Critical Reasoning

Question 1

Argument Structure - list all the possible parts of an argument

e.g., The expansion of the runways at the Bay City Airport will allow larger planes to use the airport. These new planes will create a lot of noise, a nuisance for residents who live near the airport. However, many of the residents in this neighbourhood work in construction, and the contract to expand the runways has been awarded to the local construction company. Thus, the expansion of the runways will lead to an increased quality of life for the residents of this neighbourhood.

Answer 1

1) Premise (at least 1) - information to SUPPORT some claim or conclusion (reasons).
> e.g., “However, many of the residents in this neighbourhood work in construction, and the contract to expand the runways has been awarded to the local construction company.”

2. (Most will have a) Conclusion - The primarily claim the author is trying to PROVE or the OUTCOME of a plan someone is proposing.
   > The “claimed” result (perhaps in the future, “will”).
   > NOT a statement of fact.
   > e.g., “Thus, the expansion of the runways will lead to an increased quality of life for the residents of this neighbourhood.”
3. (Most will contain) Background Info - context to understand the basic situation, neither supports nor goes against the conclusion.
   > Almost always fact-based (such as descriptions of plans/ideas, historical info, data, definitions of words or concepts).
   > e.g., “The expansion of the runways at the Bay City Airport will allow larger planes to use the airport.”
4. (Some will contain) Counterpoints - info that goes against the author’s conclusion.
   > e.g., “These new planes will create a lot of noise, a nuisance for residents who live near the airport.”
5. (Many will rely on) Assumptions - not stated in the argument, but that the author must BELIEVE TO BE TRUE in order to draw the given conclusion.
6. Intermediate conclusion - first conclusion that is supported by other premises and in turn SUPPORTS a FURTHER CONCLUSION
   > Premise supports the intermediate conclusion, which then supports the final conclusion.
   > therefore, Intermediate conclusions are both a claim and a premise.

Question 2

Keywords for Conclusion

Answer 2

Thus, therefore, it follows that, hence
Clearly
__shows that__
So
Surely

Conclusion:
> usually an opinion/claim (prediction about the future), not a fact
> This is what the author is trying to prove

Question 3

Keywords for Premise

Answer 3

Because of
Since
Due to
As a result of
After all
For

Premise:
> Can be a fact
> Premises SUPPORT the author’s conclusion or DEPENDED on

Question 4

Claims versus Facts

Answer 4

Claims - predictions about the future, not facts. Claims are good candidates to be the conclusion.

Question 5

How to tell whether a statement is an Intermediate Conclusion or (Final) Conclusion?

Answer 5

Use the Therefore Test

BECAUSE _intermediate conclusion__, THEREFORE __final conclusion.

Or vice versa (switch statement order).

Which order makes sense?

e.g., Because he is likely to get caught, therefore he will probably end up in jail.

Question 6

Example: Label the parts of the argument

The owner of a small publishing company plans to lease a new office space that has floor-to-ceiling windows and no internal walls, arguing that the new space will enhance worker productivity. The owner cites a recent study showing that workers exposed to natural light throughout the day tended to report, on average, a higher level of job satisfaction than did those who worked in office spaces that used fluorescent lighting. Thus, the owner concluded, exposure to natural light has a positive effect on workers’ job satisfaction.

Answer 6

“The owner of a small publishing company plans to lease a new office space that has floor-to-ceiling windows and no internal walls,” => Background info

“…arguing that the new space will enhance worker productivity” => Conclusion

“The owner cites a recent study showing that workers exposed to natural light throughout the day tended to report, on average, a higher level of job satisfaction than did those who worked in office spaces that used fluorescent lighting. “ => Premise

“Thus, the owner concluded, exposure to natural light has a positive effect on workers’ job satisfaction.” => intermediate conclusion

Intermediate vs Conclusion? Therefore Test
> BECAUSE the new space will enhance worker productivity, THEREFORE exposure to natural light has a positive effect on job satisfaction.
> BECAUSE exposure to natural light has a positive effect on job satisfaction, THEREFORE, the new space will enhance worker productivity. ** makes more sense.

Question 7

Common argument types

In October, a local news station completed a redesign of its website. In November, the number of articles read on the website increased by 50%. Thus, the redesigned website clearly attracted more users or encouraged users to read more articles per visit.

Anticipate WHAT IFS

Answer 7

Causation

Conclusion: Last sentence –> The redesigned website is the CAUSE for the 50% increase in readership.

Premises:
- Oct - redesign complete
- Nov - readership increase

Anticipate WHAT IF Q’s (do you believe the author’s conclusion?)
- what if there are OTHER CAUSES for the increase?

Test by:
> removing cause and observing whether the effect is the same

Strengthen by:
> Providing more evidence in support of causation
> Providing evidence that reverse causation is not true

Weaken by:
> Providing evidence of OTHER CAUSES or reverse causation

Question 8

Common argument types

Metropolis has experienced an increase in the amount of trash in its city parks. In order to reduce the amount of litter in the parks, Metropolis plans to double the number of trash cans in each city park.

Anticipate WHAT IFS

Answer 8

Plan

Conclusion: “In order to reduce the amount of litter in the parks” –> GOAL of a plan
(Amount of litter in the park will reduce).

Background: Statement of Fact
- Increase in the amount of trash in city parks

Premise: (Why there will be a reduction in the amount of litter in the parks?)
- Double the number of trash cans in each city park.

Anticipate WHAT IF Q’s (do you believe the author’s conclusion?)
- What if the plan doesn’t work (e.g., missed steps, unexpected hindrances?)

Question 9

Common argument types

Rainfall totals were higher this year than they were last year in Eastown. Since wheat farmers rely on rain to irrigate their fields, yields of wheat per acre in Eastown will be higher than last year’s yields.

Anticipate WHAT IFS

Answer 9

Prediction (future tense conclusion)

Conclusion: Yields of wheat per acre will be higher than last year’s yields in Eastown.

Premise:
- Rainfall totals were higher this year than they were last year in Eastown
- Wheat farmers rely on rain to irrigate their fields

Anticipate WHAT IF Q’s (do you believe the author’s conclusion?)
- What if the author missed other factors/circumstances that might work against the prediction? (e.g., temperature)

Question 10

Parts of an argument exercise:

The average level of physical fitness among students at North High School is likely to decline over the next few years. Due to recent changes in the way that the school calculates students’ grades, earning a high grade in a physical education class will no longer improve a student’ s grade point average. Therefore, students who would otherwise have taken optional gym classes will be more likely to choose other electives in which earning a high grade is worth more points.

Answer 10

Conclusion: “The average level of physical fitness among students at North High School is likely to decline over the next few years.”

Premises:
- Due to recent changes in the way that the school calculates students’ grades, earning a high grade in a physical education class will no longer improve a student’ s grade point average.

Intermediate Conclusion:
“Therefore, students who would otherwise have taken optional gym classes will be more likely to choose other electives in which earning a high grade is worth more points.”

THEREFORE TEST:
(1) BECAUSE the average physical fitness level among students is likely to decline, THEREFORE, students will be more likely to choose other non-gym electives to earn a high grade (WRONG)

(2) BECAUSE students will be more likely to choose other non-gym electives to earn a high grade, THEREFORE the average physical fitness level among students is likely to decline.

Question 11

Parts of an argument exercise:

During the past 30 years, the percentage of the population that smokes cigarettes has consistently declined. During the same time period, however, the number of lung cancer deaths attributed to smoking cigarettes has increased.

Answer 11

Two premises - no conclusion!

Question 12

What is meant by the following:

“The first is a finding that has been used to support a conclusion that the argument rejects”

Answer 12

Finding supports something that OPPOSES the argument –> counterpremise.

Question 13

What are common assumptions for Plan arguments

Answer 13

Assumptions that validate every step of the plan will work as expected OR EXCLUDE other factors

Question 14

What are common assumptions for Prediction arguments

Answer 14

Assumptions that no other future events beyond those mentioned in the argument will intervene.

Strengthen prediction by addressing past challenges (e.g., high cost)

Question 15

Trap answers for finding the assumption questions

Answer 15

• No tie to the conclusion –> remember, the correct assumption must be true to make the conclusion sound –> if the assumption doesn’t tell you anything about whether the conclusion is true or not, then it is wrong.
  **Don’t add your own assumptions
• Irrelevant comparison or distinction
• Reverse logic - answer is the OPPOSITE of what you are looking for (b/c it weakens the argument)

Question 16

Student Advisor: One of our exchange students faced multiple arguments with her parents over the course of the past year. Not surprisingly, her GPA over the same period showed a steep decline. This is just one example of a general truth: Problematic family relationships can cause significant academic difficulties for our students.

Which of the following is required for the student advisor to conclude that problematic family relationships can cause academic difficulties?

A) last year, the exchange student reduced the amount of time spent on academic work, resulting in a lower GPA

B) The decline in the GPA of the exchange student was not the reason for the student’s arguments with her parents.

C) School GPA is an accurate measure of the student’s intellectual ability

D) the student’s GPA is lower than the average GPA for exchange students at the university.

E) Fluctuations in academic performance are typical for many students.

Answer 16

B
- Assumption denying reverse causation

Answer is NOT D – irrelevant distinction
> It isn’t necessary to compare the student’s GPA to others in order to explain WHY her GPA decreased.

Answer is NOT A - Reverse Logic –> suggests a DIFFERENT REASON for the decline in GPA.

CAUSE-EFFECT relationship (ASSUMPTION!!!!!!!!!)

Question 17

What type of error is this?

Students who earn A and B grades are more likely to participate in sports than are students who earn C grades. Therefore, participation in sports helps students achieve higher grades.

Find the Assumption
- Students who earn A grades participate in sports more frequently than those who earn B grades.

Answer 17

Assumption should support why participation in sports will help C students achieve higher grades.

The assumption is wrong because it is an IRRELEVANT DISTINCTION between A students and B students
> does not matter about the frequency of participation in sports
> also does not matter about the differences between A and B students (they are grouped together).

Question 18

Strengthen and Weaken the argument question markers and types of answer choices

Answer 18

“If true” or “if feasible” or “effectively achieved” or “successfully accomplished”

Ans choices will typically be:
- Info that strengthens the argument
- Info that weakens the argument
- Info that does nothing to the argument

Question 19

Strategy for Strengthen the Argument question - what should the correct ans be?

Answer 19

The correct ans should be RELATED TO THE CONCLUSION

e.g., Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the prediction that Donut Chain’s promotion will increase the new store’s profitability?
> Need evidence that upfront cost of attracting new customers will generate greater new business

e.g., the vast majority of new visitors to its stores become regular customers

Question 20

What are Fill in the Blank question formats?

Answer 20

• They are a different way of presenting the existing question types (e.g., Strengthen the argument, Find the Assumption, or Inference)

“Which of the following most logically COMPLETES the argument below?”

> “since/because” ____ –> Strengthen the argument
“[If some claim is true], it should be expected that” ____ —> Inference (must be true given the info in the argument)
“[In order for some claim to be true], it must be shown that” ____ —> Inference (must be true given the info in the argument)
“[Something is true] assuming that” _____ —> Find the Assumption

Question 21

The national infrastructure for airport runways and air traffic control requires immediate expansion to accommodate the increase in smaller private planes. To help fund this expansion, the Federal Aviation Authority has proposed a fee for all air travelers. However, this fee would be unfair, as it would impose costs on all travelers to benefit only the few who utilize the new private planes.

Which of the following, if true, would cast the most doubt on the claim that the proposed fee would be unfair?

(A) The existing national airport infrastructure benefits all air travelers
(B) The expansion would reduce the # of delayed flights resulting from small private planes congesting runways
(C) The fee, if imposed, will have a negligible impact on the overall volume of air travel

Answer 21

Weaken the Arg question

B –> this is a benefit to all passengers, which would make it more fair

A is wrong –> “existing” infrastructure doesn’t affect the conclusion at all! (no tie to conclusion trap)

Question 22

EXCEPT question format

Answer 22

• can show up for Strengthen the Arg or Weaken the Arg (or other question types)

Remember, EXCEPT questions are just a different format of the same material studied!

e.g., “Each of the following, if true, weakens the conclusion, EXCEPT” —> right ans DOES NOT weaken the arg (i.e., strengthen OR does nothing!)

Strategy: Choose the ODD ONE OUT
e.g., Label W, S, Neither

Question 23

Which of the following best completes the passage below?

A nonprofit organization in Motor City has proposed that local college students be given the option to buy half-price monthly passes for the city’s public transportation system. The nonprofit claims that this plan will reduce air pollution in Motor City while increasing profits for the city’s public transportation system. However, this plan is unlikely to meet its goals, since ___

A) Most college students in Motor City view public transportation as unsafe

B) College students typically do not have the 9-to-5 schedules of most workers, and can thus be expected to ride public transportation at times when there are plenty of empty seats

C) A bus produces more air pollution per mile than does a car

Answer 23

Strengthen the Arg (that offering half-price monthly passes to local college students will NOT reduce air pollution and increase profits)
> Conclusion is “however, this plan is unlikely to meet its goals, since __”

A) Related to conclusion (college students in Motor City, public transportation) –> says that even with the reduced price, most college students won’t use it. CORRECT

B) Sound related to conclusion - says that college students in GENERAL will ride at non-peak times –> may not reduce pollution? What’s the alternative? Vague
> also students would be filing what are currently empty seats (increase profits!)

C) Doesn’t talk about college students in Motor City – trying to say that even if there are more bus riders, air pollution might not go down.
> also, the plan isn’t about increasing the number of buses; it is about putting more people on already-running buses!

Question 24

Traditionally, public school instructors have been compensated according to seniority. Recently, education experts have criticized the system as one that rewards lackadaisical teaching and reduces motivation to excel. Instead, these experts argue that, to retain exceptional teachers and maintain quality instruction, teachers should receive salaries or bonuses based on performance rather than seniority.

Which of the following, if true, most weakens the argument of the education experts?

A) Some teachers express than financial compensation is not the only factor contributing to job satisfaction and teaching performance

B) A merit-based system that bases compensation on teacher performance reduces collaboration, which is an integral component of quality instruction

Answer 24

Weaken
A - sounds right BUT there are problems
> “Some teachers” does not mean the teachers are right nor does it mean they they represent the majority
> Financial compensation is STILL a factor.

