great Fakir.d)differentiates between types of mechanical trickery.e)suggests that there is no difference between the two magicians’ acts.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for GMAT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Directions:Each of these critical reasoning practice questions are based on a short argument, a set of statements, or a plan of action. For each question, select the best answer of the choices given.Though the Great Fakir is a well-respected illusionist and escape artist, he has recently become outspokenly critical of the performance act of the Magnificent Mystic, calling it largely staged and fake. The Magnificent Mystic’s stage act involves a “Buried Alive” set-piece, wherein he appears to be placed in a coffin which is then wrapped in chains, and lowered into a make-shift grave, only to reappear from the side of the stage after several minutes. The Great Fakir criticized the Magnificent Mystic’s act in an editorial as “an obvious form of mechanical trickery,” but the Great Fakir’s own world-famous performance act uses mechanical devices such as boxes, ladders, and glass panes to create his own stage illusions, which have helped him become the world’s most popular touring magician.Q. The arguments reasoning is most open to criticism on the basis that it:a)attacks the morality of the Magnificent Mystic’s stage act rather than its efficacy.b)implies popularity lends credibility.c)undermines the credentials of the Great Fakir.d)differentiates between types of mechanical trickery.e)suggests that there is no difference between the two magicians’ acts.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Directions:Each of these critical reasoning practice questions are based on a short argument, a set of statements, or a plan of action. For each question, select the best answer of the choices given.Though the Great Fakir is a well-respected illusionist and escape artist, he has recently become outspokenly critical of the performance act of the Magnificent Mystic, calling it largely staged and fake. The Magnificent Mystic’s stage act involves a “Buried Alive” set-piece, wherein he appears to be placed in a coffin which is then wrapped in chains, and lowered into a make-shift grave, only to reappear from the side of the stage after several minutes. The Great Fakir criticized the Magnificent Mystic’s act in an editorial as “an obvious form of mechanical trickery,” but the Great Fakir’s own world-famous performance act uses mechanical devices such as boxes, ladders, and glass panes to create his own stage illusions, which have helped him become the world’s most popular touring magician.Q. The arguments reasoning is most open to criticism on the basis that it:a)attacks the morality of the Magnificent Mystic’s stage act rather than its efficacy.b)implies popularity lends credibility.c)undermines the credentials of the Great Fakir.d)differentiates between types of mechanical trickery.e)suggests that there is no difference between the two magicians’ acts.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for GMAT. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for GMAT Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Directions:Each of these critical reasoning practice questions are based on a short argument, a set of statements, or a plan of action. For each question, select the best answer of the choices given.Though the Great Fakir is a well-respected illusionist and escape artist, he has recently become outspokenly critical of the performance act of the Magnificent Mystic, calling it largely staged and fake. The Magnificent Mystic’s stage act involves a “Buried Alive” set-piece, wherein he appears to be placed in a coffin which is then wrapped in chains, and lowered into a make-shift grave, only to reappear from the side of the stage after several minutes. The Great Fakir criticized the Magnificent Mystic’s act in an editorial as “an obvious form of mechanical trickery,” but the Great Fakir’s own world-famous performance act uses mechanical devices such as boxes, ladders, and glass panes to create his own stage illusions, which have helped him become the world’s most popular touring magician.Q. The arguments reasoning is most open to criticism on the basis that it:a)attacks the morality of the Magnificent Mystic’s stage act rather than its efficacy.b)implies popularity lends credibility.c)undermines the credentials of the Great Fakir.d)differentiates between types of mechanical trickery.e)suggests that there is no difference between the two magicians’ acts.