Test: Strengthen - GMAT MCQ

As the college topper and a popular member of the college baseball team, Jack Monroe can easily find a great recommendation from any college professor."

(A) College baseball team members can easily get recommendations from professors.

• This answer choice does not specifically strengthen the conclusion about Jack Monroe. It only states that college baseball team members can easily get recommendations, which may or may not apply to Jack Monroe.

(B) During his final year, Jack Monroe was voted the most popular student on campus.

• This answer choice does not directly strengthen the conclusion that Jack can easily find a great recommendation from any college professor. Being popular on campus does not necessarily mean professors will give him great recommendations.

(C) For students to receive a great recommendation from a college professor, the student is expected to have performed in academics as well as sports.

• This answer choice strengthens the conclusion by stating that academic performance is a factor in receiving a great recommendation. Since Jack is the college topper, this supports the idea that he can easily find a great recommendation from any college professor.

(D) Most other baseball team members also maintain stellar academic performance.

• This answer choice does not directly strengthen the conclusion about Jack Monroe. It only states that most other baseball team members have stellar academic performance, which may or may not apply to Jack Monroe.

(E) Academic record and involvement in sports are the only qualifications to receive a great recommendation from a college professor.

• This answer choice directly strengthens the conclusion by stating that academic record and involvement in sports are the only qualifications for receiving a great recommendation. Since Jack is the college topper and a member of the college baseball team, this aligns with the conclusion that he can easily find a great recommendation from any college professor.

Based on the analysis above, the answer choice that most strengthens the conclusion is (E) Academic record and involvement in sports are the only qualifications to receive a great recommendation from a college professor.

It assesses your ability to evaluate arguments and find the option that weakens the given claim the most. Let's examine each answer choice and determine which one provides the least evidence in support of the claim about the increasing incidence of cancer in an industrialized country.

(A) As the number of carcinogens in a country doubles, the area affected by carcinogens becomes four times as large.

• This answer choice supports the claim by stating that as the number of carcinogens increases, the area affected by carcinogens also increases. This suggests a correlation between the number of carcinogens and the impact they have on the environment, potentially leading to a higher incidence of cancer. Therefore, this choice provides evidence in support of the claim.

(B) Some cancers will not occur unless levels of the carcinogens are sufficiently high.

• This answer choice supports the claim by stating that certain cancers require sufficiently high levels of carcinogens to occur. If industrialization leads to higher levels of carcinogens, then it follows that the incidence of cancer would increase as well. Therefore, this choice provides evidence in support of the claim.

(C) The financial pressure of increasing industrialization causes competing industries to produce a wider variety of carcinogens.

• This answer choice supports the claim by suggesting that increasing industrialization leads to a wider variety of carcinogens being produced. This implies that the overall number of carcinogens is likely to increase, potentially contributing to a higher incidence of cancer. Therefore, this choice provides evidence in support of the claim.

(D) Some of the most potent carcinogens tend not to be produced until a country becomes more industrialized.

• This answer choice supports the claim by stating that potent carcinogens are not typically produced until a country becomes more industrialized. This suggests that as industrialization increases, the production of more potent carcinogens may contribute to a higher incidence of cancer. Therefore, this choice provides evidence in support of the claim.

(E) Increases in the incidence of cancer correlate to increases in the percentage, not the number, of carcinogens in the environment.

• This answer choice weakens the claim by suggesting that the incidence of cancer correlates with the percentage of carcinogens in the environment, rather than the actual number of carcinogens. This implies that even if the number of carcinogens increases with industrialization, if the percentage of carcinogens remains relatively constant, the incidence of cancer may not necessarily increase significantly. Therefore, this choice provides the least evidence in support of the claim and is the correct answer.

In summary, option (E) is the least supportive of the claim about the increasing incidence of cancer in an industrialized country because it introduces the idea that increases in the percentage of carcinogens, rather than the number of carcinogens, may be more relevant to the incidence of cancer.

The conclusion of the argument is that the government's calculation methods must be altered in order to provide statistics that measure true poverty. To support this position, the author first explains how the government’s method works and then introduces a hypothetical example that would return a "false positive" - that is, a person who has a large income, yet is classified by the government as living in poverty. One example, however, is generally not enough to invalidate an entire method; no method is perfect and there are always a few results that are not consistent with the overall conclusion. In order to validate, or strengthen, the conclusion, we need to show that the government’s method is fundamentally inferior to some alternative that would produce more valid results.

(A) This choice weakens the argument by minimizing the importance of the author's evidence (the hypothetical retiree with capital gains). According to this choice, the use of cash income to designate poverty levels is a very sound method because it provides valid results for more than 99% of those classified as living in poverty.

