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Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - GMAT MCQ


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23 Questions MCQ Test - Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1

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Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 1

Bicycle Manufacturer: Switching our focus from building aluminum bicycles to primarily building carbon-fiber bicycles will reduce the time taken by our manufacturing process. Although the initial construction of aluminum bicycle frames was significantly faster and simpler than the construction of carbon-fiber frames, each weld in an aluminum frame then needed to be individually checked for integrity. This required that substantial time be spent on quality control to avoid shipping out any defective frames.

Which of the following would be most useful in evaluating the claim made in the argument?

Detailed Solution for Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 1

(B) Whether the carbon manufacturing process is likely to require time-consuming quality checks.

The argument suggests that switching to carbon-fiber bicycles would reduce manufacturing time by eliminating the need for extensive quality checks on individual welds, as was required for aluminum frames. Evaluating whether the carbon manufacturing process itself requires time-consuming quality checks would help determine if the claimed time reduction is feasible. If the carbon-fiber manufacturing process also requires extensive quality checks, then the time savings might not be as significant as suggested. Therefore, option (B) provides crucial information for assessing the validity of the claim.

Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 2

Most people who betray their country through some form of espionage are driven by irrational desires to feel powerful or important, to seek revenge, or even to take risks. If these people were thinking rationally, they would not be involved in such self-destructive behavior.

The argument above rests on which of the following assumptions?

Detailed Solution for Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 2

A. Self-destruction is the most frequent result of espionage.
This option is not explicitly mentioned or necessary for the argument. The argument does not focus on the consequences of espionage but rather on the motivations behind it. Therefore, this option is not the assumption the argument relies on.

B. The desire to feel powerful is always irrational.
This option presents a general statement about the desire to feel powerful, but it is not necessary for the argument. The argument suggests that individuals involved in espionage have irrational desires, but it does not claim that the desire to feel powerful is always irrational. Therefore, this option is not the assumption the argument relies on.

C. Those involved in espionage do not have rational reasons for their behavior.
This option aligns with the argument's claim that individuals involved in espionage have irrational motivations. It assumes that those engaged in espionage lack rational justifications for their behavior. If this assumption were false and some espionage activities were driven by rational reasons, it would weaken the argument. Therefore, this is the assumption the argument relies on.

D. Espionage is rarely a successful way to gain revenge.
This option discusses the effectiveness of espionage as a means of gaining revenge, but it is not essential to the argument. The argument does not address the success rate of espionage for revenge purposes. Therefore, this option is not the assumption the argument relies on.

E. Risk-taking is a less frequent motivation for espionage than the desire to feel important.
This option compares the motivations of risk-taking and the desire to feel important in espionage. While the argument mentions the motivations of feeling powerful, seeking revenge, and taking risks, it does not make a specific comparison between risk-taking and the desire to feel important. Therefore, this option is not the assumption the argument relies on.

In summary, option C is the assumption the argument relies on, suggesting that those involved in espionage do not have rational reasons for their behavior.

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Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 3

The simple facts are these: the number of people killed each year by grizzly bears is about the same as the number of people killed by lightning on golf courses. And the number of people killed by lightning on golf courses each year is about the same as the number of people electrocuted by electric blenders. All the horrible myths and gruesome stories aside, therefore, a grizzly bear is in fact about as dangerous as an electric blender or a game of golf.

Which one of the following is an assumption that the author relies upon in the passage?

Detailed Solution for Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 3

A. Most incidents involving grizzly bears are fatal. This option suggests that the majority of incidents involving grizzly bears result in fatalities. However, the passage does not provide information or make claims about the fatality rate of incidents involving grizzly bears. Therefore, this option is not the assumption the author relies upon.

B. Grizzly bears are no longer the danger they once were. This option implies that grizzly bears are less dangerous now compared to the past. However, the passage does not discuss any changes in the danger level of grizzly bears over time. Therefore, this option is not the assumption the author relies upon.