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Directions:Each of these critical reasoning practice questions are based on a short argument, a set of statements, or a plan of action. For each question, select the best answer of the choices given.Though the Great Fakir is a well-respected illusionist and escape artist, he has recently become outspokenly critical of the performance act of the Magnificent Mystic, calling it largely staged and fake. The Magnificent Mystic’s stage act involves a “Buried Alive” set-piece, wherein he appears to be placed in a coffin which is then wrapped in chains, and lowered into a make-shift grave, only to reappear from the side of the stage after several minutes. The Great Fakir criticized the Magnificent Mystic’s act in an editorial as “an obvious form of mechanical trickery,” but the Great Fakir’s own world-famous performance act uses mechanical devices such as boxes, ladders, and glass panes to create his own stage illusions, which have helped him become the world’s most popular touring magician.Q. The arguments reasoning is most open to criticism on the basis that it:a)attacks the morality of the Magnificent Mystic’s stage act rather than its efficacy.b)implies popularity lends credibility.c)undermines the credentials of the Great Fakir.d)differentiates between types of mechanical trickery.e)suggests that there is no difference between the two magicians’ acts.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Directions:Each of these critical reasoning practice questions are based on a short argument, a set of statements, or a plan of action. For each question, select the best answer of the choices given.Though the Great Fakir is a well-respected illusionist and escape artist, he has recently become outspokenly critical of the performance act of the Magnificent Mystic, calling it largely staged and fake. The Magnificent Mystic’s stage act involves a “Buried Alive” set-piece, wherein he appears to be placed in a coffin which is then wrapped in chains, and lowered into a make-shift grave, only to reappear from the side of the stage after several minutes. The Great Fakir criticized the Magnificent Mystic’s act in an editorial as “an obvious form of mechanical trickery,” but the Great Fakir’s own world-famous performance act uses mechanical devices such as boxes, ladders, and glass panes to create his own stage illusions, which have helped him become the world’s most popular touring magician.Q. The arguments reasoning is most open to criticism on the basis that it:a)attacks the morality of the Magnificent Mystic’s stage act rather than its efficacy.b)implies popularity lends credibility.c)undermines the credentials of the Great Fakir.d)differentiates between types of mechanical trickery.e)suggests that there is no difference between the two magicians’ acts.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Directions:Each of these critical reasoning practice questions are based on a short argument, a set of statements, or a plan of action. For each question, select the best answer of the choices given.Though the Great Fakir is a well-respected illusionist and escape artist, he has recently become outspokenly critical of the performance act of the Magnificent Mystic, calling it largely staged and fake. The Magnificent Mystic’s stage act involves a “Buried Alive” set-piece, wherein he appears to be placed in a coffin which is then wrapped in chains, and lowered into a make-shift grave, only to reappear from the side of the stage after several minutes. The Great Fakir criticized the Magnificent Mystic’s act in an editorial as “an obvious form of mechanical trickery,” but the Great Fakir’s own world-famous performance act uses mechanical devices such as boxes, ladders, and glass panes to create his own stage illusions, which have helped him become the world’s most popular touring magician.Q. The arguments reasoning is most open to criticism on the basis that it:a)attacks the morality of the Magnificent Mystic’s stage act rather than its efficacy.b)implies popularity lends credibility.c)undermines the credentials of the Great Fakir.d)differentiates between types of mechanical trickery.e)suggests that there is no difference between the two magicians’ acts.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Directions:Each of these critical reasoning practice questions are based on a short argument, a set of statements, or a plan of action. For each question, select the best answer of the choices given.Though the Great Fakir is a well-respected illusionist and escape artist, he has recently become outspokenly critical of the performance act of the Magnificent Mystic, calling it largely staged and fake. The Magnificent Mystic’s stage act involves a “Buried Alive” set-piece, wherein he appears to be placed in a coffin which is then wrapped in chains, and lowered into a make-shift grave, only to reappear from the side of the stage after several minutes. The Great Fakir criticized the Magnificent Mystic’s act in an editorial as “an obvious form of mechanical trickery,” but the Great Fakir’s own world-famous performance act uses mechanical devices such as boxes, ladders, and glass panes to create his own stage illusions, which have helped him become the world’s most popular touring magician.Q. The arguments reasoning is most open to criticism on the basis that it:a)attacks the morality of the Magnificent Mystic’s stage act rather than its efficacy.b)implies popularity lends credibility.c)undermines the credentials of the Great Fakir.d)differentiates between types of mechanical trickery.e)suggests that there is no difference between the two magicians’ acts.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice GMAT tests.
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