(B) This choice shows that the government’s method provided a wide range of results for the poverty rate over a certain period of time, but it is irrelevant to the argument at hand. It tells us nothing about whether the method provides relevant statistics in any given year.

(C) If this statement is true, then the government’s calculation method seems to overstate the number of people living in poverty, while the various private sector studies generally agree with each other that the number of people is lower. Thus, the methods used in the private sector are likely to be more valid than the government’s method, lending credence to the author's contention that the government’s method should change.

(D) Although this choice provides an example of people who might agree with the conclusion (several prominent economists), this choice provides no evidence that the alternate method they endorse would provide more relevant statistics than the government’s method.

(E) This choice adds another hypothetical example of how the current method could include someone in the poverty count who does not actually live in poverty. It does not, however, address whether there are other calculation methods that are more accurate than the government’s method.

Hence Option C is correct

Argument: The classification of triceratops into sixteen species based on small differences between fossil specimens is unjustified because many of the specimens used to distinguish the species come from animals that lived in the same area at the same time.

We need to find the answer choice that strengthens the argument and allows us to draw a proper conclusion.

(A) Not every species that lived in a given area is preserved as a fossil.

• This answer choice provides information about fossil preservation, but it does not directly address the argument's claim about unjustified classification based on specimens from the same area. It does not help us draw a conclusion, so it is not the correct answer.

(B) At least one individual of every true species of triceratops has been discovered as a fossil specimen.

• This answer choice suggests that all true species of triceratops have been discovered as fossil specimens. However, it does not address the issue of unjustified classification based on specimens from the same area. It does not help us draw a conclusion, so it is not the correct answer.

(C) No geographical area ever supports more than three similar species at the same time.

• This answer choice directly addresses the argument's claim about unjustified classification based on specimens from the same area. If no geographical area ever supports more than three similar species at the same time, it would be impossible for the eleven species to exist simultaneously in the same area. This strengthens the argument and enables us to conclude that the classification is indeed unjustified. Therefore, (C) is the correct answer.

(D) In many species, individuals display quite marked variation.

• This answer choice discusses variation within species but does not directly address the argument's claim about unjustified classification based on specimens from the same area. It does not help us draw a conclusion, so it is not the correct answer.

(E) Differences between fossil specimens of triceratops that came from the same area are no less distinctive than differences between specimens that came from different areas.

• This answer choice suggests that the differences between specimens from the same area are just as distinctive as differences between specimens from different areas. However, it does not address the issue of unjustified classification based on specimens from the same area. It does not help us draw a conclusion, so it is not the correct answer.

In conclusion, the correct answer is (C) because it directly addresses the argument's claim about unjustified classification based on specimens from the same area, strengthening the argument and enabling us to draw a proper conclusion.

Argument: More televisions than people can be found in American households, but televisions are becoming too expensive for the typical consumer. As a result, the average number of residents per household will again surpass the number of televisions.

We need to find the answer choice that strengthens this argument. Let's evaluate each option:

(A) House parties at which numerous individuals gather to view popular television shows on one television set have increased three hundred percent during the past year.

• This option talks about an increase in house parties where multiple individuals gather to watch TV on a single set. However, it does not directly address the issue of televisions becoming too expensive or the average number of residents per household surpassing the number of televisions. Hence, it does not strongly support the argument.

(B) More than one million legal immigrants enter the United States each year.

• This option introduces the topic of legal immigration but does not provide any support for the argument regarding the cost of televisions or the average number of residents per household surpassing the number of televisions. It is not relevant to the argument.

(C) New devices such as video-enabled personal digital assistants and music players are increasingly purchased for use as a primary source of information and entertainment.

• This option suggests that people are purchasing new devices as primary sources of information and entertainment, which implies a shift away from purchasing expensive televisions. This supports the argument that televisions are becoming too expensive for the typical consumer and indirectly supports the idea that the average number of residents per household will surpass the number of televisions. Therefore, this is the answer that most strongly supports the argument.

(D) As new technologies become more commonplace, manufacturing and retail costs normally decline.

• This option talks about the general trend of manufacturing and retail costs declining as new technologies become more commonplace. While it is a valid statement, it does not directly support the argument regarding the cost of televisions or the average number of residents per household surpassing the number of televisions.

(E) As a result of technological advances, new televisions are increasingly enabled with some features, such as Internet browsing, traditionally associated with other household devices.

• This option mentions the technological advances that enable new televisions to have additional features. While this information is interesting, it does not directly support the argument that televisions are becoming too expensive for the typical consumer or that the average number of residents per household will surpass the number of televisions.

