Test: Complete the Passage - GMAT MCQ

The passage discusses the intentional distortion of human figures in El Greco's paintings and addresses the suggestion that El Greco had an astigmatism as a potential explanation for this distortion. The correct option will provide a logical reason why the suggestion cannot be the explanation.

(A) This option suggests that several twentieth-century artists have consciously adopted the elongation of the human form from El Greco's paintings. While this information is interesting, it does not directly address or contradict the suggestion that El Greco had an astigmatism. Therefore, it does not logically complete the passage.

(B) This option states that some people do have elongated bodies somewhat like those depicted in El Greco's portraits. Although it suggests a similarity between real bodies and the distorted figures in El Greco's paintings, it does not provide a reason why the suggestion of astigmatism cannot be the explanation. Thus, it does not logically complete the passage.

(C) This option states that if El Greco had an astigmatism, then the elongated figures in his paintings would have appeared to him as distorted. This directly contradicts the suggestion that El Greco had an astigmatism because it indicates that the distorted appearance in his paintings is intentional rather than a result of a visual impairment. Therefore, (C) logically completes the passage.

(D) This option mentions that there would have been no correction available for astigmatism in the period in which El Greco lived. While this may be true, it does not directly address or contradict the suggestion of astigmatism as the explanation for the distorted figures in El Greco's paintings. Hence, it does not logically complete the passage.

(E) This option mentions the existence of non-European artists in El Greco's time who intentionally distorted human figures in their works. While this adds interesting information, it does not directly address or contradict the suggestion of astigmatism as the explanation for El Greco's paintings. Therefore, it does not logically complete the passage.

In summary, the option that most logically completes the passage is (C) because it directly contradicts the suggestion that El Greco had an astigmatism by stating that if he had one, the figures in his paintings would have appeared distorted to him.

(A) The data presented does not explicitly suggest that the success of a design firm is solely based on its staff or that the product it provides is solely creativity itself. This option goes beyond the information given and makes an assumption, so it is not the best choice.

(B) The data does not provide any information about the positions held by designers after the age of 45. The passage only mentions the frequency of new ideas generated by different age groups, so this option is not supported by the data.

(C) This option suggests that older designers, due to their acquired experience and style, are more creative than younger designers. However, the passage states the opposite, indicating that designers aged between 25 and 35 come up with new ideas about 30% more frequently than designers aged between 35 and 50. Therefore, this option contradicts the data provided and is not the correct choice.

(D) The data does not compare the creativity of designers based on their years of experience. It only compares designers within different age groups. This option introduces a new factor (years of experience) that is not mentioned in the passage, so it cannot be inferred from the given information.

(E) This option suggests that design firms should be more open-minded when considering the employment of recently graduated designers. The given data indicates that designers aged between 25 and 35 come up with new ideas about 30% more frequently than designers aged between 35 and 50. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that design firms should be more open-minded and consider hiring recently graduated designers who fall within the age range of 25 to 35, as they are shown to generate new ideas more frequently. This option aligns with the information given in the passage and is the best choice.

In summary, the correct answer is (E) design firms should be more open-minded when considering the employment of recently graduated designers, as supported by the data provided in the passage.

Let's analyze each option:

(A) That Londou's clock was popular in the 19th century: This option is not supported by the information given. The passage mentions that Londou planned floral clocks in 1872, but it does not provide any information about their popularity or success.

(B) That Londou's clock can be seen only in horticulture gardens: The passage does not provide any information about where Londou's clock can be seen. This option is not supported by the information given.

(C) That Londou's erratic botanical timepiece never caught on: This option aligns with the information given in the passage. The passage mentions that Londou planned floral clocks but their timekeeping ability would have been constantly disrupted by variable weather. This suggests that Londou's clock, despite having predictable opening and closing times, was not successful in practical applications due to the inconsistency caused by weather variations.

(D) That Londou's clocks are among the most accurate of primitive clocks: The passage does not provide any information to support this option. It mentions Londou's clock planning but does not indicate that his clocks were particularly accurate.

