Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 600) - 1 - GMAT MCQ

The passage explicitly states that both private-sector firms and various levels of government have adopted comparable worth policies: "large numbers of private-sector firms and industries as well as federal, state, and local governmental entities have adopted comparable worth policies or begun to consider doing so." This directly supports option B.

The passage discusses the rise and implementation of comparable worth policies and debates whether the changes brought by these policies are long-lasting or temporary. The focus is on evaluating the impact and significance of these policies, which aligns with option B.

The passage notes that comparable worth differs from other mandates because it compares tasks in dissimilar jobs, determining if elements like training, effort, skill, and responsibility have similar value. This process of quantification is specific to comparable worth, making option E correct.

Option D illustrates an application of comparable worth by comparing dissimilar jobs (clerks and engineers) based on their skills, training, and job responsibilities. This directly aligns with the passage's description of how comparable worth principles work.

Situation I involves a direct comparison of pay between male and female employees in the same job, which the Equal Pay Act and Title VII could address.
Situation II involves comparing the jobs of office workers to factory workers within the same company, which is about dissimilar jobs and requires comparable worth principles.
Situation III involves a pay discrepancy among employees with the same job and qualifications, which other mandates could address.
Therefore, only situation II fits the criteria where other mandates wouldn't likely provide a satisfactory outcome, making option B the correct answer.

The passage discusses the mark-to-market (or fair value) accounting regime, which requires assets to be recorded at their market value. The rationale for adopting this regime is to enhance market transparency, which improves investment decision-making and capital allocation.

To address the relationship between the two highlighted statements:

1. The first statement describes the principle of mark-to-market accounting: "A mark-to-market (or fair value) accounting regime requires that the marketable assets held by a company be accounted for at market value."

2. The second statement explains the rationale behind this principle: "The rationale for adopting such a rule is to enhance market transparency, thereby facilitating better investment decision-making and more efficient capital allocation."

The relationship between these statements is that the first statement introduces the principle of mark-to-market accounting, and the second statement explains why this principle is adopted.

Thus, the best description of the relationship is:

A. The first describes a principle; the second explains the rationale underlying this principle.

Explanation: The first statement outlines the basic principle of mark-to-market accounting, while the second statement provides the reason or rationale for why this principle is applied—namely, to improve market transparency and decision-making.

The second paragraph discusses the impact of forced sales of illiquid assets on all owners of those assets, which fits the description of "forced sales of jointly owned assets."
The third paragraph explains how the losses related to debt and its market value can be transmitted through networks of interconnected financial agents, fitting the description of "ownership of debt issued by another company."

The paragraph provides a comparative analysis of mark-to-market accounting and historical cost accounting to highlight how mark-to-market accounting affects systemic risk. This comparison helps in evaluating the broader implications of adopting mark-to-market accounting by providing a benchmark against which its effects can be assessed.

To determine which of the listed options is NOT mentioned as an advantage of mark-to-market accounting in the passage:

1. Assisting investment decision-making: The passage mentions that mark-to-market accounting facilitates better investment decision-making by improving the transparency of market information.

2. Encouraging more productive allocation of capital: The passage states that mark-to-market accounting aids in more efficient capital allocation, which implies that it encourages productive use of capital.

3. Providing better information to market participants: The passage clearly states that mark-to-market accounting improves the information available to market participants.

4. Stabilizing markets for illiquid assets: This option is not mentioned as an advantage of mark-to-market accounting. In fact, the passage highlights that mark-to-market accounting can exacerbate the effects of financial distress and amplify systemic risk, particularly in the context of illiquid assets.

5. Improving market transparency: The passage explicitly mentions that mark-to-market accounting enhances market transparency.

Therefore, the option that is NOT mentioned as an advantage of mark-to-market accounting is:

D. Stabilizing markets for illiquid assets.

Explanation: The passage points out that mark-to-market accounting can lead to further contagion and loss of value in illiquid assets, rather than stabilizing these markets.

The argument states that customers of a certain credit-card company can use bonus points to purchase brand name merchandise at prices lower than the manufacturers' suggested retail prices. Based on this information, the argument concludes that customers spending their bonus points will spend less than if they purchased the same merchandise in retail stores.

To weaken or challenge this argument, we need to identify an assumption on which the argument depends. In other words, we need to find an answer choice that, if false, would undermine the conclusion of the argument.