In conclusion, option (C) provides the strongest support for the argument presented in the question.

Let's analyze each answer choice and see which one aligns best with the researchers' conclusion.

(A) The cognitive effort required in performing a repetitive task diminishes significantly with increases in the number of repetitions of the task performance.

• This statement is about the diminishing cognitive effort with increased repetitions of the task. It does not directly support the researchers' conclusion about monitoring brain activity to provide warning of lapses in concentration. Therefore, (A) is not the correct answer.

(B) Once a mistake was made and detected, brain activity in regions associated with cognitive effort sometimes increased.

• This statement provides information about brain activity after a mistake is made and detected. It does not directly support the researchers' conclusion about monitoring brain activity to provide a warning before the error occurs. Thus, (B) is not the correct answer.

(C) Other research found that whenever significant activity occurs in region X, it is generally with repetitive tasks, soon before an error occurs.

• This statement directly supports the researchers' conclusion by stating that significant activity in region X occurs specifically with repetitive tasks and shortly before an error occurs. This information aligns with the researchers' findings and strengthens their conclusion. Therefore, (C) is the correct answer.

(D) The diminution of brain activity in cognitive processing regions and the increase of activity in region X began at least 5 seconds before the errors occurred.

• This statement provides a specific time frame (at least 5 seconds) when the changes in brain activity occur before errors. It supports the researchers' conclusion by emphasizing that these changes in brain activity precede errors. However, it does not provide additional information to support the idea of monitoring region X specifically. Therefore, (D) is not the correct answer.

(E) Reduced activity in brain regions associated with cognitive effort was accompanied by increased activity in regions that become active during sleep.

• This statement introduces a different aspect related to brain activity during sleep. Although it provides interesting information about the brain, it does not directly support the researchers' conclusion regarding monitoring brain activity to provide warning of lapses in concentration during repetitive tasks. Hence, (E) is not the correct answer.

In summary, (C) is the correct answer because it directly supports the researchers' conclusion by stating that significant activity in region X is associated with repetitive tasks and occurs shortly before an error.

Premise 1: Modern renditions of classic novels can sometimes have inappropriate content added by publishers.
Premise 2: ABC publishers do not add any inappropriate content to their novels.
Conclusion: Parents who want their children to enjoy literary classics while keeping them away from inappropriate content can buy books published by ABC publishers.

To strengthen this argument, we need to find an answer choice that provides additional support for the conclusion. Let's evaluate each option:

(A) Apart from inappropriate content, ABC publishers do not add anything else to their books that might make these books unsuitable for reading by children.

• This answer choice provides additional support by stating that ABC publishers do not add anything else that might make their books unsuitable for children, apart from inappropriate content. It strengthens the argument by emphasizing the suitability of ABC publishers' books for children.

(B) ABC Publishers is one of the most reputed publishing houses in the country known for its strong ethical and moral code.

• This answer choice provides information about the reputation and ethical standards of ABC publishers. While it establishes the credibility of the publisher, it does not directly strengthen the argument regarding inappropriate content.

(C) Some inappropriate content might not be as bad for children as some other.

• This answer choice introduces a relative comparison between different types of inappropriate content. However, it does not directly strengthen the argument regarding ABC publishers' books and their suitability for children.

(D) The literary classics published by ABC publishers do not by themselves contain any inappropriate content that parents do not wish to expose their children to.

• This answer choice directly supports the argument by stating that the literary classics published by ABC publishers do not contain any inappropriate content that parents want to keep their children away from. It reinforces the suitability of ABC publishers' books for children.

(E) Children are not exposed to inappropriate content from other sources apart from books.

• This answer choice introduces a new topic about the exposure of children to inappropriate content from sources other than books. While it may be relevant to the overall discussion, it does not directly strengthen the argument regarding ABC publishers' books.

Among the given answer choices, option (D) provides the strongest support for the argument. It reinforces the idea that parents can safely buy books published by ABC publishers because the books themselves do not contain any inappropriate content that parents want to avoid exposing their children to.

(A) The Portuguese records do not indicate whether their expedition of 1485 included metalworkers.

• This option doesn't provide any direct evidence or information that strengthens the argument. It neither confirms nor denies the presence of metalworkers during the Portuguese expedition.

(B) The Portuguese had no contact with Ife until the 1500s.

• This option strengthens the argument by indicating that the Portuguese had no contact with Ife, the neighboring region that sent cast-brass jewelry to Benin. If the Portuguese had no contact with Ife until the 1500s, it becomes even more unlikely that Benin's knowledge of brass casting was derived from the Portuguese.