(E) That Londou is highly respected by botanists: The passage does not provide any information about Londou's reputation or how he is perceived by botanists. This option is not supported by the information given.

Based on the information provided, the most appropriate option to complete the sentence is (C) That Londou's erratic botanical timepiece never caught on.

(A) The proportion of paid subscriptions to shared subscriptions is not significantly higher from one year to another.
This answer choice does not provide a strong reason why the dent made to the industry's profits is minor. Even if the proportion remains constant, the absolute number of shared subscriptions could still be significant.

(B) Only people with serious intentions of taking competitive exams invest money in online tutorials.
This answer choice provides a strong reason why the dent made to the industry's profits is minor. If the students who share the account are not seriously interested in competitive exams, they are unlikely to become paying customers. Therefore, the loss of potential paying students is minimal.

(C) It is very difficult to match the potential loss claimed by the industry with the actuals given the huge database of bought subscriptions.
This answer choice suggests that accurately quantifying the loss claimed by the industry is challenging due to the large number of bought subscriptions. While this may be a factor, it does not directly explain why the dent made to the industry's profits is minor.

(D) The tutorial industry also sells CDs of their tutorials with limited study material, the sales of which constitute a good proportion of their overall revenues.
This answer choice introduces an unrelated revenue stream for the tutorial industry, but it does not explain why the dent made to the industry's profits is minor due to account sharing.

(E) The feedback available per paid subscription is a one-time affair, and the users sharing the account cannot avail of the facility again.
This answer choice focuses on the limitations faced by the users who share the account, but it does not address the impact on the industry's profits. The question is concerned with the dent made to the industry's profits, rather than the limitations of the shared account.

Given the analysis above, the most appropriate answer is B. Only people with serious intentions of taking competitive exams invest money in online tutorials. This answer choice directly addresses the issue by stating that the students who share the account are not seriously interested in competitive exams. Therefore, the loss of potential paying students is minimal, resulting in a minor dent in the industry's profits.

The given passage discusses the possibility of bacteria developing on Mars and being transported to Earth. It states that strains of bacteria from different planets would have substantial differences in protein structure, and no two bacterial strains on Earth are different enough to have arisen on different planets.

Looking at the options:

(A) Whether or not bacteria actually developed on Mars.

• This option does not directly address the information provided in the passage. The passage already assumes the possibility of bacteria developing on Mars.

(B) Its likely it is that Martian bacteria were transported from Earth.

• This option contradicts the passage. The passage suggests that bacteria from Mars could have been transported to Earth, not the other way around.

(C) Martian bacteria could have been carried to Earth by means other than meteorites.

• This option is not supported or discussed in the passage. The passage only mentions the possibility of bacterial transportation through meteorites.

(D) All bacteria now on Earth could have arisen from transported Martian bacteria.

• This option aligns with the information provided in the passage. The passage states that strains of bacteria from different planets would have substantial differences in protein structure, indicating that the bacteria on Earth did not arise from different planets.

(E) There could have been strains of bacteria that originated on Earth and later died out.

• This option is not directly addressed in the passage. The passage focuses on the possibility of bacteria from Mars being transported to Earth, rather than the origin and extinction of strains on Earth.

Based on the explanations above, the best option to complete the passage is (D) "All bacteria now on Earth could have arisen from transported Martian bacteria." This option is consistent with the information provided in the passage regarding the differences in protein structure between bacteria from different planets.

Argument:
Last year, a higher percentage of workers in the south of Breeland received salary bonuses compared to the north.
Among the workers who received a bonus, a higher percentage in the south saved part of it.
Conclusion:
Therefore, a greater number of workers in the south of Breeland saved part of the bonuses they received last year.

We are asked to find the answer choice that logically completes the argument. Let's analyze each answer choice:

(A) The per capita income in the north is lower than in the south.
The argument doesn't provide any information about the per capita income. The income level is not directly relevant to the conclusion. Eliminate.

(B) Bonuses received by workers in the south were smaller, on average, than bonuses received by workers in the north.
The argument doesn't provide any information about the size of the bonuses. The average bonus size is not directly relevant to the conclusion. Eliminate.