Let's examine each answer choice:

(A) The merchandise that can be ordered by mail using the bonus points is not offered at lower prices by other credit-card companies that award bonus points.
This answer choice is not relevant to the argument since it talks about other credit-card companies. The argument only concerns the specific credit-card company mentioned. So, it is not an assumption on which the argument depends.

(B) The bonus points cannot be used by the credit-card customers in the purchase of brand name merchandise that is not available for purchase in retail stores.
This answer choice is also not relevant to the argument. It talks about merchandise that is not available in retail stores, which is outside the scope of the argument. Therefore, it is not an assumption on which the argument depends.

(C) The credit-card company does not require its customers to accumulate a large number of bonus points before becoming eligible to order merchandise at prices lower than the manufacturers' suggested retail price.
This answer choice does not impact the conclusion of the argument. Even if customers need to accumulate a large number of bonus points, it does not affect the claim that they will spend less when using those points compared to retail store prices. Hence, it is not an assumption on which the argument depends.

(D) The amount credit-card customers pay for shipping the merchandise ordered by mail does not increase the amount customers spend to an amount greater than they would spend if they purchased the same merchandise in retail stores.
This answer choice directly addresses the comparison between the amount customers spend using bonus points and the amount they would spend in retail stores. If the shipping cost were to increase the total amount spent on the merchandise ordered by mail, it would weaken the argument's claim that customers spend less. Therefore, this is a crucial assumption on which the argument depends.

(E) The merchandise available to the company's credit-card customers using the bonus points is frequently sold in retail stores at prices that are higher than the manufacturers' suggested retail prices.
This answer choice is not relevant to the argument either. It talks about prices in retail stores, but the argument is specifically comparing the prices customers pay using bonus points with the manufacturers' suggested retail prices. So, it is not an assumption on which the argument depends.

Based on the analysis above, we can conclude that answer choice (D) is the assumption on which the argument depends. If the shipping cost were to increase the total amount spent on the merchandise ordered by mail, it would undermine the claim that customers spend less by using their bonus points.

Therefore, the correct answer is (D).

Consumer Advocate: The new soft drink, Mango Paradise, contains at least 2.5% of Ephedra, a chemical supplement that stimulates the activity of the nervous system but may also result in serious cardiac problems. Therefore, this drink is harmful to consumer health and should be banned from distribution in our state.

The consumer advocate is making an argument against the distribution of the soft drink, Mango Paradise, based on the fact that it contains at least 2.5% of Ephedra, a chemical supplement known for its potential to cause serious cardiac problems. In order to support their argument, the consumer advocate is making an assumption. Let's analyze the options:

(a) The new soft drink will soon be introduced into mass production.
This statement does not directly affect the consumer advocate's argument. Whether the soft drink is introduced into mass production or not, if it contains harmful levels of Ephedra, it would still be considered harmful to consumer health.

(b) Consumers are unlikely to enjoy the taste of Mango Paradise because of the high amount of Ephedra contained in the drink.
The consumer advocate's argument is focused on the health risks associated with consuming Ephedra, not the taste preferences of consumers. This statement is not relevant to the argument.

(c) Any drink that contains at least 2.5% of Ephedra is harmful to consumer health.
This assumption aligns directly with the consumer advocate's argument. They are asserting that the soft drink, Mango Paradise, is harmful to consumer health because it contains at least 2.5% of Ephedra. If this assumption is true, it supports the advocate's call for banning the drink.

(d) The Consumer Advocate is not affiliated with the producer of Mango Paradise.
The consumer advocate's affiliation with the producer of Mango Paradise does not directly impact the argument being made. This statement is not relevant to the argument.

(e) Most consumers who drink Mango Paradise will eventually experience serious cardiac problems.
The consumer advocate's argument focuses on the potential for serious cardiac problems due to the presence of Ephedra in Mango Paradise. However, the advocate does not provide evidence or claim that "most consumers" will eventually experience these problems. This statement goes beyond the scope of the argument and is not necessary to support the advocate's position.

Therefore, the assumption made by the consumer advocate is (c) Any drink that contains at least 2.5% of Ephedra is harmful to consumer health. This assumption forms the basis for the advocate's argument against the distribution of Mango Paradise.