C. The number of fatalities per year is an adequate indication of something's dangerousness. This option aligns with the argument made in the passage. The passage compares the number of fatalities caused by different entities (grizzly bears, lightning on golf courses, and electric blenders) to suggest that they are all similarly dangerous. This comparison relies on the assumption that the number of fatalities per year is a suitable indicator of something's dangerousness. If this assumption were false, and the number of fatalities alone was not sufficient to determine dangerousness, it would weaken the argument's conclusion. Therefore, this is the assumption the author relies upon.

D. A golf course is a particularly dangerous place to be in a thunderstorm. This option focuses on the danger of being on a golf course during a thunderstorm. However, the passage does not directly address the danger level of golf courses during thunderstorms or make any specific claims about the danger of being on a golf course in such conditions. Therefore, this option is not the assumption the author relies upon.

E. Something is dangerous only if it results in death in the majority of cases. This option suggests that something can be considered dangerous only if it results in death in the majority of cases. The passage does not explicitly state or imply this condition for determining dangerousness. Instead, it compares the number of fatalities caused by different entities to argue for their similar levels of danger. Therefore, this option is not the assumption the author relies upon.

In summary, option C is the assumption the author relies upon, which is that the number of fatalities per year is an adequate indication of something's dangerousness.

Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 4

Addiction to prescribed medications became more and more of a concern for doctors as the twentieth century progressed. As a result of this concern, doctors are now more careful with the prescription of new drugs, especially drugs which may prove addictive. Thus, doctors today try to administer or prescribe less medication than did doctors in the beginning of the twentieth century.

In the argument, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

Detailed Solution for Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 4

A. The first is an inference; the second is a fact contrary to the first.
This option suggests that the first boldface portion is an inference, while the second boldface portion is a fact that contradicts the first. However, both boldface portions in the argument are not contradictory to each other. The first portion presents a historical observation about the increasing concern of doctors regarding addiction to prescribed medications. The second portion draws a conclusion based on this observation and additional evidence. Therefore, option A is not an accurate characterization of the roles played by the boldface portions.

B. The first is a piece of evidence; the second is a conclusion which is based on evidence that contradicts the first.
This option states that the first boldface portion is a piece of evidence, while the second boldface portion is a conclusion based on evidence that contradicts the first. However, the first boldface portion is not presented as evidence but rather as a statement of fact about the increasing concern of doctors regarding addiction to prescribed medications. The second boldface portion draws a conclusion based on this fact and additional evidence. Therefore, option B does not accurately describe the roles played by the boldface portions.

C. The first is a fact; the second is a conclusion which is based on the first and additional evidence.
This option correctly characterizes the roles played by the boldface portions in the argument. The first boldface portion presents a factual statement about the increasing concern of doctors regarding addiction to prescribed medications. The second boldface portion draws a conclusion based on this fact and additional evidence, stating that doctors today try to administer or prescribe less medication than doctors did in the beginning of the twentieth century. Therefore, option C accurately captures the roles played by the boldface portions in the argument.

D. The first is an assumption; the second is a conclusion based both on fact and on the first.
This option suggests that the first boldface portion is an assumption, while the second boldface portion is a conclusion based on both fact and the assumption. However, the first boldface portion is not presented as an assumption but as a statement of fact. The second boldface portion draws a conclusion based on this fact and additional evidence. Therefore, option D does not accurately describe the roles played by the boldface portions.

E. The first is an opinion; the second is an inference based on the first.
This option states that the first boldface portion is an opinion, while the second boldface portion is an inference based on the first. However, the first boldface portion is presented as a statement of fact about the increasing concern of doctors regarding addiction to prescribed medications. The second boldface portion draws a conclusion based on this fact and additional evidence. Therefore, option E does not accurately describe the roles played by the boldface portions.

In summary, option C is the correct characterization of the roles played by the boldface portions.

Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 5

Science is concerned with claims that can be checked independently and objectively. A claim that an object dropped from a certain height will fall towards the earth with a standard acceleration can be checked repeatedly by different people. If their results differ from the claim, then the statement has been falsified. Hence, the claim itself is scientific.

