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  >  It is often thought that our own modern age i... Start Learning for Free
SaveJoin the Discussion on the App
It is often thought that our own modern age is unique in having a large number of people who live into old age. It has frequently been assumed that plagues, wars, and harsh working conditions killed off most people in previous ages before they could reach old age. However, recent research shows that in 17th century Europe, for example, people over sixty comprised 10 percent of the population. The studies also revealed that although infant mortality remained high until the 20th century in Europe, people who survived to adulthood could expect to live to be old.
The portions in boldface (underlined) play which of the following roles in the argument above?
  • a)
    The first is a conclusion that the author supports. The second is data that contradicts that conclusion.
  • b)
    The first is a finding that the author contests. The second is a finding that the author accepts.
  • c)
    The first is an assumption that the author thinks is invalid. The second is data that validates that assumption.
  • d)
    The first is a position that the author opposes. The second is a finding that supports the author's position.
  • e)
    The first is a position that the author opposes. The second is an assumption which, if valid, negates the author's view.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
FREE This question is part of
Download PDF Attempt Test
Download PDF Attempt this Test
Most Upvoted Answer
It is often thought that our own modern age is unique in having a larg...
The first part is a statement of the viewpoint of some people and as such could be called a position, a conclusion or something similar. Since it is not an assumption or a finding we can eliminate B and C. The author presents evidence to suggest that this point of view is not correct and so we can eliminate A. The second part is a finding of some research and is not an assumption, hence we can choose D.
Free Test
FREE
Start Free Test
Start Free Test
Community Answer
It is often thought that our own modern age is unique in having a larg...
Understanding the Argument
The argument presented discusses the common belief that modern society is unique in having a significant elderly population due to historical factors like wars and plagues.
Boldface Portions Explained
- First Portion: The statement about the belief that plagues, wars, and harsh conditions led to a lower elderly population represents a commonly held position that the author opposes. The author challenges this perspective by presenting evidence to the contrary.
- Second Portion: The data regarding the 10 percent of the population over sixty in 17th century Europe supports the author's position that people who survived to adulthood could expect to live to old age. This finding directly contradicts the initial assumption about historical populations.
Role of Each Portion
- The first portion serves as a position that the author seeks to refute, showing that this belief is not entirely accurate.
- The second portion provides evidence that reinforces the author's argument, indicating that the life expectancy of those who reached adulthood in earlier centuries was higher than previously assumed.
Conclusion
Thus, the correct answer is option 'D': the first is a position that the author opposes, and the second is a finding that supports the author's position. This highlights the author's intent to correct misconceptions about historical life expectancy.
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.
< Previous Question Next Question >
Explore Courses for GMAT exam

Similar GMAT Doubts

In countries where healthcare is universal and provided free of charge by the government, visits per capita to the doctor are twice as frequent as they are in countries where healthcare is paid at least partly out-of-pocket by the consumer. Presently, governments do not have a reliable way of determining whether the symptoms for which these patients were treated for would have otherwise subsided without medical attention. However, this information does not warrant the conclusion by some universal healthcare critics that in the countries with a higher frequency of doctor visits, about half of them are unnecessary.Alternatively, in those countries where healthcare is not free, consumers often forego visits to the doctor except in cases of severe symptoms.Q. In the argument above, the two underline portions play which of the following roles?

Aid workers have worried that residents of the Eastern Gobi Refugee Camp might be at risk for beriberi, a severe deficiency of Thiamine, a B vitamin.Thiamine is found in high concentrations in cereal grains, and many of the residents have grain free diets because of allergies.Doctors and nutritionists assigned to investigate the situation have disagreed, noting that the residents grow sustenance amounts of potatoes, kale, and cauliflower on the surrounding farm lands, and these foods provide substantial sources of Thiamine as well. Because the residents of this refugee campdo not have any allergies to any of these latter foods, and crops have been good because of favorable weather conditions,their risk of beriberi is much lower than originally thought.In the argument given, the two portions in underlined play which of the following roles?

Recently,some economists have concluded that the major impediment to job growth in the U.S. is the enormous national debt. While many politicians would like to stimulate job growth by increasing government spending, these economists believe it will have the opposite effect and thus want to cut spending immediately.Historically, when total debt levels exceed 90% of domestic GDP, economic growth falls significantly causing job losses and overall economic malaise.The current U.S. debt is over 96% of GDP, so it is hard to argue the importance of decreasing this percentage and the economists are correct on this point. However, what these economists fail to understand is that cutting spending at this critical juncture would put too much pressure on a fragile economy. In the short term, spending should be left at current levels and revenue should be increased by increasing taxes on wealthy individuals and some corporations. As the economy strengthens, then spending can be decreased with the goal of reducing the debt percentage of GDP to a figure below 90%.Q. The portions inunderlineplay which of the following roles?