B is right

Question 25

Advertising Executive: More than 10M households now own digital video recorders that can fast-forward over television commercials; approximately 75% of these households fast-forward over at least one commercial per 30-minute program. Because television commercials are not as widely watched as they used to be, they are much less cost-effective today. Which of the following is required in order for the advertising executive to claim that television commercials are less cost-effective today? A) Product placement within TV programs is a viable alternative to traditional tv commercials B) The television programs preferred by consumers without digital video recorders are similar to those preferred by consumers with the devices C) Prior to the advent of digital video recorders, very few television viewers switched channels or left the room when commercials began D) The cost-effectiveness of television advertising is based less upon how many people watch a particular commercial and more upon the appropriateness of the demographic. E) The amount that television channels charge for advertisers to air commercials on their channel has increased steadily over the last decade

Answer 25

Find the Assumption Q A - not relevant to evaluating cost-effectiveness of traditional TV commercials B - not relevant to evaluating cost-effectiveness of traditional TV commercials (just saying the the viewers prefer the same kinds of PROGRAMS, no even ads) C - CORRECT - Before, people didn't skip commercials as often, so before tv commercials generated more views, which is the goal of ads. > Note how the premise said "because tv commercials are not as widely watched as they used to be..." D) Reverse logic - arg is about view times E) SEEMS CORRECT BUT ISN'T - while it is costlier to air TV commercials now, if they can get views, they can still be considered cost-effective. This statement isn't a necessary assumption that has to be true for the argument to make sense (not widely watched as they used to be).

Question 26

How to identify Evidence-based family questions (Inference and Explain a Discrepancy)?

Answer 26

Typically the arguments do not contain any conclusion or assumptions (just premises). Two types of questions: (1) Inferences - What MUST BE TRUE according to the premises. > In the GMAT world, inferences are BULLETPROOF LOGICAL CONSEQUENCES > If the statement is sometimes true, sometimes not true, then it isn't correct (e.g., economists could recommend higher or the same levels of gov't spending; OTHER causes of something) > Often contain some variation of the words "Conclude" or "Infer" (2) Explain a discrepancy - find an answer that EXPLAINS/RESOLVE/FIXES the puzzling part of the argument (aka, the information now makes sense together) > Majority include "if true" > e.g., explain why doctors no longer recommend something (like a bad reason)

Question 27

How do you tell Inference questions apart from Strengthen questions?

Answer 27

Strengthen questions: Ans BELOW supports conclusion ABOVE (below-above, upward arrow) Inference questions: Argument ABOVE supports correct answer BELOW (above-below, downward arrow) > Inference arguments do not contain a conclusion (opinion) at all; just premises.

Question 28

Imagine two ice cream companies, X and Y. Chocolate ice cream represents 60% of X's sales and 50% of Y's sales. Can we infer that Company X sells more chocolate ice cream than Company Y?

Answer 28

NO --> be ware of percents and actuals Company Y could have a much higher dollar value of sales. So a smaller percentage represents a larger quantity than X!

Question 29

In a recent poll, 71 percent of respondents reported that they cast votes in the most recent national election. Voting records show, however, that only 60 percent of eligible voters actually voted in that election. Which if the following pieces, if true, would provide the best explanation for the discrepancy? A) The margin of error for the survey was plus or minus 5 percentage points. B) Fifteen percent of the survey's respondents were living overseas at the time of the election. C) Prior research has shown that people who actually do vote are also more likely to respond to polls than those who do not vote. D) Some people who intend to vote are prevented from doing so by last-minute conflicts or other complications. E) People are less likely to respond to a voting poll on the same day that they voted.

Answer 29

Explain the Discrepancy - why would the % of respondents who voted be higher than the actual % of eligible voters who voted? C --> response bias. The subset has more people who voted in the election than the general population. A is wrong --> 71 +/- 5 > 60 B is wrong --> Could have voted electronically or something. And why would they lie in the poll? D is WRONG --> Discusses people who INTEND to vote, rather than explain what happened AFTER the election. > survey is conducted AFTER the election E is wrong --> opposite answer and not helpful.

Question 30

The average fuel efficiency of vehicles sold nationwide during the period 2000-2004 was 25 miles per gallon; the corresponding figure during the period 1995-1999 was 20 miles per gallon. The national average price of gasoline during the period 2000-2004 was $2 per gallon; the corresponding figure during the period 1995-1999 was $1.60 per gallon. The statements above, if true, best supports which of the following conclusions? A) The average fuel efficiency of vehicles sold nationwide should reach 30 miles per gallon for the period 2005-2009. B) The cost of gasoline for an average trip in a vehicle was higher during the period 1995-1999 than during the period 2000-2004 C) Rising gasoline prices lead consumers to purchase more fuel-efficient cars D) The ratio of average fuel efficiency to average price of gasoline was roughly equal in the two periods E) Consumers spent more money on gasoline during the period 1995-1999

Answer 30

Inference - which of the following conclusions MUST BE TRUE. A - not necessarily true ('should') B - not necessarily true / unknown length of average trip in each year. Cost of Gas = price of gas * distance = ($/g)*(g/m)*m C - TRAP answer (real world answer) - there's no info about why consumers purchase more fuel-efficient cars (not necessarily based on rising gasoline prices). D - TRUE 1995-1999 Avg FE to Avg P: 20/1.6 = 200/16 = 50/4 = 12.5 2000-2004 Avg FE to Avg P: 25/2 = 50/4 = 12.5 E - Not necessarily true / unknown (while price per gallon was lower, we don't know the average trip length).

Question 31

Medical education in the United States has focused almost exclusively on curative medicine, while preventive care has been given scant attention. This is misguided. Medical schools should invest as much time in teaching their students how to prevent illness as in teaching them how to cure it. Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument above? A) Many contagious diseases can be prevented with vaccines. (B) In 1988, for every three cents the United States spent on prevention, it spent 97 cents on curative treatment. (C) The number of students enrolled in medical school is the highest it has ever been. (D) More people die each year from disease than from accidental causes. (E) As the population grows, the number of doctors in certain specialties has not been keeping pace.

Answer 31

Strengthen Conclusion - Medical education is misguided and should focus on both preventative and curative medicine A is correct --> benefits of preventative medicine (vaccines) is that it can prevent many contagious diseases. (B) is WRONG - This statement supports the idea that the more time and money are spent on curative medicine than on preventive medicine. However, it does not speak to the BENEFITS of preventive medicine.

Question 32

A recent study demonstrated that parents living with children consume nearly five more grams of fat per day, on average, than do adults living without children. The higher fat intake among these parents is probably attributable to their snacking on the pizza and cookies that tend to be plentiful in households with children. Which of the following, if true, would most seriously weaken this explanation of the parents' higher fat intake? A. On average, households with children spend $15 more per week on pizza and cookies than do households without children. B. Households with children purchase much more whole milk, which has a high fat content, than do households without children. C. Children consume most of the pizza and cookies in any given household. D. Parents ought to set a good example for their children, in dietary choices as in other matters. E. Not all parents living with children consume more grams of fat than do adults living without children.

Answer 32

Weaken the argument Looking for an alternative reason for why parents with children have higher fat intake other than pizza and cookies. B is correct --> whole milk Not C - remainder of cookies and pizza could be consumed by parents. No evidence about whether adults eat more pizza and cookies than they would if no children were present.

Question 33

When a company refuses to allow other companies to produce patented technology, the consumer invariably loses. The company that holds the patent can charge exorbitant prices because there is no direct competition. When the patent expires, other companies are free to manufacture the technology and prices fall. Companies should therefore allow other manufacturers to license patented technology. The argument above presupposes which of the following? A) Companies cannot find legal ways to produce technology similar to patented technology. (B) Companies have an obligation to act in the best interest of the consumer. (C) Too many patents are granted to companies that are unwilling to share them. (D) The consumer can tell the difference between patented technology and inferior imitations. (E) Consumers care more about price than about quality.

Answer 33

Find the assumption Looking for an assumption of why companies should be allowed to use patented tech and why they should care about consumers (and whether they win or lose) B is right --> assumption that companies should act in the best interest of consumers E is WRONG -> even thought consumers seem to be price conscious, you could have consumers that care about quality over price and the argument would still hold. Untrue Assumptions do not make the conclusion make sense. > Also does not address companies at all.

Question 34

Some animals, such as dolphins, dogs, and African grey parrots, seem to exhibit cognitive functions typically associated with higher-order primates such as chimpanzees, gorillas, and humans. Some parrots, for example, have vocabularies of hundreds of words that they can string together in a comprehensible syntax. This clearly shows that humans and primates are not the only animals capable of using language to communicate. One parrot, named Alex, has been known to ask to be petted or kissed and will exhibit aggression if the gesture offered is not the specific one requested. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the conclusion above? A. Dolphins can be trained to assist divers in ocean rescues. B. Gorillas in captivity often learn hand signals for food and water. C. Dogs are capable of sensing their owners' moods and often exhibit concern if they sense sadness. D. Chimpanzees can memorize long sequences of key punches on machines that dispense food. E. Alex does not exhibit aggression when offered a gesture that he specifically requested.

Answer 34

Strengthen Conclusion - there are animals OTHER THAN humans and primates (chimps, gorillas) that can USE LANGUATE TO COMMUNICATE. Exclude all the answer choices that discuss primates (B and D). A is wrong -> does not provide evidence of communication between dolphins and humans. C is wrong --> sensing moods and exhibiting concern is not quite communication using language. E is correct --> demonstrates that the parrot can UNDERSTAND the DIFFERENCE between the gestures that he requests and those that he does not. In other words, he is a non-primate / non-human but he is communicating via language. IF he ALSO exhibited aggression when offered the gestures he requested, it would be more difficult to claim that he was communicating via language.

Question 35

Consumer advocates argue that the coating found on non-stick cookware contains harmful chemicals that are released into the air when the cookware is heated above a certain temperature. The manufacturer of the cookware acknowledges this hazard but assures consumers that the temperature threshold is much higher than would ever be needed for food preparation and therefore no special precautions need be taken in using the cookware. Which of the following, if true, would cast the most serious doubt on the claims of the manufacturer? A. The chemicals released by the coating can linger in the air for days B. Empty cookware left on the flame often reaches exceptionally high temperatures. C. Several consumers have already claimed illness as a result of using the cookware. D. The manufacturer did not test the cookware for this phenomenon until consumer advocates brought the issue to its attention. E. There are effective non-stick coatings that do not release toxins when heated.

Answer 35

Weaken Conclusion B - shows that there are scenarios IN FOOD PREPARATION when the cookware would reach exceptionally high temperatures C is WRONG - there could be OTHER CAUSES for the illnesses (such as food poisoning).

Question 36

Inorganic pesticides remain active on the surfaces of fruits and vegetables for several days after spraying, while organic pesticides dissipate within a few hours after application, leaving the surface of the sprayed produce free of pesticide residue. Therefore, when purchasing from a farm that uses inorganic pesticides, one must be careful to wash the produce thoroughly before eating it to prevent the ingestion of toxins. But one need not worry about ingesting pesticides when purchasing from farms that use only organic pesticides. The argument above assumes that (A) Consumers are aware of the origins of the produce they purchase. (B) Produce from farms that use organic pesticides reaches the consumer within hours after it is picked or harvested. (C) No farm uses both organic and inorganic pesticides. (D) No pesticide is capable of penetrating the skin of a fruit or vegetable. (E) The use of either type of pesticide does not increase the cost of produce.

Answer 36

Find the Assumption D - try negation technique > If pesticides could penetrate the skin of fruits/vegetables, then people still should be concerned about ingesting pesticides of organic produce (weakens the conclusion) Not C > if some farms uses both organic and inorganic pesticides, the conclusion can still be true/STILL BE VALID (pertains only to farms that use only org pesticides). > Don't get stuck up on the exact wording here ("purchasing FROM A FARM") > Also the last sentence says "purchasing from farms that use ONLY organic pesticides" --> not really an assumption here, it is a claim

Question 37

Company X manufactures swim wear and planned to launch a new line of women's bathing suits in March, which is typically the peak time of year for swim wear sales. The company conducted consumer polls, which returned favorable results for both style and price, and took out advertisements in major fashion magazines and television stations. Yet the launch was disappointing: sales in March did not exceed even half of the company's sales during the same period in the previous year. Each of the following, if true, could explain the disappointing sales of the new swim wear line EXCEPT: A. None of the stores carrying the new swim wear line displayed it prominently. B. The company’s manufacturing plants experienced difficulty in obtaining dyes in the advertised colors and so substituted different colors. C. A major competitor launched a line of similar swim wear at a lower price in February. D. A scene in which a major actress was to wear one of the new swimsuits in a much anticipated movie to be released in February was never filmed. E. The prediction of a cool, rainy summer by meteorologists received much attention in the national media.

Answer 37

Explain the Discrepancy > Despite launching swim wear during PEAK TIME with FAVORABLE Consumer polls (style and price) AND ADS in magazines and TV, the launch was very disappointing > Why? Between B and D > B could be a reason to explain the discrepancy --> the ads contained different colours so the polls are inaccurate now > D is correct --> REGARDLESS of when the movie was to be released, the things above should have still resulted in high sales. All other answers are possible reasons why demand for swim suits in general is low (competition, cool summer, not shown properly).

Question 38

Normally it takes a week for a cake to become moldy in a refrigerator. The cake in Alex's refrigerator is moldy. Therefore, the cake in Alex's refrigerator must be at least a week old. Which of the following, if true, strengthens the conclusion? A. Alex's refrigerator has not been cleaned in two years. B. A blown fuse in Alex's building has deprived his refrigerator of electricity for the past five days. C. The cake had just been baked when it was placed in Alex's refrigerator; it has remained there ever since. D. A recent study demonstrated that 95% of refrigerators currently in use will keep a cake fresh for one week. E. The cake was baked on a Tuesday.

Answer 38

Strengthen the conclusion (that the cake in his fridge must be at least a week old) Correct ans is C - gets rid of any possibility that the cake was removed out of the fridge at some point. NOT D --> still 5% chance Alex's fridge won't keep the cake fresh.

Question 39

The public often protests when an unregulated service industry is found to be corrupt. However, regulation often leads to increased costs for the consumer. Fewer companies survive in a regulated market, leading to decreased competition and higher prices. The public then responds negatively to the increased costs of these services. The statements above best support which of the following A. Service industries should not be regulated. B. The public should not protest unregulated services. C. Only unregulated services are subject to public protest. D. The public is sometimes the cause of its own complaints. E. Decreased competition always leads to increased prices

Answer 39

Inference --> conclusion Public protests successfully, but then suffers and "responds negatively" D is correct --> the public's complaint in this situation is now the cost of services is too high in regulated markets, which was the product of what they protested for. So the public is sometimes the CAUSE of its OWN COMPLAINTS. > A cycle of public discontent B is incorrect --> if they did not protest unregulated services, then what do we do about the corruption? The premises don't lead to this conclusion logically. Is the removal of corruption a better outcome than higher prices for consumers? Or is it not? > There is no evidence that increased costs are less desirable than corruption.