The two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

Detailed Solution for Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 5

(A) Factual evidence that the argument includes, and inference that can be drawn from this passage. This option is incorrect. The first boldface portion is not presented as factual evidence, and the second boldface portion is not an inference but a conclusion.

(B) Premise on which the argument depends, and conclusion that can be drawn from the argument. This option is correct. The first boldface portion presents a premise that establishes the criteria for claims that science is concerned with, and the second boldface portion presents a conclusion that can be drawn from the argument.

(C) Inference that can be drawn from this passage, and conclusion that can be drawn from the argument. This option is incorrect. The first boldface portion is not an inference, but a premise. The second boldface portion is a conclusion, not an inference.

(D) Counter-evidence that the argument depends on, and premise included in the argument. This option is incorrect. The first boldface portion is not counter-evidence, and the second boldface portion is not a premise but a conclusion.

(E) Background that the argument depends on, and part of the evidence that supports the conclusion. This option is incorrect. The first boldface portion is not background information, and the second boldface portion is not evidence but a conclusion.

Therefore, the correct answer is (B) Premise on which the argument depends, and conclusion that can be drawn from the argument.

Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 6

A study of marital relationships in which one partner's sleeping and waking cycles differ from those of the other partner reveals that such couples share fewer activities with each other and have more violent arguments than do couples in a relationship in which both partners follow the same sleeping and waking patterns. Thus, mismatched sleeping and waking cycles can seriously jeopardize a marriage.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument above?

Detailed Solution for Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 6

(A) Married couples in which both spouses follow the same sleeping and waking patterns also occasionally have arguments that can jeopardize the couple's marriage. This option does not weaken the argument. The fact that couples with matching sleeping and waking patterns also have arguments does not address the impact of mismatched cycles on marital relationships.

(B) The sleeping and waking cycles of individuals tend to vary from season to season. This option does not weaken the argument. Although individuals' sleeping and waking cycles may vary from season to season, it does not directly challenge the negative effects of mismatched cycles on marital relationships.

(C) The individuals who have sleeping and waking cycles that differ significantly from those of their spouses tend to argue little with colleagues at work. This option does not weaken the argument. The argument focuses on the impact of mismatched cycles on marital relationships, not the relationships with colleagues at work.

(D) People in unhappy marriages have been found to express hostility by adopting a different sleeping and waking cycle from that of their spouses. This option weakens the argument. It suggests that mismatched sleeping and waking cycles could be a result of unhappiness in marriages, rather than the cause of the negative effects on marital relationships.

(E) According to a recent study, most people's sleeping and waking cycles can be controlled and modified easily. This option does not weaken the argument. Even if people's sleeping and waking cycles can be controlled and modified easily, it does not address the impact of mismatched cycles on marital relationships.

Based on the analysis, option (D) weakens the argument by providing an alternative explanation for the observed negative effects on marital relationships.

Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 7

Using broad-spectrum weed killers on weeds that are competing with crops for sunlight, water, and nutrients presents a difficulty: how to keep the crop from being killed along with the weeds. For at least some food crops, specially treated seed that produces plants resistant to weed killers is under development. This resistance wears off as the plants mature. Therefore, the special seed treatment will be especially useful for plants that _______.

Which of the following most logically completes the argument below?

Detailed Solution for Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 7

The argument discusses the difficulty of using broad-spectrum weed killers on crops because they can kill the crops along with the weeds. It suggests that specially treated seed, which provides resistance to weed killers but wears off as the plants mature, can be a solution. The missing information is about which plants the special seed treatment will be especially useful for. We need to find an option that logically completes the argument. Let's evaluate each option:

(A) produce their crop over an extended period of time, as summer squash does. This option is not directly related to the issue of weed control. The fact that a crop produces its crop over an extended period of time does not address the effectiveness of the special seed treatment for weed control.

(B) produce large seeds that are easy to treat individually, as corn and beans do. This option is also not directly related to the issue of weed control. The ease of treating individual seeds does not address the effectiveness of the special seed treatment for weed control.