The given text presents an argument that suggests supporting the proposed law would serve the interests of a few wealthy summer residents while creating problems for the permanent residents of the island. The question asks for the assumption on which this argument depends. Let's analyze each answer choice:

(A) The average income of the island’s summer residents is greater than the average income of its permanent residents.
This statement focuses on the income comparison between summer residents and permanent residents. However, the argument does not depend on this income comparison, so this assumption is not necessary for the argument to hold. Eliminate (A).

(B) The problems associated with this law outweigh any benefit it might provide the island’s permanent residents.
This assumption is crucial for the argument's logic. The argument assumes that the problems associated with the law are significant enough to outweigh any benefits it might provide to the permanent residents. Without this assumption, the argument's claim that the law would create problems for the permanent residents loses its strength. Keep (B).

(C) Most of the island’s summer residents would benefit from the passage of this law.
While the argument suggests that the wealthy summer residents would benefit from the law, it does not explicitly state that most of them would benefit. This assumption is not necessary for the argument's conclusion and can be eliminated. Eliminate (C).

(D) Most of the island’s summer residents support the passage of this law.
The argument assumes that the wealthy summer residents are the proponents of the law. However, it does not explicitly state that most of them support it. This assumption is not necessary for the argument's conclusion and can be eliminated. Eliminate (D).

(E) Most of the island’s permanent residents oppose the passage of this law.
The argument focuses on the interests of the permanent residents being harmed by the law, but it does not explicitly mention their opposition to it. This assumption is not necessary for the argument's conclusion and can be eliminated. Eliminate (E).

Therefore, the correct assumption on which the argument depends is (B): The problems associated with this law outweigh any benefit it might provide the island’s permanent residents.

The argument establishes that curiosity is essential for successful learning but acknowledges that most students lack sufficient curiosity initially. So, the missing statement should address how the teacher should approach this situation.

Let's examine each answer choice:

(A) requires for the fulfillment of its goals the stimulation as well as the satisfaction of curiosity

This choice aligns with the argument by stating that the teacher's job requires both stimulating the students' curiosity and providing satisfaction through the learning process. It emphasizes the importance of generating interest and providing gratification for effective learning. This option complements the argument's focus on intrinsic motivation.

(B) necessitates the creative use of rewards that are not inherent in the learning process itself

This choice suggests that the teacher should rely on external rewards to motivate students. However, the argument emphasizes intrinsic gratification rather than extrinsic rewards, making this option less relevant.

(C) is to focus primarily on those topics that do not initially interest the students

This choice proposes that the teacher should focus on topics that initially do not interest students. However, it contradicts the argument's emphasis on curiosity as a prerequisite for successful learning. It suggests avoiding initially interesting topics, which does not align with the argument's logic.

(D) is facilitated by students taking responsibility for their own learning

This choice suggests that students taking responsibility for their learning will facilitate the teacher's job. While student responsibility is essential for effective learning, it does not directly address the issue of insufficient initial curiosity mentioned in the argument.

(E) becomes easier if students realize that some learning is not necessarily enjoyable

This choice implies that accepting the lack of enjoyment in some learning makes the teacher's job easier. However, it does not directly address the challenge of insufficient initial curiosity, which the argument aims to resolve.

Considering the above analysis, (A) is the most logical completion because it aligns with the argument's emphasis on curiosity, stimulation, and satisfaction in the learning process. It acknowledges that the teacher's job involves both stimulating curiosity and providing satisfaction to facilitate successful learning.

This question is a completion question, where you need to choose the option that best completes the passage. Let's analyze each option to determine the most suitable choice.

(a) the total market value of all illegal copies is low in comparison to the total revenue of the entertainment industry

This option suggests that the total market value of illegal copies is relatively low compared to the overall revenue generated by the entertainment industry. However, it doesn't directly address the claim that most people who illegally download mobile applications have no serious interest in them. Therefore, it is not the best completion for the passage.

(b) the number of mobile applications that are frequently copied illegally is low in comparison to the number of mobile applications available for sale

This option highlights that the number of mobile applications frequently copied illegally is low compared to the total number of applications available for sale. While this information may be relevant to the topic, it doesn't directly address the claim that most people who engage in illegal downloads have no serious interest in the applications. Hence, it is not the best completion for the passage.