Question 40

Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium transmitted to humans by deer ticks. Generally, deer ticks pick up the bacterium while in the larval stage by feeding on infected white-footed mice. However, certain other species on which the larvae feed do not harbor the bacterium. If the population of these other species were increased, more of the larvae would be feeding on uninfected hosts, so the number of ticks acquiring the bacterium would likely decline. Which of the following would it be most important to ascertain in evaluating the argument? A Whether populations of the other species on which deer tick larvae feed are found only in areas also inhabited by white-footed mice B Whether the size of the deer tick population is currently limited by the availability of animals for the tick's larval stage to feed on C Whether the infected deer tick population could be controlled by increasing the number of animals that prey on white-footed mice D Whether deer ticks that were not infected as larvae can become infected as adults by feeding on deer on which infected deer ticks have fed E Whether the other species on which deer tick larvae feed harbor any other bacteria that ticks transmit to humans

Answer 40

Evaluate the Argument - What ADDITIONAL info is helpful to determine whether the assumption/argument is VALID or INVALID --> info would EITHER strengthen or weaken that argument (2 paths) B is correct Conclusion - increasing other species would reduce diseased ticks. First get rid of answer choices that aren't related to larvae stage (C, D) Second, think about the paths B - > If Yes, this means the deer tick pop is limited by the amount of food available. So if we increase # of uninfected hosts, deer tick pop would increase with more unaffected ticks --> strengthen conclusion > If no, this means deer tick pop has plenty of food. So if we increase # of uninfected hosts, there's no guarantee deer ticks would feed on other species and increase the uninfected tick population --> weaken e.g., 1000 starting population with only white-footed mice to feed on. If we bring in 1000 other mice and they aren't constrained, there is no guarantee # of ticks feeding on the white-footed mice would decrease. NOT E (not related to lyme disease bacterium)

Question 41

Radio stations with radio data system (RDS) technology broadcast special program information that only radios with an RDS feature can receive. Between 1994 and 1996, the number of RDS radio stations in Verdland increased from 250 to 600. However, since the number of RDS-equipped radios in Verdland was about the same in 1996 as in 1994, the number of Verdlanders receiving the special program information probably did not increase significantly. Which of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends? A Few if any of the RDS radio stations that began broadcasting in Verdland after 1994 broadcast to people with RDS-equipped radios living in areas not previously reached by RDS stations. C In 1996 Verdlanders who did not own radios equipped to receive RDS could not receive any programming from the RDS radio stations that began broadcasting in Verdland after 1994.

Answer 41

Find the assumption (MUST be true to make the conclusion true) Conclusion - # of ppl receiving special program did not increase a lot > assumes that # of listeners of special program = # of special Radios = all had access to special program > no cases of ppl who HAD special radios but formerly could not listen to the special programs (i.e., out of reach) A is correct - If false - it would mean many RDS stations reached people who had special radios not previously reached before => increase # of listeners = weaken conclusion C is incorrect --> discusses "any programming" rather than the special program information > not a necessary assumption

Question 42

In countries where automobile insurance includes compensation for whiplash injuries sustained in automobile accidents, reports of having suffered such injuries are twice as frequent as they are in countries where whiplash is not covered. Some commentators have argued, correctly, that since [there is presently no objective test for whiplash], spurious reports of whiplash injuries cannot be readily identified. These commentators are, however, wrong to draw the further conclusion that [in the countries with the higher rates of reported whiplash injuries, half of the reported cases are spurious]: clearly, in countries where automobile insurance does not include compensation for whiplash, people often have little incentive to report whiplash injuries that they actually have suffered. In the argument given, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles? A The first is evidence that has been used to support a conclusion that the argument criticizes; the second is that conclusion. B The first is evidence that has been used to support a conclusion that the argument criticizes; the second is the position that the argument defends.

Answer 42

First boldface is COUNTERPREMISE Second boldface is ALSO COUNTER --> counterconclusion > read the FULL sentence from start to finish "wrong to draw the further CONCLUSION that___" A is correct

Question 43

According to a study of more than 50,000 Norwegian smokers, smokers who reduced their nicotine intake from cigarettes, even by up to 50 percent, did not achieve significant health benefits. The mortality rate for those who cut back on cigarettes was not lower than that for heavier smokers; moreover, the rate of cardiovascular disease was similar across all subsets of smokers in the study. As a result, the sponsors of the study claim that reducing nicotine intake does not improve one's health. Which of the following, if true, most seriously jeopardizes the findings of the study described above? (A) The majority of study participants minimized their nicotine withdrawal symptoms through the use of skin patches and chewing gum that provide nicotine to the body. (B) Many of the study’s participants periodically dined in restaurants in which smoking was permitted. (C) The study’s participants started smoking at different ages and had varied initial nicotine intake. (D) Quitting smoking entirely results in a marked reduction in the ill effects of smoking. (E) Men and women who smoked pipes and cigars were excluded from the study.

Answer 43

Weaken the Conclusion Conclusion - "reducing nicotine intake does NOT improve one's health" Ans should (1) show that reducing nicotine intake IMPROVES one's health or (2) Study participants DID NOT actually reduce nicotine intake even if they cut back on smoking A - CORRECT --> shows that the majority of participants did NOT reduce nicotine intake B is INCORRECT --> while the participants likely inhale nicotine from second hand smoke, the RELATIVE change was still a reduction! > Before study --> smoked + inhaled second hand smoke > During study --> no smoke + inhaled second hand smoke > Overall = experienced lower nicotine intake!

Question 44

The downturn in the economy last year has prompted many companies to make widely publicized layoffs, resulting in thousands of lost jobs. Economists predicted that these layoffs would cause people generally to cut back on their discretionary spending, even if their jobs were secure, in anticipation of coming hard times. However, this prediction has not come to pass, since there has been no increase in the amount of money set aside by the general public in savings accounts. Which one of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends? A - the economy has not improved in recent months B - There has been no increase in the amount of money invested in stocks, certificates of deposit, or other savings vehicles. C - Salaries have decreased as a result of the economic downturn. D - No business sectors have seen growth in recent months. E - Those who were laid off have been able to find other employment.

Answer 44

Find the Assumption - make the conclusion true > Last year - economic downturn caused many layoffs > Prediction - layoffs would cause increased savings due to hard times ahead > However - prediction was wrong because there was NO increased in savings by general public (savings account) - Conclusion --> therefore, there has been no cutbacks on dis purchases Assumption - savings account is a measure of disc spending (higher dis spending, smaller savings; lower dis spending, higher savings) > no other savings instruments to store wealth (e.g., real estate, financial assets) A - WRONG --> state of the economy has no impact on whether savings accounts is a proxy for discretionary spending. B - CORRECT --> offers ALTERNATIVE savings account C - Not relevant to the amount of savings relative to before D - same thing as A E - you can still save if you are employed or unemployed

Question 45

The downturn in the economy last year has prompted many companies to make widely publicized layoffs, resulting in thousands of lost jobs. Economists predicted that these layoffs would cause people generally to cut back on their discretionary spending, even if their jobs were secure, in anticipation of coming hard times. However, this prediction has not come to pass, since there has been no increase in the amount of money set aside by the general public in savings accounts. The answer to which of the following questions would be most useful in evaluating the significance of the savings patterns described above? (A) What business sectors were most affected by the layoffs? (B) How much of their savings, on average, do laid-off employees deplete before finding new employment? (C) What has been the percent increase in the cost of necessities such as food, housing, and utilities during the period since the layoffs? (D) What percentage of people laid off have savings accounts? (E) What has been the average salary during the period since the layoffs?

Answer 45

Evaluate the Argument - two paths (strengthen and weaken the conclusion) --> asked to evaluate the SIGNIFICANCE of the savings patterns using which of the following questions i.e., are the savings patterns something we should be concerned about? --> Pattern: No increase in the amount of $ in savings accounts ==> what does this signify? (lower, same, or higher discretionary spending?) A - x - irrelevant to look at which business sectors were affected --> should be broader POV B - x - prediction applies to general population (those who have been laid off or have jobs) C - if cost of necessities has increased a ton => explains why savings reduced --> weaken arg that dis spending increased. if cost of necessities has not increased a ton => reduced savings is more likely to be caused by dis purchases --> strengthen arg ANS D - x - prediction applies to general population E - x - irrelevant to consider salary --> someone with a high salary might save less than someone with lower salary e.g., High salary after layoffs --> more likely to spend ? But could also save Low salary after layoffs --> don't know what happens to saving versus spending

Question 46

Candidate for Mayor: My opponent argues that the best way to increase the city's tax revenues is to double the tax on rental cars so that non-residents provide the bulk of the additional income. This plan is unethical because it constitutes taxation without representation: we should not excessively tax those who cannot vote on the plan. Moreover, if car rental prices are too high in our city, people may simply rent cars in neighboring cities to avoid the tax surcharge. The candidate responds to her opponent's plan by ______. A) Introducing a moral quandary that cannot be resolved without additional data. B) Arguing for an alternate strategy by which to accomplish the declared objective. C) Claiming that the opponent's proposal contains inaccurate data. D) Implying that the plan may result in the opposite of the intended effect. E) Demonstrating that her opponent's plan would fail to achieve its goal.

Answer 46

Describe the Argument Opponent's plan: Tax non-residents to increase tax revenues Candidate responds by claiming the plan is 1) Unethical --> but could work 2) Lead to unintended results --> non-residents would not rent in the city => likely lead to reduced tax revenues A) "Moral" sounds nice BUT what additional data do we need to resolve it? > Does the response indicate a moral "quandary" or dilemma? > The candidate simply states it is unethical B) No alternate strategy was proposed --> the candidate attacks the premises and conclusion (plan will increase tax revenues) C) No mention of questioning the opponent's data D) True - "imply" or "suggest" E) WRONG > It is true that the candidate offers a REASON why the plan might not work as intended (would cause people to avoid tax surcharge = reduce tax revenues = the goal of the plan) > BUT the candidate does not "demonstrate" or "prove" that the plan would 100% fail

Question 47

Every year many people become ill because of airborne mold spores in their homes. After someone becomes ill, specialists are often hired to eradicate the mold. These specialists look in damp areas of the house, since mold is almost always found in places where there is substantial moisture. To minimize the risk of mold poisoning in the home, then, one should make sure to keep all internal plumbing in good condition to prevent leakage that could serve as a breeding ground for mold. Which of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends? A) Mold itself does not create moisture. B) Most homeowners know enough about plumbing to determine whether theirs is in good condition. C) Mold cannot grow in dry areas. D) No varieties of mold are harmless. E) Mold spores cannot be filtered from the air.

Answer 47

Assumption "mold is almost always found in places where there is substantial moisture" --> implies that moistures CAUSES mold Conclusion - preventing leakages via plumbing problems will minimize the risk of mold poisoning (again, relying on minimizing moisture) A) If the REVERSE CAUSATION were true, then keeping all plumbing in good condition might not minimize mold growth C) is WRONG. The argument says only that mold is almost always found in web places and that preventing leaks would minimize mold poisoning. The argument DOES NOT rely on the idea that it is IMPOSSIBLE for mold to grow in dry areas. D) is WRONG. (D) The argument does not rely on the idea that every variety of mold is harmful; it merely discusses what to do to AVOID poisoning from THOSE types of mold that are harmful. > if we have harmless mold --> still can minimize RISK of mold poisoning E) is not related to the conclusion (potential for mold growth via plumbing leaks).

Question 48

However, Wynne-Edwards’ theory, linking animal social behavior and population control, has been challenged, with some justification, by several studies The challenge posed to the Wynne-Edwards-theory by several studies is regarded by the author with: A) Complete Indifference B) Qualified acceptance

Answer 48

B --> Qualified acceptance means that the author accepted the challenge, but modified it (with "some") There is no evidence of "complete" indifference.

Question 49

Jay: Of course there are many good reasons to support the expansion of preventive medical care, but arguments claiming that it will lead to greater societal economic gains are misguided. Some of the greatest societal expenses arise from frequent urgent-care needs for people who have attained a long life due to preventive care. Sunil: Your argument fails because you neglect economic gains outside the health care system: society suffers an economic loss when any of its productive members suffer preventable illnesses. Sunil's response to Jay makes which of the following assumptions: A Those who receive preventive care are not more likely to need urgent care than are those who do not receive preventive care. B. Jay intends the phrase “economic gains” to refer only to gains accruing to institutions within the health care system. C. Productive members of society are more likely than others to suffer preventable illnesses. D. The economic contributions of those who receive preventive medical care may outweigh the economic losses caused by preventive care. E. Jay is incorrect in stating that patients who receive preventive medical care are long-lived.

Answer 49

Describe the Argument Sunil claims that Jay's argument is flawed because he ignored economic gains from avoiding productivity losses > Sunil concludes that preventive medical care can lead to greater societal economic gains > So she assumes that the avoided productivity losses > additional societal expenses. D

Question 50

Half of Metroburg’s operating budget comes from a payroll tax of 2 percent on salaries paid to people who work in the city. Recently a financial services company, one of Metroburg’s largest private-sector employers, announced that it will be relocating just outside the city. All the company’s employees, amounting to 1 percent of all people now employed in Metroburg, will be employed at the new location. From the information given, which of the following can most properly be concluded? A. Unless other employers add a substantial number of jobs in Metroburg, the company’s relocation is likely to result in a 1 percent reduction in the revenue for the city’s operating budget. B. Although the company’s relocation will have a negative effect on the city’s tax revenue, the company’s departure will not lead to any increase in the unemployment rate among city residents. C. One of the benefits that the company will realize from its relocation is a reduction in the taxes paid by itself and its employees. D. Revenue from the payroll tax will decline by 1 percent if there is no increase in jobs within the city to compensate, fully or partially, for the company’s departure. E. The company’s relocation will tend to increase the proportion of jobs in Metroburg that are in the public sector, unless it results in a contraction of the public-sector payroll.