(C) provide, as they approach maturity, shade dense enough to keep weeds from growing. This option completes the argument logically. If the crops provide dense shade as they approach maturity, it suggests that the crops themselves can suppress weed growth, reducing the reliance on weed killers. Therefore, the special seed treatment would be especially useful for plants that provide shade dense enough to keep weeds from growing.

(D) are typically grown in large tracts devoted to a single crop. This option is not directly related to the issue of weed control. The size of the crop tracts does not address the effectiveness of the special seed treatment for weed control.

(E) are cultivated specifically for the seed they produce rather than for their leaves or roots. This option is also not directly related to the issue of weed control. The purpose of cultivating the plants for their seeds does not address the effectiveness of the special seed treatment for weed control.

Based on the analysis, option (C) most logically completes the argument by providing a characteristic of plants that would make the special seed treatment especially useful for weed control.

Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 8

If the minimum wage increases again, MacDowell’s will have to increase the prices it charges for its products. And if that happens, MacDowell’s has a choice: it can spend more on advertising to attract more customers, or its sales and profitability will decrease. But since the extra advertising costs will simply raise total expenses, increasing those costs will still result in an overall decrease in profitability.

Which one of the following conclusions can be logically drawn from the statements above?

Detailed Solution for Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 8

A. Unless the minimum wage increases, MacDowell’s will continue to remain profitable. This option cannot be logically drawn from the given statements. The argument discusses the potential impact of a minimum wage increase on MacDowell's profitability, but it does not provide any information about the company's profitability in the absence of a minimum wage increase. Therefore, we cannot conclude that MacDowell's will continue to remain profitable if the minimum wage doesn't increase.

B. If the minimum wage increases, MacDowell’s will no longer be able to remain profitable. This option can be logically drawn from the statements. The argument indicates that if the minimum wage increases, MacDowell's will have to increase its prices. This implies that the company's costs will rise, and if it is unable to offset those costs or maintain its profitability through other means, it may no longer be able to remain profitable.

C. MacDowell’s will see its profitability increase if the minimum wage does not increase. This option cannot be logically drawn from the given statements. The argument focuses on the potential negative impact of a minimum wage increase on MacDowell's profitability but does not provide any information about the profitability in the absence of a minimum wage increase. Therefore, we cannot conclude that MacDowell's profitability will increase if the minimum wage remains unchanged.

D. MacDowell’s will be unable to maintain its current profitability if the minimum wage increases. This option can be logically drawn from the statements. The argument states that if the minimum wage increases, MacDowell's will have to increase its prices, and even if they choose to spend more on advertising, it will still result in an overall decrease in profitability. Therefore, it can be inferred that MacDowell's will be unable to maintain its current profitability if the minimum wage increases.

E. If MacDowell’s sees a reduction in its profitability, that means that the minimum wage has increased. This option cannot be logically drawn from the given statements. The argument discusses the potential consequences of a minimum wage increase on MacDowell's profitability, but it does not establish a causal relationship between a reduction in profitability and an increase in the minimum wage. Other factors could also contribute to a reduction in profitability, so we cannot conclude that a reduction in profitability specifically indicates an increase in the minimum wage.

Based on the explanations above, the correct answer is option D.

Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 9

Analyst: This corporation is currently putting all its efforts into maximizing short-term profits. Whatever happened to our traditional philosophy of slow, steady growth and emphasis on long-term profitability? One aspect of the problem is seen in simple mathematics. Of our 57 district managers, only 7 have been with the corporation for five years or more. In addition, only 5 of our 16 vice-presidents and only 2 of the 9 members of the board of directors have been with the corporation for five years.

Which of the following conclusions does the author of this passage most probably want the reader to draw?

Detailed Solution for Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 9

Option A suggests that the corporation needs leadership from outside sources to remain profitable in the long run. While the passage does mention a lack of experienced individuals in high-ranking positions, it does not explicitly state that seeking leadership from outside sources is necessary for long-term profitability. This option goes beyond the information provided and is not directly supported by the passage.