(c) most people who illegally copy mobile applications would not purchase them even if purchasing them were the only way to obtain them

This option directly supports the argument made in the passage. It states that the loss to the entertainment industry is small because most individuals who illegally download mobile applications would not purchase them even if they were unable to obtain them for free. This completion aligns with the statement that those who engage in illegal downloads have no serious interest in the applications. Therefore, option c is the best completion for the passage.

(d) even if the entertainment industry received all the revenue it claims to be losing, it would still be experiencing financial difficulties

This option introduces a new concept by suggesting that even if the industry received all the revenue it claims to be losing, it would still face financial difficulties. While this information may be relevant to the topic of the entertainment industry's financial situation, it does not directly address the claim that most people who illegally download mobile applications have no serious interest in them. Hence, it is not the best completion for the passage.

(e) many users who illegally copy mobile applications never find any use for them

This option suggests that many users who engage in illegal downloads never find any use for the applications they obtain. Although this information is relevant, it does not directly support the claim that most people who engage in illegal downloads have no serious interest in the applications. Therefore, it is not the best completion for the passage.

In conclusion, the option that best completes the passage is (c) most people who illegally copy mobile applications would not purchase them even if purchasing them were the only way to obtain them.

The argument states that Nessus Valley Machinery is deciding between manufacturing screws out of steel or aluminum. The costs of production and selling prices are comparable for both types of screws. However, due to one of their primary customers discontinuing the use of steel screws in their trucks, the market for steel screws will be significantly smaller than usual, while the market for aluminum screws will remain unaffected.

The argument then concludes that producing screws from aluminum will be more profitable than producing screws from steel. To complete the argument, we need to provide a reason that supports this conclusion.

Let's analyze the answer choices:

(A) The smaller-than-usual customer base for steel screws will not be offset by a higher sales price for steel screws.

This answer choice directly addresses the profitability aspect of the argument. It states that the smaller market for steel screws will not be compensated by a higher sales price for steel screws. This implies that the reduced demand for steel screws will not result in increased profitability, strengthening the case for producing aluminum screws instead.

(B) An additional production run of steel screws should be planned for when the market returns to normal levels.

This answer choice suggests planning an additional production run of steel screws for when the market for them returns to normal levels. While this may be a valid strategy for future operations, it does not directly support the claim that producing aluminum screws will be more profitable in the current situation. Therefore, it is not the most logical completion of the argument.

(C) The steel screws Nessus Valley produces are better for use in trucks than their aluminum equivalent.

This answer choice introduces a new point about the superiority of steel screws for use in trucks compared to aluminum screws. However, this does not directly address the profitability aspect of the argument. The argument is concerned with profitability, not the comparative quality of the screws. Therefore, this answer choice is not the most logical completion of the argument.

(D) Aluminum screws can only be used for certain products.

This answer choice introduces a limitation to the usability of aluminum screws, stating that they can only be used for certain products. While this may be a relevant consideration for the overall product line, it does not provide a direct reason why producing aluminum screws would be more profitable than producing steel screws in the current market situation. Therefore, it is not the most logical completion of the argument.

(E) Producing aluminum screws is more profitable than producing screws from other types of metal, such as titanium.

This answer choice introduces a comparison between aluminum screws and screws made from other types of metal, such as titanium. While this may be interesting information, the argument is specifically focused on deciding between steel and aluminum screws. Therefore, this answer choice is not the most logical completion of the argument.

Based on the analysis above, answer choice (A) is the most logical completion of the argument. It directly addresses the profitability aspect by stating that the reduced demand for steel screws will not be offset by a higher sales price, strengthening the case for producing aluminum screws instead.

Let's go through each answer choice and see which one is the most useful for evaluating the claim:

(A) Whether factory workers will require training in order to use the new manufacturing process.

This answer choice is not directly relevant to evaluating the claim. While training requirements may be important for implementing the new process, they do not provide information about the claim's validity.

(B) Whether the new process is likely to introduce deficiencies or imperfections that must be corrected.

This answer choice is the most relevant for evaluating the claim. If the new process introduces deficiencies or imperfections, it could negate the benefits claimed in the argument. For example, if the new process results in a higher rate of defective components that need to be corrected, the time savings from eliminating two steps may be offset by the need for additional corrective actions.

(C) Whether defective components can be fixed or must be thrown out.

