GMAT Exam  >  GMAT Questions  >  Political Commentator: In order for a democra... Start Learning for Free
Political Commentator: In order for a democracy to flourish, it is essential that political and journalistic freedom of expression exist. Even if commentators voice ideas that do not support the current government, a society is strengthened by the variety of views expressed. Yet, our government continues to exercise a stranglehold on certain forms of speech. It is essential that the government loosen its control on the media. Despite the potential short-term instability this may cause the country, it will strengthen the long-term health of the country.
Q. hich of the following expresses the conclusion of the argument?
  • a)
    The government is exercising too much control over the media
  • b)
    The government needs to open the media and release its hold on certain forms of speech
  • c)
    Democracy requires a strong and free press
  • d)
    Even ideas not supportive of democracy can strengthen a government
  • e)
    The future of the media lies in the hands of the government
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Political Commentator: In order for a democracy to flourish, it is ess...
The conclusion of the commentator's argument is: "It is essential that the government loosen its control on the media."
To see this, consider the points that the author makes:
(1) political and journalistic freedom are essential for democracy
(2) society is strengthened by many views being expressed
(3) our government stifles free speech
(4) government must loosen speech controls
(5) loosening control of the media leads to long-term strength
Notice that the logical progression of the argument is as follows:
(2) -> (1) -> (3) -> (5) -> (4)
To see the relationship between premises and conclusion, notice how awkward the argument would become if a point such as 1, 2, or 3 were to be the conclusion.
It makes no sense to say: since "government must loosen speech controls," therefore "political and journalistic freedom are essential for democracy."
Rather, it makes sense the other way around:
Since "political and journalistic freedom are essential for democracy," therefore "government must loosen speech controls."
Some test-takers believe that the conclusion is the last sentence of the paragraph. However, this is incorrect since, in this argument, the last sentence serves as a premise to the conclusion. To see this, try to allow the second to last sentence to serve as a premise to the last sentence and it should be clear that this is not the way the sentences are functioning in the argument.
A. Although this statement is true, it is a premise not a conclusion. It is because the government is exercising too much control that "it is essential that the government loosen its control on the media."
B. This is a paraphrase of the conclusion. Every other sentence or major idea in the argument serves as a premise to this statement, which is the conclusion or main point of the author's argument.
C. This mirrors the first sentence of the paragraph. However, it functions as a premise not as a conclusion. It is because democracy requires a free press that "it is essential that the government loosen its control on the media."
D. Although this is similar to the last sentence of the paragraph, it is not the conclusion. The line of reasoning in the paragraph is:
democracy --> long term health --> government must open press
The reasoning is NOT:
government must open press --> democracy --> long term health (it makes no sense to say that since the government must open the press, therefore we will have long term health)
Moreover, the last sentence deals with the health of the country, not the strength of the government.
E. Although this is true, it is not the main thrust of the argument. The author is not trying to make this point. Instead, he is granting that this is true and then trying to argue that the government needs to open the press.
View all questions of this test
Most Upvoted Answer
Political Commentator: In order for a democracy to flourish, it is ess...
The conclusion of the commentator's argument is: "It is essential that the government loosen its control on the media."
To see this, consider the points that the author makes:
(1) political and journalistic freedom are essential for democracy
(2) society is strengthened by many views being expressed
(3) our government stifles free speech
(4) government must loosen speech controls
(5) loosening control of the media leads to long-term strength
Notice that the logical progression of the argument is as follows:
(2) -> (1) -> (3) -> (5) -> (4)
To see the relationship between premises and conclusion, notice how awkward the argument would become if a point such as 1, 2, or 3 were to be the conclusion.
It makes no sense to say: since "government must loosen speech controls," therefore "political and journalistic freedom are essential for democracy."
Rather, it makes sense the other way around:
Since "political and journalistic freedom are essential for democracy," therefore "government must loosen speech controls."
Some test-takers believe that the conclusion is the last sentence of the paragraph. However, this is incorrect since, in this argument, the last sentence serves as a premise to the conclusion. To see this, try to allow the second to last sentence to serve as a premise to the last sentence and it should be clear that this is not the way the sentences are functioning in the argument.