Option B reflects the information presented in the passage. It acknowledges that very few high-ranking employees have significant experience with the corporation, which may contribute to the corporation's departure from its traditional financial goals. This conclusion aligns with the author's concerns about the lack of experienced individuals and their potential impact on the corporation's decision-making.

Option C claims that the only reason the corporation's traditional financial goals have been ignored is the lack of experience among high-ranking employees. This conclusion goes beyond the information presented, as there may be other factors influencing the corporation's current focus on short-term profits. The passage does not provide enough evidence to support this extreme conclusion.

Option D suggests that the corporation's traditional financial goals are outmoded. While the passage highlights a departure from these goals, it does not explicitly state that they are outdated. This conclusion goes beyond the information provided.

Option E proposes that the corporation has made strides by bringing in leadership from outside sources, despite ignoring its traditional financial goals. This conclusion introduces new information not mentioned in the passage and cannot be inferred.

Among the given options, option B aligns most closely with the concerns expressed in the passage. It reflects the lack of experienced employees and their potential impact on the corporation's traditional financial goals. Therefore, the author most probably wants the reader to draw the conclusion presented in option B.

Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 10

Hea Sook: One should not readily believe urban legends. Most legends are propagated because the moral lesson underlying them supports a political agenda. People will repeat a tale if it fits their purpose. They may not deliberately spread untruths, but neither are they particularly motivated to investigate deeply to determine if the tale they are telling is true.

Kayla: But people would not repeat stories that they did not believe were true. Therefore, one can safely assume that if a story has been repeated by enough people then it is more likely to be true.

Kayla's reply is most vulnerable to the criticism that it

Detailed Solution for Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 10

A. does not specify how many people need to repeat a story before someone is justified believing it: This criticism is not directly related to Kayla's statement. Kayla's argument is about the likelihood of a story being true based on the number of people repeating it, rather than specifying a specific number of people required to believe it.

B. overstates the significance of political agendas in the retelling of stories: This option does not address the vulnerability of Kayla's statement. It focuses on the extent of political agendas in the retelling of stories, which is not the main point of contention in the conversation.

C. fails to address the claim that people will not verify the truth of a story that fits their purpose: This option correctly identifies the vulnerability in Kayla's statement. Hea Sook argues that people are not motivated to investigate deeply to verify the truth of a story if it aligns with their purpose or agenda. Kayla's response does not address this claim and assumes that people would not repeat stories they do not believe to be true.

D. implicitly supports the claim that the people repeating legends are not deliberately spreading untruths: This option does not directly address the vulnerability of Kayla's statement. It focuses on the claim about people deliberately spreading untruths, which is not the central point of disagreement in the conversation.

E. cannot distinguish people's motivations for repeating urban legends from their motivations for repeating other types of stories: This option does not address the vulnerability in Kayla's statement. It focuses on distinguishing motivations for repeating urban legends from other types of stories, which is not relevant to the argument being discussed.

Therefore, the correct answer is C. fails to address the claim that people will not verify the truth of a story that fits their purpose.

Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 11

The passage is primarily concerned with discussing

Detailed Solution for Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 11

The passage starts by stating new observations about the age of globular clusters in the Milky Way.
It highlights how these observations challenge the conventional theory of the galaxy's formation.
The new findings suggest significant age differences among globular clusters, leading astronomers to reconsider alternative theories.
Therefore, the main focus is on how these discoveries impact existing theories about the galaxy's formation.

Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 12

According to the passage, one way in which Larson's theory and the conventional theory of the formation of the Milky Way galaxy differ is in their assessment of the

Detailed Solution for Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 12
  • The conventional theory suggests the Milky Way formed rapidly (about 200 million years).
  • Larson's theory proposes a much longer formation period (over a billion years).
  • The key difference is the time span each theory suggests for the galaxy's formation.
Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 13

Which of the following, if true, would be most useful in supporting the conclusions drawn from recent observations about globular clusters?

