Test: Evaluate an Argument - GMAT MCQ

To evaluate the argument effectively, it is crucial to understand the probability of being involved in a collision specifically due to brake failure. The argument suggests that installing the new safety feature, which is nearly 100 percent successful in preventing brake failure collisions, is safer. However, without knowing the baseline probability of such collisions, it is challenging to assess the significance of the safety feature's impact.

If the probability of brake failure collisions is already very low, then the effectiveness of the new safety feature might not be as significant. On the other hand, if the probability of brake failure collisions is relatively high, the new safety feature would have a more substantial impact on overall safety.

Therefore, knowing the probability of an automobile driver being involved in a collision due to brake failure is essential for evaluating the argument accurately.

In this argument, the author suggests that the apocalyptic anxieties and utopian fantasies associated with the end of a century are misplaced because the precise time when a century ends does not hold any special significance. The reason given for this is that the Gregorian calendar, though widely used, is just one of many calendars devised by people.

To preserve the force of the argument, we need an alternative reason that also supports the notion that the end of a century does not have any inherent significance. Option (C) states that the number system based on ten, which gives significance to one hundred years, is not the only number system created by people. This implies that there are other number systems where one hundred years may not be perceived as a significant period of time. Therefore, option (C) can be substituted for the original reason without weakening the argument's force.

Other answer choices do not provide an alternative reason that supports the argument's main point. Option (A) introduces a contradiction, option (B) discusses subjective interpretations, option (D) focuses on behavior rather than the significance of the end of a century, and option (E) discusses human life span instead of the calendar's significance. Only option (C) aligns with the argument's emphasis on the lack of special significance in the timing of the century's end.

To properly assess whether the improvement in product sales can be attributed to the marketing strategy change, it would be most helpful to find out which of the following?

(A) What proportion of the total revenue of NutriShake is generated by product sales?

• This information would provide insights into the significance of product sales in NutriShake's overall revenue. However, it does not directly address whether the marketing strategy change led to the increase in product sales. It focuses on the revenue composition rather than the impact of the marketing strategy.

(B) Has the number of unique visitors to the NutriShake online site increased substantially in the last two years?

• This information is crucial in determining whether the marketing strategy change has had an impact on the number of visitors to the NutriShake website. If there has been a substantial increase in unique visitors after implementing the new strategy, it would indicate that the Pay-per-Click ads on the business social network have been effective in driving traffic and potentially boosting product sales.

(C) Among all the types of social networks that provide an opportunity for NutriShake to advertise, which type accounts for the largest proportion of the nutrition company's product sales?

• While this information could provide insights into the effectiveness of different social networks in generating product sales, it does not directly address the impact of the marketing strategy change. It focuses on the distribution of sales across different social networks rather than the overall impact of the strategy shift.

(D) Do any marketing partners of NutriShake have a standing order with the NutriShake for a fixed amount of advertising per month?

• While this information may be relevant to NutriShake's advertising partnerships, it does not directly address the impact of the marketing strategy change on the increase in product sales. It focuses on the existence of fixed advertising orders rather than the effectiveness of the new marketing strategy.

(E) Among the social networks that NutriShake is implementing its marketing strategy, are there more types of business social networks or more types of entertainment social networks?

• This information may provide insights into the distribution of social networks utilized by NutriShake. However, it does not directly address the impact of the marketing strategy change on the increase in product sales. It focuses on the types of social networks rather than the effectiveness of the new strategy.

Therefore, the most helpful information for assessing whether the improvement in product sales can be attributed to the marketing strategy change is option (B): Has the number of unique visitors to the NutriShake online site increased substantially in the last two years?

It presents a scenario where social scientists are studying the problem of driving under the influence among college students at different types of universities. The researchers found a correlation between longer distances between student housing and bars/liquor stores and an increased likelihood of students being arrested or involved in accidents. The question asks you to determine which statement is most important to consider when evaluating this result.

Let's examine each answer choice and evaluate its impact on the conclusion:

(A) Many college students do not purchase alcohol at bars or liquor stores.

• This statement suggests that the distance to bars and liquor stores may not be a significant factor contributing to the problem of driving under the influence. If students are obtaining alcohol from other sources, such as house parties or friends, then the distance to bars and liquor stores becomes less relevant. This weakens the connection between distance and the problem, so it is important to take this into account when evaluating the result. However, it does not address the severity of the problem among students at different types of universities.

(B) Students at rural, suburban, and urban universities are arrested for driving under the influence more frequently than non-student members of their communities.

• This statement suggests that driving under the influence is a widespread issue across different university settings, regardless of the distance to alcohol sources. While this information provides context about the prevalence of the problem, it does not directly address the impact of distance on the likelihood of being arrested or involved in accidents. Therefore, it is less important to consider this statement in evaluating the result.

(C) The average enrollment at urban universities is greater than that at rural and suburban universities.

• This statement provides information about the average enrollment at different types of universities. However, it does not directly address the relationship between distance and the problem of driving under the influence. Therefore, it is less relevant to consider this statement in evaluating the result.