This answer choice is partially relevant, as it addresses the handling of defective components. However, it does not directly address the claim about time savings and the elimination of steps in the manufacturing process.

(D) Whether a third manufacturing process would save even more time than both the old and new manufacturing processes.

This answer choice introduces a new factor (a third manufacturing process) that is not discussed in the argument. It is not directly relevant to evaluating the claim about the time savings and elimination of steps in the existing manufacturing process.

(E) Whether saving time with the new manufacturing process will ultimately lead to cost savings for the company.

While cost savings may be important for the company, this answer choice does not directly address the claim about time savings and the elimination of steps in the manufacturing process.

Therefore, the most useful answer choice for evaluating the claim made in the argument is (B). Whether the new process is likely to introduce deficiencies or imperfections that must be corrected. This choice directly addresses the potential drawbacks of the new process, which could affect the overall time savings and the elimination of steps in the manufacturing process.

The argument states that Klondike Army Base in Alaska always has more men than Flagpole Army Base in Oregon, and concludes that soldiers at Klondike must have more free time than soldiers at Flagpole because each soldier at Klondike has to perform a smaller share of the duties.

To evaluate this argument, we need to find additional information that can help us determine if the conclusion is valid. Let's go through each answer choice:

(A) Whether those recruits who are in a position to choose, choose Flagpole over Klondike.
This answer choice focuses on the preferences of recruits. However, it doesn't provide direct information about the duty loads or free time of soldiers at either base. Therefore, it is not directly relevant to evaluating the argument.

(B) Whether the officers administering the Flagpole and Klondike bases have had similar training.
This answer choice addresses the training of the officers, but it doesn't directly relate to the duty loads or free time of soldiers at the bases. Therefore, it is not directly relevant to evaluating the argument.

(C) Whether the morale level at Klondike is higher than the morale at Flagpole.
This answer choice focuses on morale levels but doesn't provide direct information about duty loads or free time. While morale can impact productivity, it does not specifically address the soldiers' duty loads and free time. Therefore, it is not the most useful piece of information to evaluate the argument.

(D) Whether regular furloughs from Klondike are longer than furloughs from Flagpole, to account for added travel time.
This answer choice directly addresses the soldiers' furloughs and considers the added travel time. If soldiers at Klondike have longer furloughs to account for travel time, it suggests that they may indeed have more free time overall, supporting the conclusion. This information is directly relevant to evaluating the argument and helps determine if soldiers at Klondike have more free time.

(E) Whether similar numbers of soldiers are stationed at comparable bases throughout the country.
This answer choice focuses on the number of soldiers stationed at comparable bases throughout the country. While it provides some context, it doesn't directly address the duty loads or free time of soldiers at Flagpole and Klondike. Therefore, it is not directly relevant to evaluating the argument.

In summary, (D) is the most useful piece of information to evaluate the argument because it directly addresses the soldiers' furloughs and accounts for added travel time, which can provide insight into the soldiers' free time and support the conclusion.

Let's evaluate each answer choice and determine its relevance:

(A) Do more employers offer healthy eating options in their onsite cafeterias today compared to twenty years ago?
This answer choice focuses on the availability of healthy eating options in onsite cafeterias. While it is a relevant factor for overall health, it does not directly address the impact of the increased workweek on BMI. It may contribute to a healthier lifestyle, but it does not specifically address the reduced time for exercise and engagement in healthy activities due to increased work hours.

(B) Do more employers subsidize gym and health club memberships for their employees today compared to twenty years ago?
This answer choice explores whether more employers subsidize gym and health club memberships. Again, while it is a relevant factor for overall health, it does not directly address the impact of the increased workweek on BMI. It may encourage exercise and physical activity, but it does not directly address the reduction in free time available for such activities due to longer work hours.

(C) What percentage of employees use their free time to exercise and engage in healthy activities today compared to twenty years ago?
This answer choice directly addresses the use of free time for exercise and engagement in healthy activities. By comparing the percentage of employees who engage in these activities today versus twenty years ago, we can gain insights into the potential impact of increased work hours on people's ability to exercise. However, it does not directly establish a causal relationship between the increased workweek and the increase in average BMI.