A. Although this statement is true, it is a premise not a conclusion. It is because the government is exercising too much control that "it is essential that the government loosen its control on the media."
B. This is a paraphrase of the conclusion. Every other sentence or major idea in the argument serves as a premise to this statement, which is the conclusion or main point of the author's argument.
C. This mirrors the first sentence of the paragraph. However, it functions as a premise not as a conclusion. It is because democracy requires a free press that "it is essential that the government loosen its control on the media."
D. Although this is similar to the last sentence of the paragraph, it is not the conclusion. The line of reasoning in the paragraph is:
democracy --> long term health --> government must open press
The reasoning is NOT:
government must open press --> democracy --> long term health (it makes no sense to say that since the government must open the press, therefore we will have long term health)
Moreover, the last sentence deals with the health of the country, not the strength of the government.
E. Although this is true, it is not the main thrust of the argument. The author is not trying to make this point. Instead, he is granting that this is true and then trying to argue that the government needs to open the press.
Attention GMAT Students!
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed GMAT study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in GMAT.
Explore Courses for GMAT exam

Similar GMAT Doubts

Top Courses for GMAT

Political Commentator: In order for a democracy to flourish, it is essential that political and journalistic freedom of expression exist. Even if commentators voice ideas that do not support the current government, a society is strengthened by the variety of views expressed. Yet, our government continues to exercise a stranglehold on certain forms of speech. It is essential that the government loosen its control on the media. Despite the potential short-term instability this may cause the country, it will strengthen the long-term health of the country.Q. hich of the following expresses the conclusion of the argument?a)The government is exercising too much control over the mediab)The government needs to open the media and release its hold on certain forms of speechc)Democracy requires a strong and free pressd)Even ideas not supportive of democracy can strengthen a governmente)The future of the media lies in the hands of the governmentCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
Political Commentator: In order for a democracy to flourish, it is essential that political and journalistic freedom of expression exist. Even if commentators voice ideas that do not support the current government, a society is strengthened by the variety of views expressed. Yet, our government continues to exercise a stranglehold on certain forms of speech. It is essential that the government loosen its control on the media. Despite the potential short-term instability this may cause the country, it will strengthen the long-term health of the country.Q. hich of the following expresses the conclusion of the argument?a)The government is exercising too much control over the mediab)The government needs to open the media and release its hold on certain forms of speechc)Democracy requires a strong and free pressd)Even ideas not supportive of democracy can strengthen a governmente)The future of the media lies in the hands of the governmentCorrect answer is option 'B'. 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 Political Commentator: In order for a democracy to flourish, it is essential that political and journalistic freedom of expression exist. Even if commentators voice ideas that do not support the current government, a society is strengthened by the variety of views expressed. Yet, our government continues to exercise a stranglehold on certain forms of speech. It is essential that the government loosen its control on the media. Despite the potential short-term instability this may cause the country, it will strengthen the long-term health of the country.Q. hich of the following expresses the conclusion of the argument?a)The government is exercising too much control over the mediab)The government needs to open the media and release its hold on certain forms of speechc)Democracy requires a strong and free pressd)Even ideas not supportive of democracy can strengthen a governmente)The future of the media lies in the hands of the governmentCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for GMAT 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Political Commentator: In order for a democracy to flourish, it is essential that political and journalistic freedom of expression exist. Even if commentators voice ideas that do not support the current government, a society is strengthened by the variety of views expressed. Yet, our government continues to exercise a stranglehold on certain forms of speech. It is essential that the government loosen its control on the media. Despite the potential short-term instability this may cause the country, it will strengthen the long-term health of the country.Q. hich of the following expresses the conclusion of the argument?a)The government is exercising too much control over the mediab)The government needs to open the media and release its hold on certain forms of speechc)Democracy requires a strong and free pressd)Even ideas not supportive of democracy can strengthen a governmente)The future of the media lies in the hands of the governmentCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Political Commentator: In order for a democracy to flourish, it is essential that political and journalistic freedom of expression exist. Even if commentators voice ideas that do not support the