(C) The unemployment rate is no higher in the north than in the south.
The argument doesn't mention anything about the unemployment rate. The unemployment rate is not directly relevant to the conclusion. Eliminate.

(D) There are about the same number of workers in the south as in the north.
This answer choice directly supports the conclusion that a greater number of workers in the south saved part of their bonuses. If the percentage of workers who received bonuses and the percentage of workers who saved part of the bonuses are both higher in the south, and the number of workers is about the same in both regions, then it follows that more workers in the south saved part of their bonuses. This answer choice completes the argument and is the correct choice.

(E) Workers in the south are older, on average, than workers in the north.
The argument doesn't provide any information about the age of the workers. The average age of the workers is not directly relevant to the conclusion. Eliminate.

Therefore, the correct answer is (D) - there are about the same number of workers in the south as in the north.

The argument states that "hot spots" are habitats with high concentrations of endemic species, and these habitats are vulnerable to habitat loss due to commercial development. It further states that loss of endemic species accounts for most modern-day extinctions. The argument then suggests that since there are limited resources available, organizations dedicated to preserving species should logically do something to address the situation.

Let's examine each answer choice:

(A) try to help only those species who are threatened with extinction because of habitat loss

• This answer choice suggests focusing only on species threatened with extinction due to habitat loss. While this action may be important, it does not address the broader issue of protecting hot spots or endemic species as a whole. Therefore, it is not the most logical completion of the argument.

(B) concentrate their resources on protecting hot spot habitats

• This answer choice aligns with the argument's premise that hot spot habitats are vulnerable to habitat loss and that endemic species are at risk. By concentrating resources on protecting these hot spot habitats, organizations can maximize their efforts in preserving the greatest concentrations of endemic species. This option directly addresses the main concern raised in the argument and is, therefore, the most logical completion.

(C) treat all endemic species as equally valuable and equally in need of preservation

• While it is important to recognize the value and need for preservation of all endemic species, this answer choice does not provide a specific action that organizations should take. It also does not address the issue of hot spots or habitat loss. Therefore, it is not the most logical completion.

(D) accept that most endemic species will become extinct

• This answer choice contradicts the entire argument, which emphasizes the importance of protecting endemic species and hot spots. Accepting that most endemic species will become extinct would be counterproductive and defeat the purpose of organizations dedicated to preserving species. Therefore, it is not the most logical completion.

(E) expand the definition of "hot spot" to include vulnerable habitats that are not currently home to many endangered species

• This answer choice suggests expanding the definition of "hot spot" to include habitats that are not currently home to many endangered species but are still vulnerable. While this may be a valid consideration, it does not directly address the issue of protecting endemic species or the high concentrations of species found only in one place. Therefore, it is not the most logical completion.

In summary, answer choice (B) is the most logical completion of the argument because it directly addresses the issue of protecting hot spot habitats, which have the greatest concentrations of endemic species and are vulnerable to habitat loss.

Let's go through each answer choice and explain why option (E) is the correct answer.

(A) User-friendliness also implies that owners can service their own computers:
This answer choice introduces a new idea related to the ability to service one's own computer. However, this issue is not mentioned or relevant to the information given in the question stem. Therefore, this answer choice can be eliminated.

(B) Personal computers cost more the more user-friendly they are:
The question stem does not provide any information regarding the cost of user-friendly personal computers. This answer choice introduces a new idea that is not supported by the information given. Hence, it can be eliminated.

(C) Currently available models are user-friendly enough to suit them:
While this answer choice addresses the issue of whether currently available models are user-friendly enough, it does not directly relate to the logical prior issue that potential buyers are trying to address. The emphasis on user-friendliness in sales campaigns may not necessarily imply that currently available models are user-friendly enough. Therefore, this answer choice can be eliminated.

(D) The people promoting personal computers use them in their own homes:
This answer choice introduces the idea of personal computer usage by the people promoting them. However, this information is not mentioned or relevant in the question stem. Hence, it can be eliminated.