A basic principle of ecology is that population size is partly a reflection of available food resources. Recent experiments suggest that the relationship is more complex than formerly thought. Specifically, the browsing of certain rodents appears to trigger chemical reactions in food plants which, in turn, affect the size of the rodent populations. Two examples of such regulation have been reported.Berger has demonstrated the power of a naturally occurring chemical called 6-MBOA to stimulate reproductive behavior in the mountain vole, a small mouse-like rodent. 6 MBOA forms in young grass in response to browsing by voles. Berger experimented by feeding oats coated with 6-MBOA to non-breeding winter populations of voles. After three weeks, she found a high incidence of pregnancy among females. Since the timing of reproduction is crucial to the short-lived vole in an environment in which the onset of vegetative growth may be considerably delayed, the phytochemical triggering of reproductive behavior represents a significant biological adaptation.In an example reported by Bryant, plants appear to have developed a phytochemical defense against the depredations of snowshoe hares in Canada. Every ten years, for reasons that are unclear, the hare population swells. The result is overbrowsing of certain deciduous trees and shrubs. Bryant found that trees favored by the hare produce young shoots high in terpene and phenolic resins, which discourage hare browsing. After treating non-resinous willow twigs with resinous extracts and placing treated and untreated samples at hare feeding stations, Bryant found that samples containing at least half of the resin concentration of natural twigs were untouched. The avoidance of resinous shoots, he concludes, may play a role in the decline of the hare population to normal levels.Both of these reports suggest areas for further research. For example, data should be reviewed to determine if periodic population explosions among lemmings (another small rodent living in a northern environment) occur during years in which there is an early onset of vegetative growth; if so, a triggering mechanism similar to that prompted by the vole may be involved.The author provides specific information to answer which of the following questions?