current government, a society is strengthened by the variety of views expressed. Yet, our government continues to exercise a stranglehold on certain forms of speech. It is essential that the government loosen its control on the media. Despite the potential short-term instability this may cause the country, it will strengthen the long-term health of the country.Q. hich of the following expresses the conclusion of the argument?a)The government is exercising too much control over the mediab)The government needs to open the media and release its hold on certain forms of speechc)Democracy requires a strong and free pressd)Even ideas not supportive of democracy can strengthen a governmente)The future of the media lies in the hands of the governmentCorrect 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 Political Commentator: In order for a democracy to flourish, it is essential that political and journalistic freedom of expression exist. Even if commentators voice ideas that do not support the current government, a society is strengthened by the variety of views expressed. Yet, our government continues to exercise a stranglehold on certain forms of speech. It is essential that the government loosen its control on the media. Despite the potential short-term instability this may cause the country, it will strengthen the long-term health of the country.Q. hich of the following expresses the conclusion of the argument?a)The government is exercising too much control over the mediab)The government needs to open the media and release its hold on certain forms of speechc)Democracy requires a strong and free pressd)Even ideas not supportive of democracy can strengthen a governmente)The future of the media lies in the hands of the governmentCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Political Commentator: In order for a democracy to flourish, it is essential that political and journalistic freedom of expression exist. Even if commentators voice ideas that do not support the current government, a society is strengthened by the variety of views expressed. Yet, our government continues to exercise a stranglehold on certain forms of speech. It is essential that the government loosen its control on the media. Despite the potential short-term instability this may cause the country, it will strengthen the long-term health of the country.Q. hich of the following expresses the conclusion of the argument?a)The government is exercising too much control over the mediab)The government needs to open the media and release its hold on certain forms of speechc)Democracy requires a strong and free pressd)Even ideas not supportive of democracy can strengthen a governmente)The future of the media lies in the hands of the governmentCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Political Commentator: In order for a democracy to flourish, it is essential that political and journalistic freedom of expression exist. Even if commentators voice ideas that do not support the current government, a society is strengthened by the variety of views expressed. Yet, our government continues to exercise a stranglehold on certain forms of speech. It is essential that the government loosen its control on the media. Despite the potential short-term instability this may cause the country, it will strengthen the long-term health of the country.Q. hich of the following expresses the conclusion of the argument?a)The government is exercising too much control over the mediab)The government needs to open the media and release its hold on certain forms of speechc)Democracy requires a strong and free pressd)Even ideas not supportive of democracy can strengthen a governmente)The future of the media lies in the hands of the governmentCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Political Commentator: In order for a democracy to flourish, it is essential that political and journalistic freedom of expression exist. Even if commentators voice ideas that do not support the current government, a society is strengthened by the variety of views expressed. Yet, our government continues to exercise a stranglehold on certain forms of speech. It is essential that the government loosen its control on the media. Despite the potential short-term instability this may cause the country, it will strengthen the long-term health of the country.Q. hich of the following expresses the conclusion of the argument?a)The government is exercising too much control over the mediab)The government needs to open the media and release its hold on certain forms of speechc)Democracy requires a strong and free pressd)Even ideas not supportive of democracy can strengthen a governmente)The future of the media lies in the hands of the governmentCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Political Commentator: In order for a democracy to flourish, it is essential that political and journalistic freedom of expression exist. Even if commentators voice ideas that do not support the current government, a society is strengthened by the variety of views expressed. Yet, our government continues to exercise a stranglehold on certain forms of speech. It is essential that the government loosen its control on the media. Despite the potential short-term instability this may cause the country, it will strengthen the long-term health of the country.Q. hich of the following expresses the conclusion of the argument?a)The government is exercising too much control over the mediab)The government needs to open the media and release its hold on certain forms of speechc)Democracy requires a strong and free pressd)Even ideas not supportive of democracy can strengthen a governmente)The future of the media lies in the hands of the governmentCorrect 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
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