(E) They have enough sensible uses for a personal computer to justify the expense of buying one:
This answer choice directly addresses the logical prior issue that potential buyers are trying to address. It suggests that potential buyers are concerned with whether they have enough sensible uses for a personal computer to justify the expense of buying one. This aligns with the information given in the question stem, which states that the emphasis on user-friendliness is premature and irrelevant to potential buyers. Therefore, option (E) is the correct answer.

In summary, option (E) is the correct answer because it directly addresses the logical prior issue that potential buyers are concerned with, as mentioned in the question stem.

(A) This option suggests that parents would engage the safety mechanism before children ride bicycles. However, it does not address the concern raised in the passage about the extra stability provided by the fall-proof mechanism. Therefore, it does not logically complete the passage.

(B) This option suggests that the additional safety mechanism would be expensive, leading to a drop in sales of children's bicycles. While this may be a valid concern, it does not address the argument about the rise in the number of injuries resulting from the use of the fall-proof mechanism. Thus, it does not logically complete the passage.

(C) This option states that a significant percentage of new learners have been injured at least once by falling from a bicycle. While this statistic provides relevant information, it does not address the impact of the fall-proof mechanism on the learning process and the rise of injuries. Therefore, it does not logically complete the passage.

(D) This option mentions that injuries resulting from falling from bicycles are usually not serious. While this information is useful, it does not address the argument about the impact of the fall-proof mechanism on the learning process and the rise of injuries. Hence, it does not logically complete the passage.

(E) This option states that children wish to learn to ride bicycles without any additional safety mechanism as quickly as possible. This directly addresses the concern raised in the passage that the fall-proof mechanism slows down the learning process and does not provide the same experience as riding a standard bicycle. Therefore, this option logically completes the passage.

Thus, the most logical completion of the passage is option (E): "children wish to learn to ride bicycles unaided by any additional safety mechanism as fast as they can."

The passage explains that pecan growers get a high price for their crop when pecans are scarce and the price drops when pecans are abundant. Due to this price fluctuation, growers often hold back part of their crop in refrigerated warehouses for one or two years, hoping for higher prices in the future. It is mentioned that this year's pecan crop was the smallest in five years. The question asks why it is still possible that a portion of this year's crop will be held back.

(A) each of the last two years produced record-breaking pecan yields. This answer choice supports the idea that there were abundant pecan yields in the previous two years. If there were record-breaking yields in the recent past, it suggests that the price dropped sharply during those years, making it likely for growers to hold back a portion of this year's crop. Thus, this answer choice is consistent with the information provided in the passage and logically completes it.

(B) the quality of this year's pecan crop is no worse than the quality of the pecan crops of the previous five years. The quality of the pecan crop is not directly relevant to the issue of holding back a portion of the crop for higher prices. The passage focuses on the scarcity and abundance of pecans and the resulting price fluctuations. Therefore, this answer choice is not the most logical completion.

(C) pecan prices have not been subject to sharp fluctuations in recent years. This answer choice contradicts the information provided in the passage, which states that the price of pecans drops sharply when they are abundant. If pecan prices have not been subject to sharp fluctuations, it would not be a reason for growers to hold back a portion of this year's crop. Hence, this answer choice does not logically complete the passage.

(D) for some pecan growers, this year's crop was no smaller than last year's. This answer choice is not relevant to the issue of holding back a portion of the crop for higher prices. The passage does not discuss the specific size of the crop but rather emphasizes the scarcity of this year's crop compared to the previous five years. Therefore, this answer choice does not logically complete the passage.

(E) the practice of holding back part of one year's crop had not yet become widespread the last time the pecan crop was as small as it was this year. This answer choice suggests that in previous years when the pecan crop was as small as it is this year, the practice of holding back part of the crop was not yet widespread. However, the passage does not provide any information about the history of this practice or when it started becoming widespread. Therefore, this answer choice does not logically complete the passage.

In conclusion, the most logical completion of the passage is answer choice (A) because it aligns with the information provided in the passage and supports the idea that growers would hold back a portion of this year's crop due to record-breaking yields in the previous two years.