Detailed Solution for Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 13
  • The recent observations challenge the idea that all globular clusters formed at the same time.
  • The discrepancies in the ages of stars within the halo would support the notion that the galaxy's formation was more complex and extended over a longer period.
  • This evidence would align with the idea that different globular clusters formed at different times, reinforcing the conclusions drawn from Bolte's and his colleague’s observations.
Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 14

 The passage provides information to answer which of the following questions?

Detailed Solution for Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 14

The passage explains that the twin shocks of nonunion competition within the United States and low-cost, high-quality imports from abroad are pressuring unions to be more open to management demands, including wage restraints and reduced benefits.
This information is clearly addressed in the first paragraph: "These analysts say the twin shocks of nonunion competition in this country and low-cost, high-quality imports from abroad are forcing unions to look more favorably at a variety of management demands: the need for wage restraint and reduced benefits..."
Incorrect Options:

(B) Why do analysts study United States labor-management relations?
The passage does not discuss the reasons analysts study these relations but rather the current state and changes in labor-management relations.
(C) How do job-security guarantees operate?
The passage mentions job-security guarantees but does not provide details on their operation.
(D) Are investment and pricing strategies effective in combating imports?
This topic is not addressed in the passage.
(E) Do quality circles improve product performance and value?
While quality circles are mentioned, their impact on product performance and value is not discussed.

Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 15

The passage is primarily concerned with the

Detailed Solution for Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 15

The passage explores the shift in labor-management relations towards a more cooperative approach, including labor concessions, and discusses the possible consequences of these concessions.
It outlines how these concessions are viewed both positively and negatively and the potential impact on job security, wages, and the broader economic and social structure.
Incorrect Options:

(A) reasons for adversarialism between labor and management
While the traditional adversarialism is mentioned, the primary focus is on the new cooperative relationship and its consequences.
(B) importance of cooperative labor-management relations
The passage does not emphasize the importance but rather discusses the current trend and its implications.
(D) effects of foreign competition on the United States economy
The passage touches on this only as a factor influencing labor-management relations, not as the main focus.
(E) effects of nonunion competition on union bargaining strategies
This is a part of the passage but not the main concern.

Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 16

The sentence “If proposals for pay cuts … unskilled laborers” serves primarily to

Detailed Solution for Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 16

The sentence hypothesizes that if wage-related concessions continue to be accepted, the U.S. social structure might shift towards one similar to less-developed nations, characterized by economic disparity and a large underclass of unskilled laborers.
This hypothesis outlines a potential future scenario based on current trends in labor-management relations and wage policies.
Incorrect Options:

(A) disprove a theory
The sentence does not disprove a theory but rather speculates on possible outcomes.
(B) clarify an ambiguity
It does not clarify any ambiguity but presents a clear hypothesis.
(C) reconcile opposing views
The sentence does not attempt to reconcile views but rather emphasizes the opponents' perspective.
(E) contradict accepted data
The sentence does not contradict data but rather forecasts a possible outcome based on current observations.

Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 17

The primary purpose of the passage is to

Detailed Solution for Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 17

The passage provides a detailed account of Kazuko Nakane’s study of early Japanese immigrants in central California’s Pajaro Valley. It summarizes the development of the Japanese American farming community from 1890 to 1940, including the transition from wage labor to sharecropping, and the impact of restrictions like the Alien Land Law. It also critiques Nakane’s methodology, noting its limitations due to its particularistic approach and suggesting areas for further research to provide a broader perspective.

The passage does not aim to defend or dismiss Nakane’s work outright, nor does it compare Japanese settlements with Chinese immigrants or other Japanese communities across California. Instead, it focuses on summarizing Nakane's findings and evaluating the methodological limitations and implications for future research.

Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 18

Which of the following best describes a “labor club,” as defined in the passage?

Detailed Solution for Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 18

In the passage, a “labor club” is described as an institution that provided job information, negotiated employment contracts, and handled other legal matters for Issei who chose to be members. Membership required payment of an annual fee, making it a cooperative association of Japanese laborers. This description fits option (D), which identifies the labor club as a cooperative association with dues-paying members.