(D) Did employees exercise and engage in healthy activities with the additional time when they were not at work twenty years ago?
This answer choice specifically asks about the exercise and engagement in healthy activities during the additional free time that people had twenty years ago. By comparing this with the current situation, it addresses the potential impact of the increased workweek on people's ability to engage in healthy activities. It helps determine whether the reduction in free time due to longer work hours might have contributed to the increase in average BMI.

(E) What factors other than exercise and engaging in healthy activities are important for weight loss?
This answer choice explores factors other than exercise and healthy activities that are important for weight loss. While it is a relevant consideration, it does not directly address the relationship between the increased workweek and the increase in average BMI over the past twenty years.

Considering all the answer choices, option (D) is the most useful in determining whether the increased workweek is an important cause of the increase in average BMI over the past twenty years. By examining how employees utilized their additional free time for exercise and healthy activities twenty years ago, we can better understand the potential impact of the increased workweek on BMI.

To determine how the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) differed from the Congress of Spanish-Speaking People (CSSP) according to the passage, let’s examine the key points about each organization described in the passage:

1. League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC):

   • Encouraged Mexican Americans to pursue a civil rights strategy of assimilation into the United States political and cultural mainstream.
   • This means LULAC advocated for Mexican Americans to integrate into mainstream U.S. culture and society.

2. Congress of Spanish-Speaking People (CSSP):

   • Advocated bilingual education and equal rights for resident aliens in the United States.
   • This indicates that CSSP supported maintaining cultural distinctiveness (such as bilingual education) and addressed the rights of non-citizens, differing from LULAC’s focus on assimilation.

The differences highlighted in the passage suggest that LULAC favored assimilation into mainstream U.S. culture, while CSSP supported cultural maintenance and specific rights for non-citizens. Therefore, the best description of how LULAC differed from CSSP is:

E. encouraged Mexican Americans to adopt the culture of the United States.

Explanation:

• The passage indicates that LULAC promoted assimilation into the mainstream U.S. culture, contrasting with CSSP’s focus on bilingual education and rights for resident aliens, which aligns with option E.

To infer which statement García would most likely agree with about the Mexican American political activists of the 1930s and 1940s, let’s analyze the information provided in the passage:

1. Similar Concerns to 1960s and 1970s Activists: The passage notes that García argues the Mexican American activists of the 1930s and 1940s anticipated many reforms proposed by the more militant Chicanos of the 1960s and 1970s. This suggests that while there were similarities in their concerns, the nature of their activism and the specific issues they addressed may have varied.

2. More Politically Diverse: García argues that the Mexican American Generation was more radical and politically diverse than previously recognized. This indicates that García acknowledges a level of diversity among the 1930s and 1940s activists, but it does not imply they were more diverse than the 1960s and 1970s activists.

3. As Militant as 1960s and 1970s Activists: The passage notes that García provides evidence that activists from the earlier period anticipated reforms proposed by later activists, but it does not suggest they were as militant.

4. Advocacy for Bilingual Education and Equal Rights: The passage indicates that the Congress of Spanish-Speaking People advocated bilingual education and equal rights, but it does not state that these were the views of most activists from the earlier period.

5. Interest in Revolution vs. Liberal Reform: The passage implies that García’s study focuses on the liberal reform goals of the earlier activists, and García dismisses the idea that they were interested in revolution rather than reform.

Based on this analysis, the statement that aligns with García's view is:

A. Some of their concerns were similar to those of the Mexican American activists of the 1960s and 1970s.

Explanation:

• García's study shows that the activists of the 1930s and 1940s anticipated many of the reforms proposed by the later, more militant activists. This indicates that there were indeed some concerns shared between the two groups, even if their methods or level of militancy differed.

To determine which statement the passage suggests García assumes to be true, let’s examine each option in the context of the passage:

1. Increased Ethnic Consciousness and Political Activity: The passage questions the assumption that an increase in the proportion of Mexican Americans born in the U.S. necessarily led to increased political activism. García argues that these new leaders were more acculturated and politically active, but the passage challenges this link by highlighting the need for a better understanding of factors like bilingualism and immigration patterns. This option does not align with García’s assumption but rather with the passage’s critique of it.

2. Increased Familiarity with U.S. Culture and Political Activity: García argues that between 1930 and 1960, a more acculturated generation of Mexican American leaders emerged. García seems to assume that increased familiarity with U.S. culture, resulting from the higher proportion of U.S.-born Mexican Americans, contributed to increased political activity. This assumption is suggested by García’s argument that these leaders were more politically active due to their experience and acculturation.