Answer 50

Inference - MUST BE TRUE > If 1% of people who are employed in the city leave the city, we DON'T KNOW the impact of the move on TAXES (e.g., we have no information about the salaries of these people). > So eliminate all answer choices that predict 1% reduction in revenues (A, D). > C is obviously wrong (cannot guarantee the next location won't have higher taxes) > B is wrong --> we have no information about the downstream effects of the move (e.g., could increase unemployment in other businesses) E is correct --> we know that 1% of all employees that are relocating are private sector employees.

Question 51

Urban rail systems have been proposed to alleviate traffic congestion, but results in many cities have been cited as evidence that this approach to traffic management is ineffective. For example, a U.S. city that opened three urban rail branches experienced a net decline of 3,100 urban rail commuters during a period when employment increased by 96,000. Officials who favor urban rail systems as a solution to traffic congestion have attempted to counter this argument by noting that commuting trips in that city represent just 20 percent of urban travel. What is the officials' claim?

Answer 51

Commuters make up only 20% of urban travel. So even if there was a decline in rail usage by commuters, traffic congestion will not increase if 80% of noncommuters use the rail. ASSUMPTION - commuters and noncommuters contribute equally to traffic congestion

Question 52

In order to reduce dependence on imported oil, the government of Jalica has imposed minimum fuel-efficiency requirements on all new cars, beginning this year. The more fuel-efficient a car, the less pollution it produces per mile driven. As Jalicans replace their old cars with cars that meet the new requirements, annual pollution from car traffic is likely to decrease in Jalica. Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument? C. Some pollution-control devices mandated in Jalica make cars less fuel-efficient than they would be without those devices. D. Jalicans who get cars that are more fuel-efficient tend to do more driving than before.

Answer 52

Conclusion: Annual POLLUTION from CAR TRAFFIC is likely to DECREASE (more fuel efficient cars) WEAKEN (evidence that annual poll from car traffic won't decrease) D is correct - if they drive more often, could be emitting more pollution overall C is wrong - some devices that have been mandated make cars less fuel-efficient than before. This would not decrease pollution. > however, NEW FUEL-EFFICIENCY standards may STILL IMPROVE their avg fuel efficiency and reduce air pollution > Error: Confused about the meaning of this answer (all new cars have new min fuel efficiency standards, though the fuel efficiency might be curbed. However, compared to before these min requirements, fuel efficiency is still better!)

Question 53

To improve customer relations, several big retailers have recently launched “smile initiatives,” requiring their employees to smile whenever they have contact with customers. These retailers generally have low employee morale, which is why they have to enforce smiling. However, studies show that customers can tell fake smiles from genuine smiles and that fake smiles prompt negative feelings in customers. So the smile initiatives are unlikely to achieve their goal. The argument relies on which of the following as an assumption? A. The smile initiatives have achieved nearly complete success in getting employees to smile while they are around customers. B. Customers’ feelings about fake smiles are no better than their feelings about the other facial expressions employees with low morale are likely to have. C. The feelings that employees generate in retail customers are a principal determinant of the amount of money customers will spend at a retailer. D. At the retailers who have launched the smile initiatives, none of the employees gave genuine smiles to customers before the initiatives were launched. E. Customers rarely, if ever, have a negative reaction to a genuine smile from a retail employee.

Answer 53

Find the Assumption C: smile initiative is unlikely to improve cust. relations (b/c fake smiles prompt negative feelings) Assumption - negative feelings are the same as those prompted by employees with low morals Ans: B

Question 54

Harvester-ant colonies live for fifteen to twenty years, though individual worker ants live only a year. The way a colony behaves changes steadily in a predictable pattern as the colony grows older and larger. For the first few years, the foragers behave quite aggressively, searching out and vigorously defending new food sources, but once a colony has reached a certain size, its foragers become considerably less aggressive. If the statements above are true, which of the following can most properly be concluded on the basis of them? A. As a result of pressure from neighbors, some colonies do not grow larger as they become older. B. Unpredictable changes in a colony’s environment can cause changes in the tasks that the colony must perform if it is to continue to survive. C. The reason a mature colony goes out of existence is that younger, more aggressive colonies successfully outcompete it for food. D. The pattern of changing behavior that a colony displays does not arise from a change in the behavior of any individual worker ant or group of worker ants. E. A new colony comes into existence when a group of young, aggressive workers leaves a mature colony and sets up on its own.

Answer 54

Inference - MUST ALWAYS BE TRUE D - clearly the any colonies act in COORDINATED WAYS (they ALL start off quite aggressive and then become less aggressive). So the behaviour of colonies is NOT because of any one ant. NOT C - we cannot say for certain that the REASON a mature colony goes out of existence is because of the reason cited.

Question 55

Which of the following most logically completes the argument? A photograph of the night sky was taken with the camera shutter open for an extended period. The normal motion of stars across the sky caused the images of the stars in the photograph to appear as streaks. However, one bright spot was not streaked. Even if the spot were caused, as astronomers believe, by a celestial object, that object could still have been moving across the sky during the time the shutter was open, since __________. A. the spot was not the brightest object in the photograph B. the photograph contains many streaks that astronomers can identify as caused by noncelestial objects C. stars in the night sky do not appear to shift position relative to each other D. the spot could have been caused by an object that emitted a flash that lasted for only a fraction of the time that the camera shutter was open E. if the camera shutter had not been open for an extended period, it would have recorded substantially fewer celestial objects

Answer 55

Strengthen Conclusion - the object could have still been moving across the sky, despite having produced no streaks NOT C > The object could have been a celestial object, which is NOT a star > We care about the positions relative to THE CAMERA > If the other stars are shifting position, then then this object (if it is a star) should have also moved. D is correct > The object could have been moving without emitting a light.

Question 56

Codex Berinensis, a Florentine copy of an ancient Roman medical treatise , is undated but contains clues to when it was produced. Its first 80 pages are by a single copyist, but the remaining 20 pages are by three different copyists, which indicates some significant disruption. Since a letter in handwriting identified as that of the fourth copyist mentions a plague that killed many people in Florence in 1148, Codex Berinensis was probably produced in that year. Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports the hypothesis that Codex Berinensis was produced in 1148? (A) Other than Codex Berinensis, there are no known samples of the handwriting of the first three copyists. (B) According to the account by the fourth copyist, the plague went on for 10 months. (C) A scribe would be able to copy a page of text the size and style of Codex Berinensis in a day. (D) There was only one outbreak of plague in Florence in the 1100s. (E) The number of pages of Codex Berinensis produced by a single scribe becomes smaller with each successive change of copyist.

Answer 56

Strengthen (causal - plague of 1148 delayed the production of Codex) C: Codex was probably produced in 1148 > due to SIGNIFICANT DISRUPTION D is correct > The fourth copyist would live at most to 1200, so 1100s is the correct time frame to think about > If there was only one outbreak of plague in Florence in 1100s, then the fourth copyist was alive during the plague in 1148. > Strengthens that Codex was produced in 1148 HOWEVER I am concerned that the fourth copyist could have taken a looong time to copy it... (1148 versus 1149?) B is incorrect > what if the fourth copyist is talking about a different plague than the one in 1148? C is incorrect > took the last three copyists 20 days to complete Codex > while it is proof that Codex could be produced in under a year, but it does not help us determine THE EXACT YEAR. Overall, we care about evidence that tells us WHEN Codex was produced.

Question 57

In an attempt to reduce the crime rate, the governor is getting tough on criminals and making prison conditions harsher. Part of this effort has been to deny inmates the access they formerly had to college-level courses. However, this action is clearly counter to the governor's ultimate goal, since after being released from prison, inmates who had taken such courses committed far fewer crimes overall than other inmates. Which of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends? A) Not being able to take college-level courses while in prison is unlikely to deter anyone from a crime that he or she might otherwise have committed. (B) Former inmates are no more likely to commit crimes than are members of the general population. (C) The group of inmates who chose to take college-level courses were not already less likely than other inmates to commit crimes after being released. (D) Taking high school level courses in prison has less effect on an inmate's subsequent behavior than taking college-level courses does. (E) The governor's ultimate goal actually is to gain popularity by convincing people that something effective is being done about crime.

Answer 57

Find the Assumption C is correct > try negation technique (which should break down the conclusion) > The group of inmates who chose to take courses were ALREADY LESS LIKELY than others to commit crimes after being released > So if the governor denies them access, crime rate would be unchanged for this group > Regardless of access to these courses, crime rate among these inmates would be the same > For other inmates, the harsher conditions in general COULD reduce crime rate => breaks down the conclusion that the plan won't work The assumption is the the inmates who took college-level courses were THE SAME REGULAR INMATE and therefore could benefit from taking courses NOT A > States that the threat won't work to reduce crime rate = no effect > Conclusion is that the threat counters the governor's ultimate goal = increases crime rate > Negation is: Not being able to take course would LIKELY DETER some people from committing crimes > But if it is not the MAJORITY of people, then the conclusion would not break down.

Question 58

"If both of these sources are accurate, however, there is an error in stating that __________." What type of question is this?

Answer 58

Inference - look for an answer that MUST BE WRONG > eliminate answers that could be true

Question 59

Technological improvements and reduced equipment costs have made converting solar energy directly into electricity far more cost-efficient in the last decade. However, the threshold of economic viability for solar power (that is, the price per barrel to which oil would have to rise in order for new solar power plants to be more economical than new oil-fired power plants) is unchanged at thirty-five dollars. Which of the following, if true, does most to help explain why the increased cost-efficiency of solar power has not decreased its threshold of economic viability? (A) The cost of oil has fallen dramatically. (B) The reduction in the cost of solar-power equipment has occurred despite increased raw material costs for that equipment. (C) Technological changes have increased the efficiency of oil-fired power plants. (D) Most electricity is generated by coal-fired or nuclear, rather than oil-fired, power plants. (E) When the price of oil increases, reserves of oil not previously worth exploiting become economically viable

Answer 59

Ans: C A is wrong because the THRESHOLD (35 dollars) is UNAFFECTED by changes in the cost of oil If efficiency of converting solar energy into electricity has increased, then the efficiency of oil-fired power plants must also increase in order for the threshold of economic viability to remain unchanged

Question 60

Comcorp Shipping Clerk: Last week, no shipments of building supplies were sent out on Friday. The five specially ordered shipments sent out last week were sent out on Thursday, and each of those specially ordered shipments consisted entirely of building supplies. Four shipments were sent to Truax Construction last week, none of which consisted of building supplies. If the shipping clerk’s statements are true, which of the following must also be true? (A) All of Comcorp’s shipments of building supplies last week were specially ordered. (B) None of Comcorp’s shipments sent on Friday of last week was sent to Truax Construction. (C) None of the shipments sent by Comcorp to Truax Construction last week was specially ordered. (D) None of Comcorp’s shipments sent on Thursday of last week was sent to Truax Construction. (E) All of Comcorp’s shipments of building supplies last week were sent out on Thursday.

Answer 60

Ans: C "The five specially ordered shipments sent out last week were sent out on Thursday" -- ALL of the specially ordered shipments were building supplies THEREFORE, since the shipments sent to Truax were NOT building supplies, they CANNOT BE SPECIALLY ORDERED.

Question 61

Twenty years ago, Balzania put in place regulations requiring operators of surface mines to pay for the reclamation of mined-out land. Since then, reclamation technology has not improved. Yet, the average reclamation cost for a surface coal mine being reclaimed today is only four dollars per ton of coal that the mine produced, less than half what it cost to reclaim surface mines in the years immediately after the regulations took effect. Which of the following, if true, most helps to account for the drop in reclamation costs described? (A) Even after Balzania began requiring surface mine operators to pay reclamation costs, coal mines in Balzania continued to be less expensive to operate than coal mines in almost any other country. (B) In the twenty years since the regulations took effect, the use of coal as a fuel has declined from the level it was at in the previous twenty years. (C) Mine operators have generally ceased surface mining in the mountainous areas of Balzania because reclamation costs per ton of coal produced are particularly high for mines in such areas. (D) Even after Balzania began requiring surface mine operators to pay reclamation costs, surface mines continued to produce coal at a lower total cost than underground mines. (E) As compared to twenty years ago, a greater percentage of the coal mined in Balzania today comes from surface mines.

Answer 61

Explain the discrepancy Discrepancy - even though reclamation tech has not improved from 20 years ago, the AVERAGE reclamation cost for a surface coal mine today is LOWER than the reclamation cost immediately after the regulations took effect > what might explain why the average cost is lower? C is the answer --. stopped surface mining in an area that had high reclamation cost NOT B --> reclamation cost is unaffected by use of the coal.

Question 62

Yeasts capable of leavening bread are widespread, and in the many centuries during which the ancient Egyptians made only unleavened bread, such yeasts must frequently have been mixed into bread doughs accidentally. The Egyptians, however, did not discover leavened bread until about 3000 B.C. That discovery roughly coincided with the introduction of a wheat variety that was preferable to previous varieties because its edible kernel could be removed from the husk without first toasting the grain. Which of the following, if true, provides the strongest evidence that the two developments were causally related? (A) Even after the ancient Egyptians discovered leavened bread and the techniques for reliably producing it were well known, unleavened bread continued to be widely consumed. (B) Only when the Egyptians stopped the practice of toasting grain were their stone-lined grain-toasting pits available for baking bread. (C) Heating a wheat kernel destroys its gluten, a protein that must be present in order for yeast to leaven bread dough. (D) The new variety of wheat, which had a more delicate flavor because it was not toasted, was reserved for the consumption of high officials when it first began to be grown. (E) Because the husk of the new variety of wheat was more easily removed, flour made from it required less effort to produce.