Options (A), (B), (C), and (E) do not accurately reflect the passage's description of the labor club. The labor club was not compulsory, nor was it an organization of landowners or labor contractors, nor a farming corporation, and it did not serve as a social organization for families.

Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 19

Based on information in the passage, which of the following statements concerning the Alien Land Law of 1913 is most accurate?

Detailed Solution for Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 19

The most accurate statement concerning the Alien Land Law of 1913 is:

(D) It was applicable to first-generation immigrants but not to their American-born children.

The passage explains that the Alien Land Law of 1913 was a restriction targeting first-generation Japanese immigrants (Issei) by preventing them from owning land. However, it notes that these immigrants could circumvent the law by leasing or purchasing land in the names of their American-born children. This means that while the law affected the Issei directly, it did not apply to their American-born offspring, making statement (D) the correct choice.

Options (A), (B), (C), and (E) do not accurately reflect the information provided:

  • (A) is incorrect because the law targeted immigrants rather than American-born citizens of Japanese ancestry.
  • (B) is incorrect because the law was focused on landownership restrictions, not on limiting the number of immigrants.
  • (C) is incorrect because the law did not prevent Issei from purchasing farmland altogether, but rather made it difficult, which could be circumvented.
  • (E) is not mentioned in the passage, so there is no evidence to suggest it was passed due to pressure from strawberry farmers.
Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 20

Several Issei families join together to purchase a strawberry field and the necessary farming equipment. Such a situation best exemplifies which of the following, as it is described in the passage?

Detailed Solution for Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 20

The situation where several Issei families join together to purchase a strawberry field and the necessary farming equipment best exemplifies:

(B) A farming corporation

Explanation:

In the passage, it is mentioned that some Issei were able to rent or buy farmland directly and that others joined together to form farming corporations. This describes a cooperative effort where multiple individuals or families pool their resources to collectively own and operate a farm. The described situation fits the definition of a farming corporation, where the combined efforts of Issei families result in shared ownership and operation of agricultural assets.

  • (A) is incorrect because a typical sharecropping agreement involves laborers working on someone else's land and splitting the crop with the landowners, which is different from purchasing and owning land.
  • (C) is incorrect because a “labor club” is an institution providing job information and negotiating contracts, not involved in purchasing farmland.
  • (D) is incorrect because the “boss” system is about employment and labor management, not about forming corporations or purchasing land.
  • (E) is incorrect because circumvention of the Alien Land Law involves leasing or purchasing land through American-born children, not forming farming corporations.

Therefore, (B) accurately describes the scenario of multiple Issei families joining together to buy and operate a farm.

Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 21

Which of the following most logically completes the argument below?

Detailed Solution for Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 21

A) This option does not present a substantial flaw in two critical aspects: 1) We don’t know how significant a group those with the most interest in cultural events is. This group could be rather small for all we know, and thus not important. 2) Even if this particular group reads both magazines anyway, it’s not clear why making the magazine free would have a serious drawback.

B) If anything, this option might provide a factor that could help the plan succeed. If NowNews’ competitor has superior content, then NowNews might need a different method to compete, such as a lower price, or even free circulation.

C) If NowNews were to lose access to the newsstands and stores that currently sell the magazine, then this option exposes an aspect of the plan that could prove devastating for circulation.

D) If 10% of NowNews’ current circulation is already free, that leaves another 90% that could also be made free, so it’s not like the 10% that’s already free disrupts the opportunities that might come from making the entire magazine free.

E) A total 180. This option actually provides a major benefit from the proposal to make NowNews free if its major competitor could lose large amounts of money if it were forced to lower its price (to compete with NowNews).

The correct Answer: C

Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 22

Which of the following, if it could be carried out, would be most useful in an evaluation of the above hypothesis?