(D) Local sheriff's departments near rural and suburban universities devote more resources to identifying and arresting those driving under the influence than urban police forces.

• This statement suggests that there may be a disparity in law enforcement resources and efforts between rural/suburban areas and urban areas. If rural and suburban areas have more resources dedicated to identifying and arresting those driving under the influence, this could lead to a higher number of arrests and incidents reported in those areas, regardless of the distance to alcohol sources. This information challenges the conclusion that longer distances are the primary factor contributing to the problem and indicates that law enforcement efforts play a significant role. Therefore, it is the most important statement to consider in evaluating the result.

(E) The number of bars and liquor stores per square mile is nearly five times as high in urban areas as it is in rural and suburban areas.

• This statement provides information about the availability of bars and liquor stores in urban versus rural/suburban areas. While it suggests that urban areas have more alcohol sources in a given area, it does not directly address the relationship between distance and the problem of driving under the influence. Therefore, it is less relevant to consider this statement in evaluating the result.

In conclusion, among the given options, statement (D) is the most important to take into account when evaluating the result. It challenges the assumption that longer distances to alcohol sources are the primary cause of the problem by highlighting the potential influence of law enforcement efforts.

(A) whether the problem of stylistic variety in human translation could be solved by giving stylistic guidelines to human translators

• If the problem of stylistic variety in human translation could be solved would address one of the issues discussed in the prompt.

(B) whether numerical comparisons of the accuracy of translations can reasonably be made

• If numerical comparisons of the accuracy of translations can be made, then we can truly know which translations are or are not good ones.

(C) whether computer translation programs, like human translators, each have their own distinct writing style

• This would be necessary to know if the computer translations programs are going to split translations as humans do. Since they won't be doing that in this scenario, it is not important.

(D) whether the computer translation contains errors of grammar and usage that drastically alter the meaning of the text

• This is important to know because if computer translation may change the meaning of the text, it may be better to give the task to a human translator who would take longer but provide a translation with an unaltered meaning.

(E) how the accuracy rate of computer translation programs compares with that of human translators in relation to the users’ needs

• Knowing the accuracy rate is very necessary to make a decision about whether a computer translation program is better than a human translator in each scenario.

The correct answer is answer choice C.

It assesses your ability to identify relevant information and evaluate the impact of that information on a given result. Let's analyze each answer choice and determine which one is the most important to consider in assessing the result of the experiment.

(A) The NIMH is renowned for its accomplishments in the field of mental health research.

• This answer choice provides information about the reputation of the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH). While the reputation of the organization is important, it does not directly impact the result of the experiment or the validity of the findings. Therefore, this answer choice is not the most important to consider.

(B) Not all the participants in the study had the same daily routine.

• This answer choice highlights a potential inconsistency or variation in the experiment. If participants were not following the same daily routine, it could introduce confounding variables that may affect the observed outcome. This information is crucial in assessing the result because it raises questions about the reliability and generalizability of the findings. Therefore, this answer choice is important to consider.

(C) A few participants dropped out of the study since it was difficult for them to follow a stipulated routine.

• This answer choice indicates that some participants were unable to adhere to the prescribed daily routine and dropped out of the study. While this information is noteworthy, it does not directly impact the result of the experiment. It may affect the sample size and potential bias in the study, but it does not provide insight into the effect of following a daily routine on DBD patients. Thus, this answer choice is not the most important to consider.

(D) The prescribed medication taken by the participants in the experiment was the same as the medication taken by them prior to the experiment.

• This answer choice is highly relevant to the assessment of the result. If the participants were already taking the same medication prior to the experiment, it suggests that any observed improvement may not be solely due to following a daily routine. The medication could be a confounding variable influencing the outcome. Therefore, this answer choice is important to consider and is the most relevant to evaluating the result.

(E) Cognitive dysfunction, unlike a few other symptoms of DBD, is treatable if the right medication is prescribed.

• While this answer choice provides information about the treatability of cognitive dysfunction in DBD, it does not directly impact the assessment of the experiment's result. The focus of the study is on the impact of following a daily routine, not the treatability of cognitive dysfunction. Hence, this answer choice is not the most important to consider.

In conclusion, the most important factor to consider in assessing the result of the experiment is answer choice (D): The prescribed medication taken by the participants in the experiment was the same as the medication taken by them prior to the experiment.

Let's analyze each answer choice to determine which one would be most helpful in evaluating the argument:

(A) Whether there is a way of alleviating the impact of the increased average prices for coffee on non-fair-trade coffee farmers' profits.

• This answer choice addresses the potential negative impact on non-fair-trade coffee farmers' profits due to increased average prices. However, it does not directly evaluate the strength of the economist's argument. It focuses on finding a solution rather than assessing the argument itself. Therefore, this answer choice is not the most helpful in evaluating the economist's argument.

(B) What proportion of coffee farmers in developing nations produce fair-trade coffee.

• This answer choice is relevant to the economist's argument as it provides information about the extent of fair-trade coffee production among coffee farmers in developing nations. If a significant proportion of farmers produce fair-trade coffee, it supports the economist's claim that paying extra for fair-trade coffee may have negative consequences for non-fair-trade coffee farmers. Therefore, this information would be helpful in evaluating the strength of the economist's argument.