Answer 62

Strengthen > Development #1) Discovery of leavened bread > Development #2) Introduction of non-toasted wheat variety C is the answer > By using non-toasted wheat that does not require first heating the wheat kernel, yeast can now leaven bread dough because there is GLUTEN B is wrong > Even though the Egyptians could bake bread following development #2, it does not mean that it caused the discovery of leavened bread > The bread could have been unleavened bread

Question 63

Which of the following most logically completes the passage? Each species of moth has an optimal body temperature for effective flight, and when air temperatures fall much below that temperature, the moths typically have to remain inactive on vegetation for extended periods, leaving them highly vulnerable to predators. In general, larger moths can fly faster than smaller ones and hence have a better chance of evading flying predators, but they also have higher optimal body temperatures, which explains why-___________. (A) large moths are generally able to maneuver better in flight than smaller moths (B) large moths are proportionally much more common in warm climates than in cool climates (C) small moths are more likely than large moths to be effectively camouflaged while on vegetation (D) large moths typically have wings that are larger in proportion to their body size than smaller moths do (E) most predators of moths prey not only on several different species of moth but also on various species of other insects

Answer 63

Inference The key phrase is "optimal body temperature for effective flight", below which the moths cannot fly. If larger moths have higher optimal body temperatures, they are likely to be found in WARMER climates. Otherwise, these larger moths would have to remain inactive for extended periods of time. If they had lower optimal body temperatures, they can survive in cooler climates (i.e., still be able to fly)

Question 64

Surveys in Domorica indicate that only 10 percent of Domoricans in their twenties read a newspaper regularly, while more than half of all Domoricans over thirty read a newspaper regularly. Although Domoricans in their twenties constitute a large proportion of the population, newspaper publishers nonetheless predict that ten years from now, the percentage of Domoricans who regularly read a newspaper will probably be no lower than it is today. Which of the following, if true, provides the strongest grounds for the newspaper publishers’ prediction? (A) The number of Domoricans in their twenties is less than the number of Domoricans over thirty. (B) The number of newspapers in Domorica has been gradually increasing over the past several decades. (C) The proportion of Domoricans in their twenties who regularly read a newspaper has always been low. (D) The surveys defined a regular reader of a newspaper as someone who reads a newspaper more than twice a week. (E) The proportion of Domoricans who regularly read a newspaper was higher 20 years ago than it is today.

Answer 64

Strengthen Conclusion - % of Domoricans who regularly read a newspaper will not be lower than it is today Pre-thinking: Because people read more as they age Ans: C --> says that readership among people in their twenties has always been low, even for the population aged 30+ right now NOT A: > In ten years, the people who were twenty now would become 30+ > If readership % were maintained and assume some people over 30 died/stopped reading, readership would LOWER > We also only care about PERCENTAGE of readership rather than # of readers

Question 65

Most of the world's supply of uranium currently comes from mines. It is possible to extract uranium from seawater, but the cost of doing so is greater than the price that uranium fetches on the world market. Therefore, until the cost of extracting uranium from seawater can somehow be reduced, this method of obtaining uranium is unlikely to be commercially viable. Which of the following would it be most useful to determine in evaluating the argument? (A) Whether the uranium in deposits on land is rapidly being depleted (B) Whether most uranium is used near where it is mined (C) Whether there are any technological advances that show promise of reducing the cost of extracting uranium from seawater (D) Whether the total amount of uranium in seawater is significantly greater than the total amount of uranium on land (E) Whether uranium can be extracted from freshwater at a cost similar to the cost of extracting it from seawater

Answer 65

Evaluate the argument Ans: A > If land uranium deposits are quickly being depleted, then the PRICE of uranium on the world market is likely to INCREASE > With the cost of extracting uranium from seawater remaining constant, the method can now be considered commercially viable (conclusion is false - we don't need to wait until the cost of extracting is reduced) > Otherwise if land uranium deposits are not being quickly depleted, the conclusion is true NOT C > A "promise" is still speculative and is not helpful in evaluating the conclusion ("Until the cost of extracting uranium from seawater can somehow be reduced")

Question 66

Which of the following most logically completes the argument? United States manufacturers currently produce most of the world's solar-power generators--most of which are exported to Europe. However, European manufacturers are emerging and probably will ultimately capture much of the European market. The United States government is funding initiatives intended to encourage use of solar power within the United States. If these initiatives succeed in increasing the demand for solar-power generators in the United States, United States manufacturers will probably maintain significant production levels, since __________. (A) some United States manufacturers have been substantially increasing their output over the last several years (B) the efficiency of solar-power generators in converting energy from the Sun into electric power is not improving as fast as it once did (C) just as European manufacturers enjoy certain competitive advantages in Europe, so do United States manufacturers in the United States (D) European governments are currently undertaking initiatives to stimulate the use of solar power within Europe (E) the current market for solar-power generators in the United States is very limited

Answer 66

Strengthen Ans: C > the author has assumed that the increased demand of solar power generators will be fulfilled by supplies of US manufacturers AND NOT FOREIGN MANUFACTURERS > thus, US manufacturers are likely to continue to produce at high levels NOT E > we already know demand for solar-power generators in the US is currently very low

Question 67

Finding of a survey of Systems magazine subscribers: Thirty percent of all merchandise orders placed by subscribers in response to advertisements in the magazine last year were placed by subscribers under age thirty-five. Finding of a survey of advertisers in Systems magazine: Most of the merchandise orders placed in response to advertisements in Systems last year were placed by people under age thirty-five. For both of the findings to be accurate, which of the following must be true? (A) More subscribers to Systems who have never ordered merchandise in response to advertisements in the magazine are age thirty-five or over than are under age thirty-five. (B) Among subscribers to Systems, the proportion who are under age thirty-five was considerably lower last year than it is now. (C) Most merchandise orders placed in response to advertisements in Systems last year were placed by Systems subscribers over age thirty-five. (D) Last year, the average dollar amount of merchandise orders placed was less for subscribers under age thirty-five than for those age thirty-five or over. (E) Last year many people who placed orders for merchandise in response to advertisements in Systems were not subscribers to the magazine.

Answer 67

Assumption question with Percents E is correct Looking at JUST SUBSCRIBERS: 30% orders placed by ppl under 35 years old and majority (70%) placed by ppl older than 35 years old. However, looking at the TOTAL ORDERS PLACED (include subscribers and non-subscribers): Majority placed by ppl under 35 years old. The only way for both to be true is if there were MORE NON-SUBSCRIBERS who placed orders

Question 68

Jennifer: Video rental outlets in Centerville together handled 10,000 fewer video rentals in 1994 than in 1993. The decline in rentals was probably due almost entirely to the February 1994 opening of Videorama, the first and only video rental outlet in the area that, in addition to renting videos, also sold them cheaply. Brad: There must be another explanation: as you yourself said, the decline was on the order of 10,000 rentals. Yet Videorama sold only 4,000 videos in 1994. Which of the following, if true, would most seriously weaken the force of the objection that Brad presents to Jennifer's explanation? (A) In 1994 Videorama rented out more videos than it sold. (E) People who own videos frequently loan them to their friends.

Answer 68

Weaken Ans E A is wrong > Videorama is ALSO a rental company in Centerville > so if overall the town experienced a decline of 10000 video rentals, something must be causing it > it doesn't matter that Videorama rented out over 4000 videos --> the decline is STILL there E is better (explains why OVERALL DECLINE occurs => private loaning)

Question 69

Press Secretary: Our critics claim that the president's recent highway project cancellations demonstrate a vindictive desire to punish legislative districts controlled by opposition parties. They offer as evidence the fact that 90 percent of the projects canceled were in such districts. But all of the canceled projects had been identified as wasteful in a report written by respected nonpartisan auditors. So the president's choice was clearly motivated by sound budgetary policy, not partisan politics. Which of the following is an assumption on which the press secretary's argument depends? (A) Canceling highway projects was not the only way for the president to punish legislative districts controlled by opposition parties. (B) The scheduled highway projects identified as wasteful in the report were not mostly projects in districts controlled by the president's party. (C) The number of projects canceled was a significant proportion of all the highway projects that were to be undertaken by the government in the near future. (D) The highway projects canceled in districts controlled by the president's party were not generally more expensive than the projects canceled in districts controlled by opposition parties. (E) Reports by nonpartisan auditors are not generally regarded by the opposition parties as a source of objective assessments of government projects.

Answer 69

Assumption Conclusion - president's choice was clearly motivated by sound budgetary policy rather than partisan politics B is correct > Negation: The scheduled highway projects identified as wasteful were MOSTLY projects in districts controlled by the president's party > The report could have had a mix of wasteful projects in both districts controlled and not controlled by the president > But if the president chose to cancel majority of the projects in opposition party districts despite his own districts having some wasteful projects, he would have been politically motivated A is WRONG > Negation: Cancelling highway projects was the only way for the president to punish districts controlled by opposition parties > Conclusion would stay the same?? Because even though the government could be punishing these districts, the purpose could STILL stem from sound budgetary policy.

Question 70

Asthma, a chronic breathing disorder, is significantly more common today among adult competitive swimmers than it is among competitive athletes who specialize in other sports. Although chlorine is now known to be a lung irritant and swimming pool water is generally chlorinated, it would be rash to assume that frequent exposure to chlorine is the explanation of the high incidence of asthma among these swimmers, since __________. Which of the following most logically completes the argument given? A. young people who have asthma are no more likely to become competitive athletes than are young people who do not have asthma B. competitive athletes who specialize in sports other than swimming are rarely exposed to chlorine C. competitive athletes as a group have a significantly lower incidence of asthma than do people who do not participate in competitive athletics D. until a few years ago, physicians routinely recommended competitive swimming to children with asthma, in the belief that this form of exercise could alleviate asthma symptoms E. many people have asthma without knowing they have it and thus are not diagnosed with the condition until they begin engaging in very strenuous activities, such as competitive athletics

Answer 70

Strengthen Conclusion: While the incidence of asthma is higher among competitive swimmers than other competitive athletes, chlorine is not the cause why? Ans: D > If doctors routinely recommended COMPETITIVE SWIMMING to kids with asthma, that would explain why the incidence of asthma was higher than other sports, not chlorine. NOT E > does not help explain the difference in incidence rates between different competitive sports.

Question 71

Sascha: The attempt to ban parliament's right to pass directed-spending bills—bills that contain provisions specifically funding the favorite projects of some powerful politicians—is antidemocratic. Our nation's constitution requires that money be drawn from our treasury only when so stipulated by laws passed by parliament, the branch of government most directly representative of the citizens. This requirement is based on the belief that exercising the power to spend public resources involves the ultimate exercise of state authority and that therefore _________. Which of the following most logically completes Sascha's argument? A. designating funding specifically for the favorite projects of some powerful politicians should be considered antidemocratic B. the right to exercise such a power should belong exclusively to the branch of government most directly representative of the citizens C. exercising the power to spend public resources is in most cases—but not all—protected by the constitution D. modifications to any spending bills should be considered expenditures authorized by law E. only officials who are motivated by concerns for reelection should retain that power

Answer 71

Inference Sascha is basically arguing that banning parliament's right to pass these spending bills is ANTIDEMOCRATIC because it goes against the constitution The constitution requires that money be drawn from the nation's treasury (and used for spending) ONLY when decided by parliament according to the belief that exercising the power to spend public resources involves the ultimate exercise of state authority. THEREFORE, he argues that parliament should be the only one to exercise such a power Ans B (Parliament should be the only one to exercise such power because it is most directly representative of the citizens) > This answer ties parliament's tie to DEMOCRACY and spending authority.

Question 72

Linguist: In English, the past is described as “behind” and the future “ahead,” whereas in Aymara the past is “ahead” and the future “behind.” Research indicates that English speakers sway backward when discussing the past and forward when discussing the future. Conversely, Aymara speakers gesture forward with their hands when discussing the past and backward when discussing the future. These bodily movements, therefore, suggest that the language one speaks affects how one mentally visualizes time. The linguist's reasoning depends on assuming which of the following? (A) At least some Aymara speakers sway forward when discussing the past and backward when discussing the future. (B) Most people mentally visualize time as running either forward or backward. (C) Not all English and Aymara speakers tend to sway or gesture forward or backward when discussing the present. (D) How people move when discussing the future correlates to some extent with how they mentally visualize time. (E) The researchers also examined the movements of at least some speakers of languages other than English and Aymara discussing the past and the future.

Answer 72

Assumption The case study of the English and Aymara language shows that language affects how one mentally visualizes time. > Assumption: Body language is related to how one mentally visualizes time Ans: D - Negation: If there was no correlation between people's body language and how they mentally visualize time, the conclusion wouldn't make sense (why would bodily movements suggest that language affects how one mentally visualizes time?) NOT C --> talks about the present (which is irrelevant) > Negation: All English and Aymara speakers tend to sway or gesture forward or backward when discussing the present > Wouldn't necessarily break down the conclusion because we care about PAST and FUTURE, not what they do when discussing the present

Question 73

Vargonia has just introduced a legal requirement that student-teacher ratios in government-funded schools not exceed a certain limit. All Vargonian children are entitled to education, free of charge, in these schools. When a recession occurs and average incomes fall, the number of children enrolled in government-funded schools tends to increase. Therefore, though most employment opportunities contract in economic recessions, getting a teaching job in Vargonia's government-funded schools will not be made more difficult by a recession. Which of the following would be most important to determine in order to evaluate the argument? A. Whether in Vargonia there are any schools not funded by the government that offer children an education free of charge B. Whether the number of qualified applicants for teaching positions in government-funded schools increases significantly during economic recessions

Answer 73

Evaluate the argument B is correct - pre-thinking led me to this answer A IS WRONG because regardless of whether there are other schools that offer free education, the # of children enrolled in government-funded schools will STILL INCREASE during a recession, leading to an increase in demand of teachers.

Question 74

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 A. does not specify how many people need to repeat a story before someone is justified believing it B. overstates the significance of political agendas in the retelling of stories C. fails to address the claim that people will not verify the truth of a story that fits their purpose D. implicitly supports the claim that the people repeating legends are not deliberately spreading untruths E. cannot distinguish people's motivations for repeating urban legends from their motivations for repeating other types of story

Answer 74

Structure question To be a good argument, Kayla's response must ADDRESS Hea Sook's claim that people will repeat a tale if it fits their purpose. Ans: C NOT E - we don't know whether Kayla can or cannot distinguish people's motivations for repeating urban legends versus other types of story

Question 75

Exporters in Country X are facing lower revenues due to a shortage of the large metal shipping containers in which they send their goods by sea to other countries. Fewer containers arrive in Country X due to reductions in imports. This has meant lost orders, costly delays, and a scramble for alternatives, such as air freight, all of which are costlier. Moreover, the revenues of exporters in Country X will probably continue to decline in the near future. This is because other countries are likely to find it increasingly unprofitable to export their goods to Country X, and because __________. Which of the following would most logically complete the passage? A. production of shipping containers in Country X is growing rapidly as a response to the shortage B. shipping companies are willing to move containers from country to country only when the containers are full C. the cost of shipping alternatives such as air freight is likely to stabilize in the near future D. consumers in Country X are purchasing more products than ever before E. the worldwide demand for goods made in Country X has only recently begun to rise after a long decline

Answer 75

Complete the passage (strengthen) FOLLOW THE LOGIC: Country X's exporters will probably experience revenue declines BECAUSE (1) Reduced imports = exasperated shortage of shipping containers (2) Ans B - further delays in shipping containers entering Country X NOT D --> requires an additional assumption that increased domestic demand will reduce exports.