Detailed Solution for Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 22

A. Verifying all details in the man's ID card
Incorrect.
In this variation of Investigation questions, you are required to find which method of investigation will be most useful in evaluating the doctors' conclusion. To do so, first break down the argument. The first two sentences are premises that relate the history of events that took place. The last sentence uses the conclusion word hypothesized that, identifying it as the conclusion:

  • Premise A: for 3 weeks a man had been sleeping in the snow
    +
    Premise B: hibernation is characterized by slow breathing, low body temperature and a slow metabolism
    =
    Doctors' Hypothesis: the man was hibernating

    Relevant Investigation: ?

The correct answer is a method of investigation which could support or weaken the conclusion depending on its outcome, i.e., an investigation that tests the most crucial factor.
In this question, we are asked to find a test which will reveal whether the Japanese man hibernated. Since ID cards do not indicate whether someone has hibernated for three weeks, checking the man's ID will not do.

B. Checking the man's breathing, body temperature, and metabolism before he wakes up
Since hibernation, according to the definition in the argument, is characterized by slower breathing, lower body temperature and a slower metabolism, checking these parameters in the sleeping man will indicate whether he is indeed hibernating.

C. Finding out whether the man is part of an experiment
Incorrect.
In this variation of Investigation questions, you are required to find which method of investigation will be most useful in evaluating the doctors' conclusion. To do so, first break down the argument. The first two sentences are premises that relate the history of events that took place. The last sentence uses the conclusion word hypothesized that, identifying it as the conclusion:
 

  • Premise A: for 3 weeks a man had been sleeping in the snow
    +
    Premise B: hibernation is characterized by slow breathing, low body temperature and a slow metabolism
    =
    Doctors' Hypothesis: the man was hibernating

    Relevant Investigation: ?

The correct answer is a method of investigation which could support or weaken the conclusion depending on its outcome, i.e., an investigation that tests the most crucial factor.
Whether the man was part of an experiment does not eliminate or confirm the possibility that he was in a state of hibernation. Therefore, this is not a suitable factor for checking for hibernation.

D. Doing a practical test with another subject to assess the possibility of human hibernation
Incorrect.
We are asked to find a test which will reveal whether the Japanese man hibernated. Whether another person manages to hibernate is irrelevant as it will not tell us anything about the Japanese man in the question.

E. Researching the man's background to check the possibility that he was raised by animals
Incorrect.
Merely being raised by animals does not necessarily mean one can hibernate. Furthermore, it does not indicate whether the Japanese man was hibernating when he was found in 2006.

Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 23

Fast food industry representative: Many people blame fast food alone for the rise in obesity in the United States over the past thirty years. Yet clearly, sedentary lifestyles have also played a major role in this trend. In the past thirty years, the number of people who report exercising less than twice a week has risen sharply, and studies show that a sedentary lifestyle is the most accurate predictor of obesity. In the fast-food industry representative's argument, the portion in boldface plays which of the following roles?

Detailed Solution for Test: Verbal Reasoning (Level 500) - 1 - Question 23

the highlighted portion mentions that many people are blaming fast food for the rise in obesity. The rest of the argument is structured to highlight OTHER REASONS why obesity has been on the rise. So, the industry representative structures his argument to counter this general idea (that fast food is the sole cause of the rise in obesity)

So, let's analyze the answer choices:
A. It is the conclusion the argument seeks to prove. - the argument does not seek to prove the bold faced statement; in fact, it is structured to do the exact opposite. Hence, eliminate (A).
B. It is a finding that an opposing argument cannot explain.- the boldfaced statement is NOT a finding but a belief (or a popular statement) that the argument tries to counter. Hence, eliminate (B)
C. It is a line of reasoning that the argument concludes is correct. - the argument DOES NOT agree with the bold faced statement. Hence, eliminate (C).
D. It is a piece of evidence supporting the argument's main conclusion. - the boldfaced statement is not a piece of evidence but a popular belief. Hence, eliminate (D)
E. It describes a statement that the argument seeks to counter. - BINGO. this is exactly what the representative tries to do. Hence, (E) is the right answer.

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