All Courses
Explore Courses UPSC Exam UPSC Test Series Free Notes EduRev Infinity Get the App Login Join for Free
Sign in Open App
GMAT Exam  >  GMAT Questions  >  During medieval times, the administrative sys... Start Learning for Free
During medieval times, the administrative system was organized such that jobs were traditionally held within the same family. The eldest son of the village's blacksmith will take up his father’s business and become the next blacksmith. The other sons would join the army or serve the king in some fashion while the daughters did what their mother did. Although the world has undergone innumerable changes, the dynastic system has not undergone any change whatsoever. Children who have fathers who played major league baseball are 800 times more likely than other kids to become major league players themselves.
Q. Which of the following best refutes the author's reasoning?
  • a)
    In countries with a royal family, the eldest son of the king is destined to be the next king.
  • b)
    The blacksmith's eldest son in a mediaeval village could not choose any other profession even if he wanted to.
  • c)
    A major baseball player will have better knowledge and skills and will be able to guide his son better.
  • d)
    60℅ of the country's doctors have at least one parent who is a doctor.
  • e)
    It is a proven fact that success in any career is determined more by skill and practice rather than by genetic makeup.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Clear all your GMAT doubts with EduRev
Verified Answer
During medieval times, the administrative system was organized such th...
Analyzing the Argument
The argument draws parallels between the mediaeval and modern times and concludes that the dynastic system of sons taking on their fathers’ jobs has not changed over the years. To make the point, the author gives an example of blacksmiths in mediaeval times and baseball players today.
In order to question the credibility of the argument, the correct option must point out that the times are different and that there need not be a parallel between career systems today and in mediaeval times.
Eliminating Options
  • Option (A) gives one more example of dynastic systems today. If anything, (A) lending further credibility to the argument and is not refuting it. For the same reason, Option (D) can also be eliminated.
  • Option (C) implies that having a father in the same profession increases the possibility of the son following the father’s footsteps. The reasoning and implication in (C) is probably not as evident as in (A) and (D) but ultimately, (C) lends credibility to the argument, if anything.
  • Option (E) is possibly a very attractive option. However, the argument does not state that genetic makeup was the reason that people chose a profession; rather it was the accepted practice of the day. Therefore, stating that genetic makeup does not influence the success of a career is irrelevant to the argument. Also, the argument does not discuss “success” in a career at all but just the choice of a career.
  • Option (B) works because it implies that there was no choice given to those who lived in mediaeval times. The argument, when discussing the “likelihood” of someone becoming a baseball player implies that anyone today has the choice to become one, if they wanted to. Thus, a difference in the systems today and then has been pointed out and the option weakens the author’s reasoning.
Choice B is the correct answer.
View all questions of this test
Most Upvoted Answer
During medieval times, the administrative system was organized such th...
Explanation:

Refutation of the author's reasoning:

- The author argues that the dynastic system, where children follow their parents' professions, has not changed over time.
- The author gives the example of children of major league baseball players being more likely to become players themselves to support this claim.

Refutation:

- Option B: The blacksmith's eldest son in a medieval village could not choose any other profession even if he wanted to.
- This option challenges the author's reasoning by suggesting that the eldest son of a blacksmith may not have had the freedom to choose a different profession even if he desired to do so.
- It implies that the dynastic system may have been more restrictive and less of a choice for individuals in medieval times, unlike the situation with major league baseball players today.

Therefore, option B provides a strong refutation of the author's reasoning by highlighting the lack of choice and potential constraints faced by individuals in following their parents' profession in medieval times.
Free Test
FREE
Start Free Test
Start Free Test
Community Answer
During medieval times, the administrative system was organized such th...
Analyzing the Argument
The argument draws parallels between the mediaeval and modern times and concludes that the dynastic system of sons taking on their fathers’ jobs has not changed over the years. To make the point, the author gives an example of blacksmiths in mediaeval times and baseball players today.
In order to question the credibility of the argument, the correct option must point out that the times are different and that there need not be a parallel between career systems today and in mediaeval times.
Eliminating Options
  • Option (A) gives one more example of dynastic systems today. If anything, (A) lending further credibility to the argument and is not refuting it. For the same reason, Option (D) can also be eliminated.
  • Option (C) implies that having a father in the same profession increases the possibility of the son following the father’s footsteps. The reasoning and implication in (C) is probably not as evident as in (A) and (D) but ultimately, (C) lends credibility to the argument, if anything.
  • Option (E) is possibly a very attractive option. However, the argument does not state that genetic makeup was the reason that people chose a profession; rather it was the accepted practice of the day. Therefore, stating that genetic makeup does not influence the success of a career is irrelevant to the argument. Also, the argument does not discuss “success” in a career at all but just the choice of a career.
  • Option (B) works because it implies that there was no choice given to those who lived in mediaeval times. The argument, when discussing the “likelihood” of someone becoming a baseball player implies that anyone today has the choice to become one, if they wanted to. Thus, a difference in the systems today and then has been pointed out and the option weakens the author’s reasoning.
Choice B is the correct answer.
Explore Courses for GMAT exam