Question 76

Educational Theorist: Recent editorials have called for limits on the amount of homework assigned to schoolchildren younger than 12. They point out that free-time activities play an important role in childhood development and that homework in large quantities can severely restrict children’s free time, hindering their development. But the actual average homework time for children under 12—little more than 30 minutes per night—leaves plenty of free time. In reality, therefore, the editorials’ rationale cannot justify the restriction they advocate. Which of the following, if true, would most seriously call into question the educational theorist’s conclusion? A. Some teachers give as homework assignments work of a kind that research suggests is most effective educationally when done in class. B. For children younger than 12, regularly doing homework in the first years of school has no proven academic value, but many educators believe that it fosters self-discipline and time management. C. Some homework assignments are related to free-time activities that children engage in, such as reading or hobbies. D. A substantial proportion of schoolchildren under 12, particularly those in their first few years of school, have less than 10 minutes of homework assigned per night. E. Some free-time activities teach children skills or information that they later find useful in their schoolwork.

Answer 76

Weaken - conclusion is that because the AVERAGE amount of time spent on homework per night is 30 mins, there should not be a limit imposed on the amount of homework assigned > look for an answer that suggests EVEN THOUGH the average is 30 mins/night, some children have a lack of free time *I knew something was wrong with my answer (A) - LOOK AT THE ANSWERS YOU CROSSED OUT IMMEDIATELY THEN Ans: D > Average versus Maximum time limit > If many children in younger grades spend less than 10 minutes on homework per night, then there are OTHER CHILDREN still under 12 that are spending MORE THAN the average of 30 minutes > Then, their free time could be eaten up > this weakens the conclusion

Question 77

Editorial in Krenlandian Newspaper: Krenland's steelmakers are losing domestic sales because of lower-priced imports, in many cases because foreign governments subsidize their steel industries in ways that are banned by international treaties. But whatever the cause, the cost is ultimately going to be jobs in Krenland’s steel industry. Therefore, it would protect not only steelmaking companies but also industrial employment in Krenland if our government took measures to reduce cheap steel imports. Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the editorial’s argument? (A) Because steel from Krenland is rarely competitive in international markets, only a very small portion of Krenlandian steelmakers' revenue comes from exports. (B) The international treaties that some governments are violating by giving subsidies to steelmakers do not specify any penalties for such violations. (C) For many Krenlandian manufacturers who face severe international competition in both domestic and export markets, steel constitutes a significant part of their raw material costs. (D) Because of advances in order-taking, shipping, and inventory systems, the cost of shipping steel from foreign producers to Krenland has fallen in recent years. (E) Wages paid to workers in the steel industry in Krenland do not differ significantly from wages paid to workers in many of the countries that export steel to Krenland.

Answer 77

Weaken Conclusion - If the government prevented cheap steel imports from entering Kreland, then steelmaking companies and industrial employment in Krenland would be protected Pre-thinking: > Preventing cheap steel imports WOULD NOT protect the domestic steel industry or employment > Or is there some BENEFIT of having cheap steel imports? Ans C - says that steel is a significant part of their raw material costs > so cheap steel imports is BENEFICIAL; without it, many Krenlandian manufacturers might face financial troubles that lead to unemployment NOT D - "cost of shipping steel from foreign producers" just explains another reason why foreign steel is cheaper in Krenland. > DOES NOT MEAN Krenland's steelmakers have cheaper raw materials

Question 78

In the country of Marut, the Foreign Trade Agency's records were reviewed in 1994 in light of information then newly available about neighboring Goro. The review revealed that in every year since 1963, the agency's projection of what Goro's gross national product (GNP) would be five years later was a serious underestimate. The review also revealed that in every year since 1963, the agency estimated Goro's GNP for the previous year—a Goro state secret—very accurately. Of the following claims, which is most strongly supported by the statements given? A. Goro's GNP fluctuated greatly between 1963 and 1994. B. Prior to 1995, Goro had not released data intended to mislead the agency in making its five-year projections. C. The amount by which the agency underestimated the GNP it projected for Goro tended to increase over time. D. Even before the new information came to light, the agency had reason to think that at least some of the five-year projections it had made were inaccurate. E. The agency's five-year projections of Goro's GNP had no impact on economic planning in Marut.

Answer 78

Inference **Need to get better at understanding WHAT's GOING ON IN THE PASSAGE Summary of what's going on: > reviewed records in 1994 following new info about Goro > Every year, the agency projects GNP would be five years later > Every year, the agency also estimates GNP for the previous year WHY would the agency estimate the GNP for the previous year again? e.g., 1965 - make a five year prediction. 1971 - make an retrospective prediction Ans D - even before the new information, the agency had some reason to believe that their five year estimates were inaccurate

Question 79

In the 1960s, surveys of Florida’s alligator population indicated that the population was dwindling rapidly. Hunting alligators was banned. By the early 1990s, the alligator population had recovered, and restricted hunting was allowed. Over the course of the 1990s, reports of alligators appearing on golf courses and lawns increased dramatically. Therefore, in spite of whatever alligator hunting went on, the alligator population must have increased significantly over the decade of the 1990s. Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument? A. The human population of Florida increased significantly during the 1990s. B. The hunting restrictions applied to commercial as well as private hunters. C. The number of sightings of alligators in lakes and swamps increased greatly in Florida during the 1990s. D. Throughout the 1990s, selling alligator products was more strictly regulated than hunting was. E. Most of the sightings of alligators on golf courses and lawns in the 1990s occurred at times at which few people were present on those golf courses and lawns.

Answer 79

Weaken Conclusion - the alligator population must have increased significantly over the decade of the 1990s (why? B/c restricted hunting was allowed and there was significantly more alligator sightings) Weaken the conclusion by finding evidence that the alligator population DID NOT Increase and SOME OTHER reason is responsible for the rise in alligator sightings Ans A > With more people in Florida, there would be a greater number of alligator sightings (could be the same alligator sighted by multiple different people) NOT E > suggests that the alligator population may have increased because at times when few people are present are also times when alligators would be more likely to venture onto lawns and golf courses > we do not know if this is normal though and if it isn't, this statement would suggest the alligator population IN FACT INCREASED

Question 80

Advertising by mail has become much less effective, with fewer consumers responding. Because consumers are increasingly overwhelmed by the sheer amount of junk mail they receive, most discard almost all offers without considering them. Thus, an effective way for corporations to improve response rates would be to more carefully target the individuals to whom they mail advertising, thereby cutting down on the amount of junk mail each consumer receives. Which of the following, if true, would most support this recommendation? (A) There are cost effective means by which corporations that currently advertise by mail could improve response rates. (B) Many successful corporations are already carefully targeting the individuals to whom they mail advertising. (C) Any consumer who, immediately after receiving an advertisement by mail, merely glances at it is very likely to discard it. (D) Improvements in the quality of the advertising materials used in mail that is carefully targeted to individuals can improve the response rate for such mail. (E) Response rates to carefully targeted advertisements by mail are considerably higher, on average, than response rates to most other forms of advertising.

Answer 80

Strengthen Between D and E --> we need to choose evidence that would make it MORE LIKELY that TARGETTING individuals would IMPROVE response rates because each consumers receives a lower amount of junk mail. D talks about the QUALITY of advertising, which is NOT relevant > it doesn't provide evidence that simply BEING MORE TARGETTED can improve the response rate Ans E

Question 81

A certain cultivated herb is one of a group of closely related plants that thrive in soil with high concentrations of metals that are toxic to most other plants. Agronomists studying the growth of this herb have discovered that it produces large amounts of histidine, an amino acid that, in test-tube solutions, renders these metals chemically inert. Hence, the herb's high histidine production must be the key feature that allows it to grow in metal-rich soils. In evaluating the argument, it would be most important to determine which of the following? A. Whether the herb can thrive in soil that does not have high concentrations of the toxic metals B. Whether others of the closely related group of plants also produce histidine in large quantities C. Whether the herb's high level of histidine production is associated with an unusually low level of production of some other amino acid D. Whether growing the herb in soil with high concentrations of the metals will, over time, reduce their concentrations in the soil E. Whether the concentration of histidine in the growing herb declines as the plant approaches maturity

Answer 81

Evaluate the argument We need to determine whether the herb's high HISTIDINE production is the reason why it is able to grow in metal-rich soils. Ans B --> - Yes, other plants also produce histidine in large quantities => likely that the conclusion is true - No, other plants do not produce histidine in large quantities => likely that the conclusion is false (there might be some other reason why these similar groups of plants are able to grow in metal-rich soils) NOT D > Yes, growing the herb in metal-rich soils tends to reduce metal concentrations over time => explains that histidine is working > No, growing the herb in metal-rich soils do not reduce metal concentrations over time => conclusion could STILL be true (that histidine production keeps the herb alive, even though the metal concentration doesn't change)

Question 82

Excavation of the house of a third-century Camarnian official revealed that he had served four magistrates—public officials who administer the law—over his thirty-year public career, in four provincial capital cities. However, given the Camarnian administrative system of that era, it is unclear whether he served them simultaneously, as a traveling administrator living for part of the year in each provincial capital, or else did so sequentially, leaving one magistrate after several years to join another. Which of the following would, if found in the excavation, most likely help reveal the pattern of the official's administrative service? (A) Maps and documents describing each of the four provincial capitals (B) A cache of the official's documents related to work from early in his career (C) A set of cups of a type made only in the city of the first magistrate whom the official is known to have served (D) Several pieces of furniture in the styles of two of the provincial capital cities (E) Heavy clothing appropriate only for the coldest of the four cities

Answer 82

Evaluate the argument 1st stem - the official served all four magistrates simultaneously 2nd stem - the official served each magistrate sequentially Ans: B > the official's documents in his early career could reveal whether he had been in contact with all four magistrates as well as how long he had worked with each one. NOT A > while maps of each capital could be useful in determining the distance between cities, maps and documents WITHIN each city aren't helpful

Question 83

Although the school would receive financial benefits if it had soft drink vending machines in the cafeteria, we should not allow them. Allowing soft drink machines there would not be in our students' interest. If our students start drinking more soft drinks, they will be less healthy. The argument depends on which of the following? (A) If the soft drink vending machines were placed in the cafeteria, students would consume more soft drinks as a result. (B) The amount of soft drinks that most students at the school currently drink is not detrimental to their health. (C) Students are apt to be healthier if they do not drink soft drinks at all than if they just drink small amounts occasionally. (D) Students will not simply bring soft drinks from home if the soft drink vending machines are not placed in the cafeteria. (E) The school's primary concern should be to promote good health among its students.

Answer 83

Assumption Soft drink machine => students drinking more soft drinks => less healthy students is more important than financial benefits Assumption? Ans A: > Negate: if the soft drink vending machine were placed in the cafeteria, students WOULD NOT consume more soft drinks as a result > Then, the conclusion is WRONG (students would NOT be LESS healthy because their soft drink consumption remains the same) NOT E > Negate: The school's PRIMARY concern is NOT to promote the good health among its students > seems to weaken the conclusion... > but could the conclusion still hold? (e.g., even though the school's primary concern is not to promote good health among students, it could STILL BE an important goal, in addition to education for example).

Question 84

In 1563, in Florence's Palazzo Vecchio, Giorgio Vasari built in front of an existing wall a new wall on which he painted a mural. Investigators recently discovered a gap between Vasari's wall and the original, large enough to have preserved anything painted on the original. Historians believe that Leonardo da Vinci had painted, but left unfinished, a mural on the original wall; some historians had also believed that by 1563 the mural had been destroyed. However, it is known that in the late 1560s, when renovating another building, Santa Maria Novella, Vasari built a façade over its frescoes, and the frescoes were thereby preserved. Thus, Leonardo's Palazzo Vecchio mural probably still exists behind Vasari's wall. Which of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends? A. Leonardo rarely if ever destroyed artworks that he left unfinished. B. Vasari was likely unaware that the mural in the Palazzo Vecchio had willingly been abandoned by Leonardo. C. Vasari probably would not have built the Palazzo Vecchio wall with a gap behind it except to preserve something behind the new wall. D. Leonardo would probably have completed the Palazzo Vecchio mural if he had had the opportunity to do so. E. When Vasari preserved the frescoes of Santa Maria Novella he did so secretly.

Answer 84

Assumption *this was a hard stimulus to understand --> break it down sentence by sentence" > Vasari built a new wall in front of an existing wall and painted a mural > He also had built a "facade" of its "frescoes", preserving them. > Therefore, it is believed that Leonardo's mural probably still exists behind Vasari's second wall ASSUMPTION - best to use negation technique Ans C - Negate: Vasari probably would have still built the Palazzo Vecchio wall with a gap behind it, even if there was nothing to preserve behind the new wall. > Why build a wall with a gap? > Conclusion relies on the fact that Vasari had previously preserved something by building something in front of it. > So if Vasari built the gap for no reason, the conclusion that Leonardo's mural probably still exists is weakened -> he could have built a fascade over its frescoes not intentionally for preservation purposes. NOT A > Negate: Leonardo sometimes/often destroyed artworks that he left unfinished > keyword is "often" or "sometimes" here --> Leonardo could have still preserved his unfinished work in this instance.

Question 85

Snowmaking machines work by spraying a mist that freezes immediately on contact with cold air. Because the sudden freezing kills bacteria, QuickFreeze is planning to market a wastewater purification system that works on the same principle. The process works only when temperatures are cold, however, so municipalities using it will still need to maintain a conventional system. Which of the following, if true, provides the strongest grounds for a prediction that municipalities will buy QuickFreeze's purification system despite the need to maintain a conventional purification system as well? A. Bacteria are not the only impurities that must be removed from wastewater. B. Many municipalities have old wastewater purification systems that need to be replaced. C. Conventional wastewater purification systems have not been fully successful in killing bacteria at cold temperatures. D. During times of warm weather, when it is not in use, QuickFreeze's purification system requires relatively little maintenance. E. Places where the winters are cold rarely have a problem of water shortage.