Top Courses for GMATView all

Top Courses for GMAT

It is often thought that our own modern age is unique in having a large number of people who live into old age. It has frequently been assumed that plagues, wars, and harsh working conditions killed off most people in previous ages before they could reach old age. However, recent research shows that in 17th century Europe, for example, people over sixty comprised 10 percent of the population. The studies also revealed that although infant mortality remained high until the 20th century in Europe, people who survived to adulthood could expect to live to be old.The portions in boldface (underlined) play which of the following roles in the argument above?a)The first is a conclusion that the author supports. The second is data that contradicts that conclusion.b)The first is a finding that the author contests. The second is a finding that the author accepts.c)The first is an assumption that the author thinks is invalid. The second is data that validates that assumption.d)The first is a position that the author opposes. The second is a finding that supports the authors position.e)The first is a position that the author opposes. The second is an assumption which, if valid, negates the authors view.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
It is often thought that our own modern age is unique in having a large number of people who live into old age. It has frequently been assumed that plagues, wars, and harsh working conditions killed off most people in previous ages before they could reach old age. However, recent research shows that in 17th century Europe, for example, people over sixty comprised 10 percent of the population. The studies also revealed that although infant mortality remained high until the 20th century in Europe, people who survived to adulthood could expect to live to be old.The portions in boldface (underlined) play which of the following roles in the argument above?a)The first is a conclusion that the author supports. The second is data that contradicts that conclusion.b)The first is a finding that the author contests. The second is a finding that the author accepts.c)The first is an assumption that the author thinks is invalid. The second is data that validates that assumption.d)The first is a position that the author opposes. The second is a finding that supports the authors position.e)The first is a position that the author opposes. The second is an assumption which, if valid, negates the authors view.Correct answer is option 'D'. 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 It is often thought that our own modern age is unique in having a large number of people who live into old age. It has frequently been assumed that plagues, wars, and harsh working conditions killed off most people in previous ages before they could reach old age. However, recent research shows that in 17th century Europe, for example, people over sixty comprised 10 percent of the population. The studies also revealed that although infant mortality remained high until the 20th century in Europe, people who survived to adulthood could expect to live to be old.The portions in boldface (underlined) play which of the following roles in the argument above?a)The first is a conclusion that the author supports. The second is data that contradicts that conclusion.b)The first is a finding that the author contests. The second is a finding that the author accepts.c)The first is an assumption that the author thinks is invalid. The second is data that validates that assumption.d)The first is a position that the author opposes. The second is a finding that supports the authors position.e)The first is a position that the author opposes. The second is an assumption which, if valid, negates the authors view.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for GMAT 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for It is often thought that our own modern age is unique in having a large number of people who live into old age. It has frequently been assumed that plagues, wars, and harsh working conditions killed off most people in previous ages before they could reach old age. However, recent research shows that in 17th century Europe, for example, people over sixty comprised 10 percent of the population. The studies also revealed that although infant mortality remained high until the 20th century in Europe, people who survived to adulthood could expect to live to be old.The portions in boldface (underlined) play which of the following roles in the argument above?a)The first is a conclusion that the author supports. The second is data that contradicts that conclusion.b)The first is a finding that the author contests. The second is a finding that the author accepts.c)The first is an assumption that the author thinks is invalid. The second is data that validates that assumption.d)The first is a position that the author opposes. The second is a finding that supports the authors position.e)The first is a position that the author opposes. The second is an assumption which, if valid, negates the authors view.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for It is often thought that our own modern age is unique in having a large number of people who live into old age. It has frequently been assumed that plagues, wars, and harsh working conditions killed off most people in previous ages before they could reach old age. However, recent research shows that in 17th century Europe, for example, people over sixty comprised 10 percent of the population. The studies also revealed that although infant mortality remained high until the 20th century in Europe, people who survived to adulthood could expect to live to be old.The portions in boldface (underlined) play which of the following roles in the argument above?a)The first is a conclusion that the author supports. The second is data that contradicts that conclusion.b)The first is a finding that the author contests. The second is a finding that the author accepts.c)The first is an assumption that the author thinks is invalid. The second is data that validates that assumption.d)The first is a position that the author opposes. The second is a finding that supports the authors position.e)The first is a position that the author opposes. The second is an assumption which, if valid, negates the authors view.Correct answer is option 'D'. 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 It is often thought that our own modern age is unique in having a large number of people who live into old age. It has frequently been assumed that plagues, wars, and harsh working conditions killed off most people in previous ages before they could reach old age. However, recent research shows that in 17th century Europe, for example, people over sixty comprised 10 percent of the population. The studies also revealed that although infant mortality remained high until the 20th century in Europe, people who survived to adulthood could expect to live to be old.The portions in boldface (underlined) play which of the following roles in the argument above?a)The first is a conclusion that the author supports. The second is data that contradicts that conclusion.b)The first is a finding that the author contests. The second is a finding that the author accepts.c)The first is an assumption that the author thinks is invalid. The second is data that validates that assumption.d)The first is a position that the author opposes. The second is a finding that supports the authors position.e)The first is a position that the author opposes. The second is an assumption which, if valid, negates the authors view.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of It is often thought that our own modern age is unique in having a large number of people who live into old age. It has frequently been assumed that plagues, wars, and harsh working conditions killed off most people in previous ages before they could reach old age. However, recent research shows that in 17th century Europe, for example, people over sixty comprised 10 percent of the population. The studies also revealed that although infant mortality remained high until the 20th century in Europe, people who survived to adulthood could expect to live to be old.The portions in boldface (underlined) play which of the following roles in the argument above?a)The first is a conclusion that the author supports. The second is data that contradicts that conclusion.b)The first is a finding that the author contests. The second is a finding that the author accepts.c)The first is an assumption that the author thinks is invalid. The second is data that validates that assumption.d)The first is a position that the author opposes. The second is a finding that supports the authors position.e)The first is a position that the author opposes. The second is an assumption which, if valid, negates the authors view.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for It is often thought that our own modern age is unique in having a large number of people who live into old age. It has frequently been assumed that plagues, wars, and harsh working conditions killed off most people in previous ages before they could reach old age. However, recent research shows that in 17th century Europe, for example, people over sixty comprised 10 percent of the population. The studies also revealed that although infant mortality remained high until the 20th century in Europe, people who survived to adulthood could expect to live to be old.The portions in boldface (underlined) play which of the following roles in the argument above?a)The first is a conclusion that the author supports. The second is data that contradicts that conclusion.b)The first is a finding that the author contests. The second is a finding that the author accepts.c)The first is an assumption that the author thinks is invalid. The second is data that validates that assumption.d)The first is a position that the author opposes. The second is a finding that supports the authors position.e)The first is a position that the author opposes. The second is an assumption which, if valid, negates the authors view.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of It is often thought that our own modern age is unique in having a large number of people who live into old age. It has frequently been assumed that plagues, wars, and harsh working conditions killed off most people in previous ages before they could reach old age. However, recent research shows that in 17th century Europe, for example, people over sixty comprised 10 percent of the population. The studies also revealed that although infant mortality remained high until the 20th century in Europe, people who survived to adulthood could expect to live to be old.The portions in boldface (underlined) play which of the following roles in the argument above?a)The first is a conclusion that the author supports. The second is data that contradicts that conclusion.b)The first is a finding that the author contests. The second is a finding that the author accepts.c)The first is an assumption that the author thinks is invalid. The second is data that validates that assumption.d)The first is a position that the author opposes. The second is a finding that supports the authors position.e)The first is a position that the author opposes. The second is an assumption which, if valid, negates the authors view.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice It is often thought that our own modern age is unique in having a large number of people who live into old age. It has frequently been assumed that plagues, wars, and harsh working conditions killed off most people in previous ages before they could reach old age. However, recent research shows that in 17th century Europe, for example, people over sixty comprised 10 percent of the population. The studies also revealed that although infant mortality remained high until the 20th century in Europe, people who survived to adulthood could expect to live to be old.The portions in boldface (underlined) play which of the following roles in the argument above?a)The first is a conclusion that the author supports. The second is data that contradicts that conclusion.b)The first is a finding that the author contests. The second is a finding that the author accepts.c)The first is an assumption that the author thinks is invalid. The second is data that validates that assumption.d)The first is a position that the author opposes. The second is a finding that supports the authors position.e)The first is a position that the author opposes. The second is an assumption which, if valid, negates the authors view.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice GMAT tests.
Explore Courses for GMAT exam

Top Courses for GMAT

Explore Courses

Suggested Free Tests

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