(C) In the 1400s, the Portuguese did not use cast brass for commemorative plaques.

• This option provides information about the Portuguese practices in the 1400s. However, it does not directly address the issue of whether the Portuguese introduced brass-casting techniques to Benin. It is possible that they used different materials or techniques for their own commemorative plaques.

(D) As early as 1500 A.D., Benin artists were making brass plaques incorporating depictions of Europeans.

• This option provides information about Benin artists making brass plaques incorporating depictions of Europeans. While it shows that Benin artists were already using brass by 1500, it does not directly strengthen the argument regarding the introduction of brass-casting techniques by the Portuguese.

(E) Copper, which is required for making brass, can be found throughout Benin territory.

• This option provides relevant information that strengthens the argument. If copper, the main component for making brass, can be found throughout Benin territory, it suggests that Benin had access to the necessary resources for brass production. This strengthens the argument that Benin's knowledge of brass casting did not necessarily derive from the Portuguese.

Therefore, the option that most strengthens the argument is (B) The Portuguese had no contact with Ife until the 1500s.

The statement given in the question is about the demand for Korean films in America and how it may be impacted by the popularity of American horror films and American romance films. We are asked to find the statement that best supports the assertion that the demand for Korean films may not return to its previous level.

Let's examine each answer choice:

(A) In the past two years some very successful American Horror films were actually based on successful Korean Horror films.

• This answer choice does not directly support the assertion that the demand for Korean films may not return to its previous level. While it suggests that American horror films were based on successful Korean horror films, it does not provide any information about the impact on the demand for Korean films.

(B) The Korean horror films were significantly responsible for contributing to the revival in demand for Korean films after it dropped two years back.

• This answer choice supports the assertion because it states that Korean horror films were responsible for the revival in demand for Korean films after a previous drop. If Korean horror films were a significant factor in the revival, it suggests that without the popularity of Korean horror films, the demand may not return to its previous level.

(C) Various surveys show that the movie business in America is almost at its peak and is likely to go down after it booms in the next one year.

• This answer choice does not directly support the assertion either. It provides information about the overall movie business in America, but it does not specifically address the demand for Korean films.

(D) The demand for Korean romantic films has not decreased in the last two years.

• This answer choice does not support the assertion because it specifically mentions the demand for Korean romantic films, not Korean films in general. It does not provide any information about the potential impact of American horror films on the overall demand for Korean films.

(E) American sci-fi films have always been more popular in America than Korean or American horror films have been.

• This answer choice does not directly support the assertion either. It discusses the popularity of American sci-fi films compared to Korean or American horror films, but it does not provide any information about the potential impact on the demand for Korean films.

In conclusion, the best answer choice that supports the assertion that the demand for Korean films may not return to its previous level is (B). It indicates that Korean horror films were significantly responsible for contributing to the revival in demand for Korean films, suggesting that without them, the demand may not reach its previous level.

The given statement argues that students who spend more time playing sports are less proficient in their course curriculum compared to other students. We are asked to choose the statement that best supports this argument. Let's analyze each option:

(A) Students who do not regularly play sports may occasionally indulge in binge-watching popular dramas.

• This statement is not relevant to the argument being made. It discusses the behavior of students who do not play sports, but it does not provide any support for the claim that students who do play sports are less proficient in their course curriculum.

(B) Studies have proven that students regularly playing sports are not likely to show interest in studying the topics included in their curriculum.

• This statement directly supports the argument by stating that studies have proven a lack of interest in studying among students who regularly play sports. It suggests that the time spent playing sports hinders their interest in studying the course curriculum.

(C) A well-rounded individual divides his time among multiple activities to gain acceptable proficiency in each of them rather than devoting time to master only one or two.

• This statement promotes the idea of being well-rounded and dividing time among multiple activities, but it does not specifically address the argument that students who spend more time playing sports are less proficient in their course curriculum. It does not provide direct support to the claim being made.

(D) Engaging with the course curriculum is the significant alternative activity for students who do not spend more than average time playing sports.

• This statement supports the argument by suggesting that engaging with the course curriculum is the alternative activity for students who do not spend more time playing sports. It implies that students who prioritize sports over studying are likely to be less proficient in their course curriculum.

(E) Typically, the students who win the maximum number of awards in sports are less familiar with their course curriculum than the students who show disinterest in sports.

• This statement contradicts the argument by suggesting that students who excel in sports and win awards are less familiar with their course curriculum. It implies that disinterested students are more familiar with their curriculum. Thus, it does not support the argument being made.

Based on the analysis above, statement (D) is the most suitable option as it directly supports the argument that students who spend more time playing sports are less proficient in their course curriculum.