Answer 85

Strengthen *Got confused about what we are trying to strengthen* > strengthen: Municipalities need BOTH a conventional purification system AND QuickFreeze (b/c QuickFreeze lacks all the functionality of the conventional system? Or because conventional system cannot do it all and needs QuickFreeze?) NOT A > QuickFreeze can kill bacteria, but perhaps not other impurities > So the conventional system is needed to address the other ones > BUT why do they need both (aside from the cold weather?) Why can't they just continue using the conventional system even in cold weather?? Ans C > if conventional wastewater system aren't that good in cold weather, then municipalities are more likely to use both

Question 86

Although there is no record of poet Edmund Spenser's parentage, we do know that as a youth Spenser attended the Merchant Tailors' School in London for a period between 1560 and 1570. Records from this time indicate that the Merchant Tailors' Guild then had only three members named Spenser: Robert Spenser, listed as a gentleman; Nicholas Spenser, elected the Guild's Warden in 1568; and John Spenser, listed as a "journeyman cloth-maker." Of these, the last was likely the least affluent of the three—and most likely Edmund's father, since school accounting records list Edmund as a scholar who attended the school at a reduced fee. Which of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends? (A) Anybody in sixteenth century London who made clothing professionally would have had to be a member of the Merchant Tailors' Guild. (B) The fact that Edmund Spenser attended the Merchant Tailors' School did not necessarily mean that he planned to become a tailor. (C) No member of the Guild could become Guild warden in sixteenth century London unless he was a gentleman. (D) Most of those whose fathers were members of the Merchant Tailors' Guild were students at the Merchant Tailors' School. (E) The Merchant Tailors' School did not reduce its fees for the children of the more affluent Guild members.

Answer 86

Assumption NOT D > misinterpreted the meaning of it > Negate: Some of kids whose fathers were members of the guild were students at the school ==> some of the members of the guild sent their students to the school > the conclusion that the last guy was Edmund's father could still be true > Even if most of the children of fathers in the guild DID NOT attend the school, it could still be true that ALL of the children who DID attend the school had fathers in the guild. E > Negate: if the school also reduced fees for children of more affluent guild members, then it is less likely that John Spenser is Edmund's father (it could be any one of the three)

Question 87

Birds have been said to be descended from certain birdlike dinosaur species with which they share distinctive structural features. The fossil record, however, shows that this cannot be so, since there are bird fossils that are much older than the earliest birdlike dinosaur fossils that have been found. Which of the following is an assumption on which the argument relies? (A) The birdlike dinosaurs have no living descendants. (B) There are no flightless dinosaur species that have the distinctive structural features shared by birds and birdlike dinosaurs. (C) There are no birdlike dinosaur fossils that are older than the bird fossils but have not yet been unearthed. (D) It could not have been the case that some birds were descended from one of the birdlike dinosaur species and other birds from another. (E) Birds cannot have been descended from dinosaur species with which the birds do not share the distinctive structural features.

Answer 87

Assumption *GET BETTER AT READING EACH ONE* > Correct answer must be RELATED to the EVIDENCE in the stimulus Ans C > Negate: There ARE birdlike dinosaur fossils that are OLDER than the bird fossils found, but just have not been unearthed yet > If true, then birds COULD STILL have descended from birdlike dinosaur species NOT D > Negate: It is possible that some birds descended from one of the birdlike dinosaurs and other birds from ANOTHER BIRDLIKE DINOSAUR SPECIES > conclusion is STILL TRUE (bird fossils provide evidence that birds did not descend from birdlike dinosaurs)

Question 88

Cheever College offers several online courses via remote computer connection, in addition to traditional classroom-based courses. A study of student performance at Cheever found that, overall, the average student grade for online courses matched that for classroom-based courses. In this calculation of the average grade, course withdrawals were weighted as equivalent to a course failure, and the rate of withdrawal was much lower for students enrolled in classroom-based courses than for students enrolled in online courses. If the statements above are true, which of the following must also be true of Cheever College? (A) Among students who did not withdraw, students enrolled in online courses got higher grades, on average, than students enrolled in classroom-based courses. (B) The number of students enrolled per course at the start of the school term is much higher, on average, for the online courses than for the classroom-based courses. (C) There are no students who take both an online and a classroom-based course in the same school term. (D) Among Cheever College students with the best grades, a significant majority take online, rather than classroom-based, courses. (E) Courses offered online tend to deal with subject matter that is less challenging than that of classroom-based courses.

Answer 88

Inference Summary: > average student grade were the same > Lower withdrawal RATE (%) for classroom-based courses than online courses = if they had the SAME # of students enrolled, avg student grade should be HIGHER for classroom-based courses (if all else equal) SO for this to result in the same grades, classroom-based courses must have had LARGER students enrolled (NOT B) OR if they did have the same # of students enrolled, the classroom-based courses must have had LOWER averages INSUMMARY: Online courses experienced a HIGHER RATE OF FAILURE, and thus must have had HIGHER INITIAL average grades than those enrolled in classroom courses in order for the two averages to match. A

Question 89

A physically active lifestyle has been shown to help increase longevity. In the Wistar region of Bellaria, the average age at death is considerably higher than in any other part of the country. Wistar is the only mountainous part of Bellaria. A mountainous terrain makes even such basic activities as walking relatively strenuous; it essentially imposes a physically active lifestyle on people. Clearly, this circumstance explains the long lives of people in Wistar. Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument? (A) In Bellaria all medical expenses are paid by the government, so that personal income does not affect the quality of health care a person receives. (B) People living in Wistar do not have a significantly better diet than people living in other parts of Bellaria. (C) Many people who live in the Wistar region have moved there in middle age or upon retirement. (D) The many opportunities for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities that Wistar's mountains offer make it a favorite destination for vacationing Bellarians. (E) Per capita spending on recreational activities is no higher in Wistar than it is in other regions of Bellaria.

Answer 89

Weaken *Focus on REFRAMING the question before looking at the answers > in this case, we want to WEAKN the argument that the mountainous terrain is responsible for a HIGHER life expectancy IN WISTAR than the rest of Bellaria NOT A --> ALL OF BELLARIA has medical expenses paid by the government, so if the Wistar region has a higher life expectancy, it is NOT because of the quality of health care Ans C --> this answer clearly shows a distinction between the Wistar region and the rest of Bellaria.

Question 90

Airline Representative: The percentage of flight delays caused by airline error decreased significantly this year. This indicates that airlines listened to complaints about preventable errors and addressed the problems. Although delays caused by weather and other uncontrollable factors will always be part of travel, preventable delays are clearly decreasing. Which of the following most clearly points to a logical flaw in the representative's reasoning? A. Airlines may be motivated by financial concerns to underreport the percentage of flight delays caused by airline error. B. The delays caused by uncontrollable factors could have led to an increase in complaints to airlines. C. Complaints may not be the most reliable measure of how many errors occurred in a given year. D. Delays caused by weather and other uncontrollable factors could have increased dramatically during the year under discussion. E. Airline customers might not believe that particular delays were caused by uncontrollable factors rather than airline error.

Answer 90

Logical flaw -> Percentages What if the NUMBER OF FLIGHT DELAYS caused by airline error STAYED THE SAME OR INCREASED somehow, despite the PERCENTAGE decreasing? > this would be the case if the TOTAL NUMBER of flight delays increased by a lot more than the increase in flight delays caused by airline error Ans: D > if delays caused by other factors increased dramatically, then the TOTAL number of flight delays increased by a lot, perhaps MORE than the increase in the flight delays caused by airline error > so the conclusion that flight delays caused by airline errors is decreasing IS FALSE

Question 91

The average hourly wage of television assemblers in Vernland has long been significantly lower than that in neighboring Borodia. Since Borodia dropped all tariffs on Vernlandian televisions three years ago, the number of televisions sold annually in Borodia has not changed. However, recent statistics show a drop in the number of television assemblers in Borodia. Therefore, updated trade statistics will probably indicate that the number of televisions Borodia imports annually from Vernland has increased. Which of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends? (A) The number of television assemblers in Vernland has increased by at least as much as the number of television assemblers in Borodia has decreased. (B) Televisions assembled in Vernland have features that televisions assembled in Borodia do not have. (C) The average number of hours it takes a Borodian television assembler to assemble a television has not decreased significantly during the past three years. (D) The number of televisions assembled annually in Vernland has increased significantly during the past three years. (E) The difference between the hourly wage of television assemblers in Vernland and the hourly wage of television assemblers in Borodia is likely to decrease in the next few years.

Answer 91

Assumption Understand what's the logic: # of TVs sold in Borodia is constant --> But, there is a drop in the # of assemblers in Borodia --> Therefore, we expect increased imports from Vernland to maintain demand Other things to keep in mind: > lower avg wage in Vernland than in Borodia > tariffs dropped on Vernlandian TVs (just means imports do come from Vernland) ASSUMPTION --> what if the TV assemblers in Borodia are MORE PRODUCTIVE so you need fewer assemblers for the same or more output? Ans C > Negate: avg # of hours has decreased significantly during the past three years => more productive --> could still be producing domestically! NOT A > Negate: # of TV assemblers in Vernland increased less than the # of TV assemblers in Borodia has decreased (decrease in B > increase in V) > suggests that we possibly need more imports from Vernland (supports conclusion)

Question 92

Veterinarians generally derive some of their income from selling several manufacturers' lines of pet-care products. Knowing that pet owners rarely throw away mail from their pet's veterinarian unread, one manufacturer of pet-care products offered free promotional materials on its products to veterinarians for mailing to their clients. Very few veterinarians accepted the offer, however, even though the manufacturer's products are of high quality. Which of the following, if true, most helps to explain the veterinarians' reaction to the manufacturer's promotional scheme? A. Most of the veterinarians to whom the free promotional materials were offered were already selling the manufacturer's pet-care products to their clients. B. The special promotional materials were intended as a supplement to the manufacturer's usual promotional activities rather than as a replacement for them. C. The manufacturer's products, unlike most equally good competing products sold by veterinarians, are also available in pet stores and in supermarkets. D. Many pet owners have begun demanding quality in products they buy for their pets that is as high as that in products they buy for themselves. E. Veterinarians sometimes recommend that pet owners use products formulated for people when no suitable product specially formulated for animals is available.

Answer 92

Explain the Discrepancy > Why wouldn't vets want to promote a manufacturer's product ? Why is there no financial gain for them? NOT A > even if vets were already selling the products to their clients, greater sales of the product would result in greater income C - if vets promoted the product, then customers could simply purchase the product from pets and supermarkets instead of them, thereby losing out on income.

Question 93

Arts advocate: Few universities require that students who are specializing in science and technology take many art courses. However, real progress in science and technology requires an element of creativity, which the arts foster. Thus, to help science and technology students succeed in their careers, universities should increase the number of art courses required for them. Which of the following would, if true, most strengthen the argument above? A. Universities required more art courses for science and technology students in the past. B. Participation in art courses increases students’ creative thinking in their science and technology courses. C. More students who are interested in art would specialize in science and technology if the number of art courses required for those programs were increased. D. Some of the most prominent scientists began their careers as artists. E. Discussion of science and technology topics in art courses increases creative thinking among students in those courses.

Answer 93

Strengthen Between B and D, B is better NOT D > "some" of the most prominent scientists began their careers as artists actually serves to weaken the recommendation B demonstrates how art courses increase creative thinking IN students' science and tech courses

Question 94

During the earliest period of industrialization in Britain, steam engines were more expensive to build and operate than either windmills or water mills, the other practicable sources of power for factories. Yet despite their significant cost disadvantages, steam-powered factories were built in large numbers well before technical improvements brought their cost down. Furthermore, they were built even in regions where geographical conditions permitted the construction of wind- and water-powered factories close to major markets. Which of the following, if true, most helps to explain the proliferation of steam-powered factories during the earliest period of industrialization in Britain? A) In many areas of Britain, there were fewer steam-powered factories than wind- or water-powered factories in the earliest period of industrialization. B) Unlike wind- or water-powered factories, steam-powered factories were fueled with coal, which sometimes had to be transported significant distances from the mine to the site of the factory. C) It was both difficult and expensive to convert a factory from wind power or water power to steam power. D) In the early period of industrialization, many goods sold in towns and cities could not be mass-produced in factories. E) In Britain, the number of sites where a wind or water-powered factory could be built was insufficient to provide for all of the demand for factory-produced goods at the time.

Answer 94

Explain the Discrepancy *YOU OVERTHOUGHT the scenario* Just try to find an explanation for the PREFERENCE of STEAM-POWERED factories versus windmill-powered or water-powered. Between D and E E is better - (I think I misread the sentence the first time?) > States that in Britain the # of sites where wind or water-powered factory could be built was INSUFFICIENT to meet all the demand at the time > So, if all of those sites had been built with the cheaper type of factories, there WOULD BE A PROBLEM of production shortage > So, steam-powered factories NEEDED TO BE BUILT in those areas Not D - I thought it meant that wind and water-powered factories could not mass produce goods, and only steam-powered factories could, but this idea is WRONG

Question 95

A study of ticket sales at a summer theater festival found that people who bought tickets to individual plays had a no-show rate of less than 1 percent, while those who paid in advance for all ten plays being performed that summer had a no-show rate of nearly 30 percent. This may be at least in part because the greater the awareness customers retain about the cost of an item, the more likely they are to use it. Which of the following would, if true, best serve as an alternative explanation of the results of the study? A. The price per ticket was slightly cheaper for those who bought all ten tickets in advance. B. Many people who attended the theater festival believed strongly that they should support it financially. C. Those who attended all ten plays became eligible for a partial refund. D. Usually, people who bought tickets to individual plays did so immediately prior to each performance that they attended. E. People who arrived just before the performance began could not be assured of obtaining seats in a preferred location.