Similar GMAT Doubts

Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question as follow.In considering the origin of species, it is quite conceivable that a naturalist, reflecting on the mutual affinities of organic beings, on their embryological relations, their geographical distribution, geological succession, and other such facts, might come to the conclusion that each species had not been independently created, but had descended, like varieties, from other species. Nevertheless, such a conclusion, even if well founded, would be unsatisfactory, until it could be shown how the innumerable species inhabiting this world have been modified, so as to acquire that perfection of structure and co adaptation which most justly excites our admiration.Naturalists continually refer to external conditions, such as climate, food, etc., as the only possible cause of variation. In one very limited sense, this may be true; but it is preposterous to attribute to mere external conditions, the structure, for instance, of the woodpecker, with its feet, tail, beak, and tongue, so admirably adapted to catch insects under the bark of trees. In the case of the mistletoe, which draws its nourishment from certain trees, which has seeds that must be transported by certain birds, and which has flowers with separate sexes absolutely requiring the agency of certain insects to bring pollen from one flower to the other, it is equally preposterous to account for the structure of this parasite, with its relations to several distinct organic beings, by the effects of external conditions, or of habit, or of the volition of the plant itself.Q.What is the primary purpose of the author in writing the passage?

Top Courses for GMATView all

Top Courses for GMAT

During medieval times, the administrative system was organized such that jobs were traditionally held within the same family. The eldest son of the villages blacksmith will take up his father’s business and become the next blacksmith. The other sons would join the army or serve the king in some fashion while the daughters did what their mother did. Although the world has undergone innumerable changes, the dynastic system has not undergone any change whatsoever. Children who have fathers who played major league baseball are 800 times more likely than other kids to become major league players themselves.Q. Which of the following best refutes the authors reasoning?a)In countries with a royal family, the eldest son of the king is destined to be the next king.b)The blacksmiths eldest son in a mediaeval village could not choose any other profession even if he wanted to.c)A major baseball player will have better knowledge and skills and will be able to guide his son better.d)60 of the countrys doctors have at least one parent who is a doctor.e)It is a proven fact that success in any career is determined more by skill and practice rather than by genetic makeup.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
During medieval times, the administrative system was organized such that jobs were traditionally held within the same family. The eldest son of the villages blacksmith will take up his father’s business and become the next blacksmith. The other sons would join the army or serve the king in some fashion while the daughters did what their mother did. Although the world has undergone innumerable changes, the dynastic system has not undergone any change whatsoever. Children who have fathers who played major league baseball are 800 times more likely than other kids to become major league players themselves.Q. Which of the following best refutes the authors reasoning?a)In countries with a royal family, the eldest son of the king is destined to be the next king.b)The blacksmiths eldest son in a mediaeval village could not choose any other profession even if he wanted to.c)A major baseball player will have better knowledge and skills and will be able to guide his son better.d)60 of the countrys doctors have at least one parent who is a doctor.e)It is a proven fact that success in any career is determined more by skill and practice rather than by genetic makeup.Correct answer is option 'B'. 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 During medieval times, the administrative system was organized such that jobs were traditionally held within the same family. The eldest son of the villages blacksmith will take up his father’s business and become the next blacksmith. The other sons would join the army or serve the king in some fashion while the daughters did what their mother did. Although the world has undergone innumerable changes, the dynastic system has not undergone any change whatsoever. Children who have fathers who played major league baseball are 800 times more likely than other kids to become major league players themselves.Q. Which of the following best refutes the authors reasoning?a)In countries with a royal family, the eldest son of the king is destined to be the next king.b)The blacksmiths eldest son in a mediaeval village could not choose any other profession even if he wanted to.c)A major baseball player will have better knowledge and skills and will be able to guide his son better.d)60 of the countrys doctors have at least one parent who is a doctor.e)It is a proven fact that success in any career is determined more by skill and practice rather than by genetic makeup.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for GMAT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for During medieval times, the administrative system was organized such that jobs were traditionally held within the same family. The eldest son of the villages blacksmith will take up his father’s business and become the next blacksmith. The other sons would join the army or serve the king in some fashion while the daughters did what their mother did. Although the world has undergone innumerable changes, the dynastic system has not undergone any change whatsoever. Children who have fathers who played major league baseball are 800 times more likely than other kids to become major league players themselves.Q. Which of the following best refutes the authors reasoning?a)In countries with a royal family, the eldest son of the king is destined to be the next king.b)The blacksmiths eldest son in a mediaeval village could not choose any other profession even if he wanted to.c)A major baseball player will have better knowledge and skills and will be able to guide his son better.d)60 of the countrys doctors have at least one parent who is a doctor.e)It is a proven fact that success in any career is determined more by skill and practice rather than by genetic makeup.