(C) Whether many coffee farmers in developing nations also derive income from other kinds of farming.

• This answer choice explores whether coffee farmers in developing nations have alternative sources of income. While this information may be interesting, it does not directly address the central claim made by the economist. It does not evaluate whether paying extra for fair-trade coffee hurts more farmers than it helps. Hence, this answer choice is less relevant to evaluating the strength of the argument.

(D) Whether consumers should pay extra for fair-trade coffee if doing so lowers profits for non-fair-trade coffee farmers.

• This answer choice introduces a normative perspective on whether consumers should pay extra for fair-trade coffee. While this ethical consideration is important, it does not directly evaluate the strength of the economist's argument. It focuses on the subjective question of what consumers "should" do, rather than assessing the impact of fair-trade coffee on farmers. Therefore, this answer choice is not the most helpful in evaluating the argument.

(E) How fair-trade coffee farmers in developing nations could be helped without lowering profits for non-fair-trade coffee farmers.

• This answer choice seeks to find a solution to the problem posed by the economist's argument. While the information may be useful in developing strategies, it does not evaluate the economist's argument itself. It focuses on finding a way to help fair-trade coffee farmers without negatively impacting non-fair-trade coffee farmers. Therefore, this answer choice is not the most helpful in evaluating the argument.

In conclusion, the most helpful answer choice in evaluating the strength of the economist's argument is (B) What proportion of coffee farmers in developing nations produce fair-trade coffee.

The direct rail line is the most logical explanation for an increase in property values. The proximity to New York City in itself (choice a) would not necessarily increase property values, but the addition of public transportation that provides direct access to the city would make the town a more desirable place to live. When a place becomes more desirable, real-estate values increase. Choice c, the addition of housing units, is likely an effect of the direct rail line and an increase in the desirability of the location. The improvement of the schools and the renovation of the downtown (choice d) may or may not be related to the increase in property values. It would be logical to conclude that funds for improving the schools and downtown could be gleaned from additional resources from increased property taxes, another effect of increased property values. The relocation of a major corporation to a neighboring town (choice e) could account for the increased desirability of property in South Orange, but the direct access to the city is a more compelling reason. Perhaps a few hundred persons may work in the corporation, but many thousands are likely to want an easy commute to the city.

Rotelle's claim is that Sims is too old to effectively address the difficult issues facing the country. This suggests that Rotelle is asserting that age is a factor that hinders Sims' ability to address these issues.

Sims responds by saying, "I don't want to make age an issue in this campaign. So I will not comment on your youth and inexperience." Sims avoids directly addressing Rotelle's claim about age and instead chooses not to make it an issue in the campaign.

Now let's look at the answer choices:

(A) demonstrates that Rotelle's claim is incorrect: Sims' response does not directly refute Rotelle's claim. Sims simply avoids the issue of age altogether.

(B) avoids mentioning the issue of age: This answer choice accurately reflects Sims' response. Sims chooses not to address the issue of age raised by Rotelle.

(C) proposes a way to decide which issues are important: Sims' response does not propose a way to decide which issues are important. The response focuses on avoiding the issue of age.

(D) shows that Rotelle's statement is self-contradictory: Sims' response does not highlight any self-contradiction in Rotelle's statement. Sims simply avoids addressing the claim about age.

(E) fails to respond directly to Rotelle's claim: This answer choice accurately represents Sims' response. Sims does not directly respond to Rotelle's claim about age but instead chooses to avoid the issue.

Therefore, the correct answer is (E) fails to respond directly to Rotelle's claim. Sims' response does not directly address Rotelle's claim but instead deflects the issue by avoiding the discussion of age altogether.

The passage mentions that the staff at the Global publishing office is often asked to recreate designs, specifically matching marbling patterns from the past. This indicates that there is an extensive library of past publications available to the staff members. Therefore, the information in the passage most strongly supports option (C): "There is an extensive library of past Global publishing Office publications available to current staff members."

Let's break down why the other options are not as strongly supported:

(A) Classic marbling pattern replication is the primary responsibility of Global publishing office staff members: The passage mentions that marbling pattern replication is an important part of what the staff does, but it does not explicitly state that it is their primary responsibility. This option goes beyond the information provided.

(B) Publication of the Jefferson Manual is an activity lacking opportunity for any creativity: The passage does not mention anything about the Jefferson Manual specifically, except that routine publications like it should look consistent from year to year. It does not imply that there is no creativity involved in the publication of the manual. This option goes beyond the information provided.

(D) A lack of creative responsibilities is a major impediment to hiring newly qualified staff at Global Publishing Office: The passage does not mention anything about a lack of creative responsibilities or the impact on hiring newly qualified staff. This option introduces new information not supported by the passage.

(E) The cost of recreating marbling patterns is less than the cost of drafting entirely new patterns: The passage does not provide any information about the cost comparison between recreating patterns and drafting new ones. This option introduces new information not supported by the passage.

Therefore, option (C) is the best choice as it aligns with the information provided in the passage.