3. Assimilation and Lack of Political Activity: The passage does not suggest García believes that assimilation led to a lack of interest in political activity. Instead, García's work argues that the more acculturated leaders were more politically active, so this option is inconsistent with García’s assumptions.

4. Political Militancy for Full Civil Rights: While García discusses how the new generation of leaders was determined to achieve full civil rights, the passage does not specifically state that García assumes this determination was the primary motivation for political militancy.

5. Political Protest from Discrimination and World War II Rhetoric: García notes that the new leaders were influenced by discrimination and World War II rhetoric. However, this influence does not directly address García’s assumption about increased familiarity with U.S. culture and its impact on political activity.

Correct Option B:

Explanation: The passage implies that García assumes the increased familiarity of Mexican Americans with U.S. culture (through increased proportion of U.S.-born individuals) contributed to their heightened political activity. The passage critiques this assumption but does not dispute that García made it. Hence, option B is the best fit.

To determine which statement can be inferred about the Mexican American political activists of the 1930s and 1940s, let’s analyze the passage’s content and the options provided:

1. Option A: "Their common goal of liberal reform made them less militant than the Mexican American activists of the 1960s and 1970s."

   • The passage does not specifically discuss the militancy of activists from the 1930s and 1940s compared to those of the 1960s and 1970s. It focuses more on the diversity and political differences among groups, not directly on their relative levels of militancy.

2. Option B: "Their common goal of liberal reform did not outweigh their political differences."

   • The passage highlights that despite a common goal of liberal reform, there were significant political differences among the groups. García’s study is critiqued for not fully addressing these differences and for emphasizing a consensus that might obscure the diversity of opinions. This suggests that their shared goals did not negate the substantial political disagreements.

3. Option C: "Their common goal of liberal reform helped them reach a consensus in spite of their political differences."

   • The passage argues that the emphasis on a consensus might obscure the true political diversity and disagreements among the groups. It implies that the activists’ shared goals did not necessarily lead to consensus or diminish their political differences.

4. Option D: "They were more or less evenly divided between those favoring assimilation and those favoring cultural maintenance."

   • The passage does not provide specific information on how evenly divided the activists were between assimilation and cultural maintenance. It only mentions that there were significant differences between groups with opposing views.

5. Option E: "They did not succeed in fully achieving their political goals because of their disparate political views."

   • The passage does not address the success or failure of the activists in achieving their goals. It focuses on the differences in political views rather than on their outcomes.

Correct Option: B

Explanation: The passage critiques García’s study for highlighting an underlying consensus among the groups, which conceals their significant political differences. This suggests that while they shared a common goal of liberal reform, their political differences remained substantial and were not outweighed by their shared objectives. Thus, Option B is the best inference based on the passage.

Step 1: Analyzing the Argument
The argument begins by providing details of a study that shows that the kids who watched more TV were more likely to be violent. While a theory exists that the violence portrayed in TV shows is the contributing factor, the author believes that it need not have been violent TV shows but even funny ones that unintentionally motivated crime.

The first statement is the opinion expressed by researchers that the author does not accept. The author questions whether the violence portrayed in TV is the real reason for crime. The author then goes ahead and illustrates an alternative scenario in the second boldface statement.

Step 2: Process of Elimination
The second statement is a hypothetical scenario that leads to the author's conclusion, which is that the violence in TV and movies need not necessarily contribute to real-life crime. The author's opinion is not explicitly stated anywhere but simply implied. For this reason, Option (A), which says that the second statement is the author's conclusion, can be eliminated.

The author is not completely in disagreement with the researchers' belief. The author is willing to accept that TV watching has an impact, just not necessarily watching violent programs on TV. For this reason, Option (C) can be eliminated.

The first statement is an opinion expressed by the researchers and not a fact. Option (D), which suggests that the first statement is a fact, can be eliminated. Another problem with option (D) is that the second statement is not really the author's conclusion.

Option (E). The opinion of the researchers is simply a belief and not a “clearly proven” opinion. This is reason enough to eliminate (E)

The researchers are interpreting the study results to conclude that the violence in TV is responsible for crime. The author disagrees with that contention and presents an alternative possibility in the second boldface statement. Option (B) correctly describes what is happening in the argument.