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for During medieval times, the administrative system was organized such that jobs were traditionally held within the same family. The eldest son of the villages blacksmith will take up his father’s business and become the next blacksmith. The other sons would join the army or serve the king in some fashion while the daughters did what their mother did. Although the world has undergone innumerable changes, the dynastic system has not undergone any change whatsoever. Children who have fathers who played major league baseball are 800 times more likely than other kids to become major league players themselves.Q. Which of the following best refutes the authors reasoning?a)In countries with a royal family, the eldest son of the king is destined to be the next king.b)The blacksmiths eldest son in a mediaeval village could not choose any other profession even if he wanted to.c)A major baseball player will have better knowledge and skills and will be able to guide his son better.d)60 of the countrys doctors have at least one parent who is a doctor.e)It is a proven fact that success in any career is determined more by skill and practice rather than by genetic makeup.Correct answer is option 'B'. 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 During medieval times, the administrative system was organized such that jobs were traditionally held within the same family. The eldest son of the villages blacksmith will take up his father’s business and become the next blacksmith. The other sons would join the army or serve the king in some fashion while the daughters did what their mother did. Although the world has undergone innumerable changes, the dynastic system has not undergone any change whatsoever. Children who have fathers who played major league baseball are 800 times more likely than other kids to become major league players themselves.Q. Which of the following best refutes the authors reasoning?a)In countries with a royal family, the eldest son of the king is destined to be the next king.b)The blacksmiths eldest son in a mediaeval village could not choose any other profession even if he wanted to.c)A major baseball player will have better knowledge and skills and will be able to guide his son better.d)60 of the countrys doctors have at least one parent who is a doctor.e)It is a proven fact that success in any career is determined more by skill and practice rather than by genetic makeup.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of During medieval times, the administrative system was organized such that jobs were traditionally held within the same family. The eldest son of the villages blacksmith will take up his father’s business and become the next blacksmith. The other sons would join the army or serve the king in some fashion while the daughters did what their mother did. Although the world has undergone innumerable changes, the dynastic system has not undergone any change whatsoever. Children who have fathers who played major league baseball are 800 times more likely than other kids to become major league players themselves.Q. Which of the following best refutes the authors reasoning?a)In countries with a royal family, the eldest son of the king is destined to be the next king.b)The blacksmiths eldest son in a mediaeval village could not choose any other profession even if he wanted to.c)A major baseball player will have better knowledge and skills and will be able to guide his son better.d)60 of the countrys doctors have at least one parent who is a doctor.e)It is a proven fact that success in any career is determined more by skill and practice rather than by genetic makeup.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for During medieval times, the administrative system was organized such that jobs were traditionally held within the same family. The eldest son of the villages blacksmith will take up his father’s business and become the next blacksmith. The other sons would join the army or serve the king in some fashion while the daughters did what their mother did. Although the world has undergone innumerable changes, the dynastic system has not undergone any change whatsoever. Children who have fathers who played major league baseball are 800 times more likely than other kids to become major league players themselves.Q. Which of the following best refutes the authors reasoning?a)In countries with a royal family, the eldest son of the king is destined to be the next king.b)The blacksmiths eldest son in a mediaeval village could not choose any other profession even if he wanted to.c)A major baseball player will have better knowledge and skills and will be able to guide his son better.d)60 of the countrys doctors have at least one parent who is a doctor.e)It is a proven fact that success in any career is determined more by skill and practice rather than by genetic makeup.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of During medieval times, the administrative system was organized such that jobs were traditionally held within the same family. The eldest son of the villages blacksmith will take up his father’s business and become the next blacksmith. The other sons would join the army or serve the king in some fashion while the daughters did what their mother did. Although the world has undergone innumerable changes, the dynastic system has not undergone any change whatsoever. Children who have fathers who played major league baseball are 800 times more likely than other kids to become major league players themselves.Q. Which of the following best refutes the authors reasoning?a)In countries with a royal family, the eldest son of the king is destined to be the next king.b)The blacksmiths eldest son in a mediaeval village could not choose any other profession even if he wanted to.c)A major baseball player will have better knowledge and skills and will be able to guide his son better.d)60 of the countrys doctors have at least one parent who is a doctor.e)It is a proven fact that success in any career is determined more by skill and practice rather than by genetic makeup.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice During medieval times, the administrative system was organized such that jobs were traditionally held within the same family. The eldest son of the villages blacksmith will take up his father’s business and become the next blacksmith. The other sons would join the army or serve the king in some fashion while the daughters did what their mother did. Although the world has undergone innumerable changes, the dynastic system has not undergone any change whatsoever. Children who have fathers who played major league baseball are 800 times more likely than other kids to become major league players themselves.Q. Which of the following best refutes the authors reasoning?a)In countries with a royal family, the eldest son of the king is destined to be the next king.b)The blacksmiths eldest son in a mediaeval village could not choose any other profession even if he wanted to.c)A major baseball player will have better knowledge and skills and will be able to guide his son better.d)60 of the countrys doctors have at least one parent who is a doctor.e)It is a proven fact that success in any career is determined more by skill and practice rather than by genetic makeup.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice GMAT tests.
Explore Courses for GMAT exam

Top Courses for GMAT

Explore Courses
SaveJoin the Discussion on the App for FREE
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev
Get App
© EduRev
Education Revolution
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days!
Access 1000+ FREE Docs, Videos and Tests
Takes less than 10 seconds to signup