Answer 95

Weaken question > What OTHER reason would explain it BETWEEN C and D *the TIME between initial purchase and the show is important. The greater the time, the higher the likelihood of no show (due to other things coming up). D is better > if the people who purchased individual tickets usually bought the ticket IMMEDIATELY prior to the performance, then that would explain the very low no-show rate C is wrong > MISREAD IT --> "those who ATTENDED ALL TEN PLAYS" --> NOT BOUGHT all ten tickets in advance

Question 96

The Hazelton coal-processing plant is a major employer in the Hazelton area, but national environmental regulations will force it to close if it continues to use old, polluting processing methods. However, to update the plant to use newer, cleaner methods would be so expensive that the plant will close unless it receives the tax break it has requested. In order to prevent a major increase in local unemployment, the Hazelton government is considering granting the plant's request. Which of the following would be most important for the Hazelton government to determine before deciding whether to grant the plant's request? A. Whether the company that owns the plant would open a new plant in another area if the present plant were closed B. Whether the plant would employ far fewer workers when updated than it does now C. Whether the level of pollutants presently being emitted by the plant is high enough to constitute a health hazard for local residents D. Whether the majority of the coal processed by the plant is sold outside the Hazelton area E. Whether the plant would be able to process more coal when updated than it does now

Answer 96

Evaluate the argument One stem --> Gov't SHOULD save the plant (net loss in job losses) Other stem --> Gov't SHOULD NOT save the plant (no net loss in job losses) A is WRONG > Yes the company would open a new plant in another area if shut down --> Hazelton workers would BE UNEMPLOYED --> SAVE the plant > No the company would not open a new plant in another area if shut down --> Hazelton workers would BE UNEMPLOYED --> SAVE the plant > No change on conclusion --> WRONG B is CORRECT > Yes the new plant would employ fewer workers --> net loss if you save the plant --> DON'T SAVE the plant > No, the new plant would employ the same number of workers --> no net loss if saved, net loss if not saved --> SAVE THE PLANT D is WRONG > Yes the majority of coal is sold outside the Hazelton area --> impact on employment on saving or shut down is UNCERTAIN (could not impact local employment if shut down) > No the majority of coal is sold inside Hazelton area --> impact on employment on saving or shutting down is UNCERTAIN (could negatively impact local employment if shut down) > Doesn't deal with DIRECT loss in jobs

Question 97

For years the beautiful Renaissance buildings in Palitito have been damaged by exhaust from the many tour buses that come to the city. There has been little parking space, so most buses have idled at the curb during each stop on their tour, and idling produces as much exhaust as driving. The city has now provided parking that accommodates a third of the tour buses, so damage to Palitito's buildings from the buses' exhaust will diminish significantly. Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports the argument? (A) The exhaust from Palitito's few automobiles is not a significant threat to Palitito's buildings. (B) Palitito's Renaissance buildings are not threatened by pollution other than engine exhaust. (C) Tour buses typically spend less than one-quarter of the time they are in Palitito transporting passengers from one site to another. (D) More tourists come to Palitito by tour bus than by any other single means of transportation. (E) Some of the tour buses that are unable to find parking drive around Palitito while their passengers are visiting a site.

Answer 97

Strengthen Conclusion - parking will reduce the damage to the buildings SIGNIFICANTLY (i.e., reduce IDLING by tour busses) *do tour buses drive more or idle more? We need support that the EXTENT OF EXHAUST EMITTED would likely be reduced. Between C and E E is WRONG > It would be great if there was evidence that tour busses who previously did not find parking and had to drive around could now find parking > however this statement DOES NOT give us evidence that these tour busses are now able to find parking (3/4 tour busses can park). > also remember driving produces the same amount of pollution as idling - so E just tells us the proportions of each C is right > Tour buses typically spend MOST OF THEIR TIME idle > 25% of their time is unavoidable; 75% of their time can be turned off > So this suggests that the parking accommodations will be used by the tour buses (allow 1/3 of tour buses to spend 75% of their time with their engines off --> causing no damage at all)

Question 98

Guidebook writer: I have visited hotels throughout the country and have noticed that in those built before 1930 the quality of the original carpentry work is generally superior to that in hotels built afterward. Clearly carpenters working on hotels before 1930 typically worked with more skill, care, and effort than carpenters who have worked on hotels built subsequently. Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the guidebook writer’s argument? (A) The quality of original carpentry in hotels is generally far superior to the quality of original carpentry in other structures, such as houses and stores. (B) Hotels built since 1930 can generally accommodate more guests than those built before 1930. (C) The materials available to carpenters working before 1930 were not significantly different in quality from the materials available to carpenters working after 1930. (D) The better the quality of original carpentry in a building, the less likely that building is to fall into disuse and be demolished. (E) The average length of apprenticeship for carpenters has declined significantly since 1930.

Answer 98

Weaken - by finding ALTERNATE REASON Conclusion - carpenters working on hotels BEFORE 1930 worked with more skill, care, and effort than carpenters after 1930 ---> based on the premise that the QUALITY of the original carpentry work was generally superior in older hotels. NOT B > the QUALITY of the ORIGINAL CARPENTRY WORK is UNAFFECTED by wear/tear by greater use (it is NOT A RUG, but rather it is the ENTIRE BUILDING) Ans D > The remaining hotels built before 1930 are only those that are HIGH QUALITY > So, the buildings with less superior carpentry work can still survive now because a long time hasn't yet passed > All these buildings could have had carpenters who worked with equal skill, care and effort. Meaning issue

Question 99

It is widely assumed that people need to engage in intellectual activities such as solving crossword puzzles or mathematics problems in order to maintain mental sharpness as they age. In fact, however, simply talking to other people—that is, participating in social interaction, which engages many mental and perceptual skills—suffices. Evidence to this effect comes from a study showing that the more social contact people report, the better their mental skills. Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the force of the evidence cited? (A) As people grow older, they are often advised to keep exercising their physical and mental capacities in order to maintain or improve them. (B) Many medical conditions and treatments that adversely affect a person's mental sharpness also tend to increase that person's social isolation. (C) Many people are proficient both in social interactions and in solving mathematical problems. (D) The study did not itself collect data but analyzed data bearing on the issue from prior studies. (E) The tasks evaluating mental sharpness for which data were compiled by the study were more akin to mathematics problems than to conversation.

Answer 99

Weaken the CORRELATION or STUDY (by proving some OTHER CAUSE or CIRCUMSTANCE) Conclusion is that more social contact can lead to maintained mental sharpness with age b/c of a study that showed a correlation. NOT E > it doesn't matter how they evaluated mental skills. We care about whether more social contact leads to better mental skills. > Therefore, this statement doesn't weaken the force of the evidence cited NOT C > even if most people are proficient in both social interactions and solving math problems, the study is not weakened (more social contact = better mental skills) B is correct > States that many medical conditions and treatments tend to affect both mental sharpness and social interactions > So the people who are more social contact tend to be those who are NOT suffering from medical conditions > It doesn't mean that social contact has LED to better mental skills --> they are just the outcome of some other circumstance Meaning issue

Question 100

Some species of dolphins find their prey by echolocation; they emit clicking sounds and listen for echoes returning from distant objects in the water. Marine biologists have speculated that those same clicking sounds might have a second function: particularly loud clicks might be used by the dolphins to stun their prey at close range through sensory overload. Which of the following, if discovered to be true, would cast the most serious doubt on the correctness of the speculation described above? (A) Dolphins that use echolocation to locate distant prey also emit frequent clicks at intermediate distances as they close in on their prey. (B) The usefulness of echolocation as a means of locating prey depends on the clicking sounds being of a type that the prey is incapable of perceiving, regardless of volume. (C) If dolphins stun their prey, the effect is bound to be so temporary that stunning from far away even if possible, would be ineffective. (D) Echolocation appears to give dolphins information about the richness of a source of food as well as about its direction. (E) The more distant a dolphin's prey, the louder the echolocation clicks must be if they are to reveal the prey's presence to the hunting dolphin.

Answer 100

Weaken Conclusion that LOUD clicks are used to STUN their prey > in order for dolphins to stun their prey, they FIRST must be able to LOCATE THEM B > echolation works because of the TYPE of sounds, NOT volume > so prey cannot actually detect the sound of a specific type of click, even if it is very loud NOT C > just states the stunning would be ineffective at large distances, but doesn't say anything about whether dolphins might still do it in close range Understanding issue

Question 101

In an experiment, each volunteer was allowed to choose between an easy task and a hard task and was told that another volunteer would do the other task. Each volunteer could also choose to have a computer assign the two tasks randomly. Most volunteers chose the easy task for themselves and under questioning later said they had acted fairly. But when the scenario was described to another group of volunteers, almost all said choosing the easy task would be unfair. This shows that most people apply weaker moral standards to themselves than to others. Which of the following is an assumption required by this argument? A. At least some volunteers who said they had acted fairly in choosing the easy task would have said that it was unfair for someone else to do so. B. The most moral choice for the volunteers would have been to have the computer assign the two tasks randomly. C. There were at least some volunteers who were assigned to do the hard task and felt that the assignment was unfair. D. On average, the volunteers to whom the scenario was described were more accurate in their moral judgments than the other volunteers were. E. At least some volunteers given the choice between assigning the tasks themselves and having the computer assign them felt that they had made the only fair choice available to them.

Answer 101

Assumption A works > Negate: None of the volunteers who said they had acted fairly in choosing the easy task would have said that it was unfair for someone else to do so (aka, they still believe choosing the easy task is fair) > Weakens the conclusion that people apply weaker moral standards to themselves than to others (the volunteers apply the same standards to themselves and to others) NOT D > Negate: On average, the volunteers to whom the scenario was described were JUST AS accurate in their moral judgements than the other volunteers were > Do we even care about ACCURACY of moral judgements? > we care about moral STANDARDS --> whether you choose to apply the same standards to yourself and others Understanding issue

Question 102

Proposal: Carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere block the escape of heat into space. So emission of these “greenhouse” gases contributes to global warming. In order to reduce global warming, emission of greenhouse gases needs to be reduced. Therefore, the methane now emitted from open landfills should instead be burned to produce electricity. Objection: The burning of methane generates carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere. Which of the following, if true, most adequately counters the objection made to the proposal? (A) Every time a human being or other mammal exhales, there is some carbon dioxide released into the air. (B) The conversion of methane to electricity would occur at a considerable distance from the landfills. (C) The methane that is used to generate electricity would generally be used as a substitute for a fuel that does not produce any greenhouse gases when burned. (D) Methane in the atmosphere is more effective in blocking the escape of heat from the Earth than is carbon dioxide. (E) The amount of methane emitted from the landfills could be reduced if the materials whose decomposition produces methane were not discarded, but recycled.

Answer 102

Weaken the objection > Find proof that burning methane to produce electricity is BETTER than letting the methane sit in the landfill Ans D > If methane in the atmosphere (landfill) is worse than carbon dioxide for the Earth, then it is better to burn methane and emit carbon dioxide than to not burn it. NOT C > THIS IS THE OPPOSITE ANSWER > The methane that is burned would REPLACE a fuel that does not produce any GHG when burned!!! (this is BAD) > Substitute X For Y means --> replacing Y with X Meaning issue

Question 103

Between 1980 and 2000 the sea otter population of the Aleutian Islands declined precipitously. There were no signs of disease or malnutrition, so there was probably an increase in the number of otters being eaten by predators. Orcas will eat otters when seals, their normal prey, are unavailable, and the Aleutian Islands seal population declined dramatically in the 1980s. Therefore, orcas were most likely the immediate cause of the otter population decline. Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument‘? (A) The population of sea urchins, the main food of sea otters, has increased since the sea otter population declined. (B) Seals do not eat sea otters, nor do they compete with sea otters for food. (C) Most of the surviving sea otters live in a bay that is inaccessible to orcas. (D) The population of orcas in the Aleutian Islands has declined since the 1980s. (E) An increase in commercial fishing near the Aleutian Islands in the 1980s caused a slight decline in the population of the fish that seals use for food.

Answer 103

Strengthen C: orcas are the cause of the otter pop decline > find evidence that weakens alternate causes > or find evidence that strengthens the link between orcas and otter deaths B is correct > most of the SURVIVING SEA OTTERS live in a bay that is inaccessible to orcas --> so they cannot be killed by orcas Meaning issue

Question 104

For the period from the eighth century through the eleventh century, the shifting boundaries between Kingdom F and Kingdom G have not been well charted. Although a certain village in a border region between the two kingdoms usually belonged to Kingdom G, ninth-century artifacts found in the village were in the typical Kingdom F style of that time. It is unclear whether the village was actually a part of Kingdom F in the ninth century or whether it was a part of Kingdom G but had merely adopted Kingdom F's artistic styles under Kingdom F's cultural influence. Which of the following would, if found in ninth-century sites in the village, best help in determining whether the village was a part of Kingdom F or Kingdom G in the ninth century? (A) A trading contract written in the Kingdom G dialect (B) A drawing of a dwelling complex known to have existed on the border of Kingdom F and Kingdom G in the ninth century (C) Knives and other utensils made from metal typical of ninth-century mining sites in Kingdom F (D) Some fragments of pottery made in the Kingdom G style from the seventh century out of materials only found in Kingdom F (E) Numerous teeth from the ninth century with a chemical signature typical only of teeth from people who had grown up in the heart of Kingdom F

Answer 104

Special type of problem - EVALUATE whether the village was a part of Kingdom F or Kingdom G Pre-thinking: > this village is in the BORDER region between the two kingdoms => could have trade A - inconclusive > could be in Kingdom G, or simply be a village in F that traded with G frequently B - irrelevant C - inconclusive > could be in Kingdom F, or simply be a village in G that traded with F D - irrelevant > 7th century pottery --> Kingdom F and G could have been one kingdom E Ans > 9th century teeth > people grew up in the HEART of Kingdom F and likely did not move to a different Kingdom when they were older (after all, F and G were quite territorial) > also there was widespread migration of people from F to the village * this is different from if there was evidence of a large population of people from Kingdom F in the village because of the SHIFTING BOUNDARIES

Question 105

A year ago, Dietz Foods launched a yearlong advertising campaign for its canned tuna. Last year Dietz sold 12 million cans of tuna compared to the 10 million sold during the previous year, an increase directly attributable to new customers brought in by the campaign. Profits from the additional sales, however, were substantially less than the cost of the advertising campaign. Clearly, therefore, the campaign did nothing to further Dietz's economic interests. Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument? (A) Sales of canned tuna account for a relatively small percentage of Dietz Foods' profits. (B) Most of the people who bought Dietz's canned tuna for the first time as a result of the campaign were already loyal customers of other Dietz products. (C) A less expensive advertising campaign would have brought in significantly fewer new customers for Dietz's canned tuna than did the campaign Dietz Foods launched last year. (D) Dietz made money on sales of canned tuna last year. (E) In each of the past five years, there was a steep, industry-wide decline in sales of canned tuna

Answer 105

Weaken Conclusion: ad campaign furthered Diet'z economic interests BETWEEN C and E C is LESS clear - it is unclear whether a less expensive ad with significantly fewer new customers would have had furthered Dietz's economic interests more or less than the expensive campaign. > also does not refer to the CURRENT campaign (which was less profitable) E > despite referencing a trend, it shows that Dietz was able to reverse an industry-wide decline > ACTUALLY, THIS TREND ISN'T JUST A PAST TREND THAT IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE; IT DID HAPPEN in the SAME YEAR that Dietz experienced a sales increase!!! > Dietz could have sold even less than 10 million if it weren't for the ad campaign. Meaning issue

Question 106

Editorial: Our city's public transportation agency is facing a budget shortfall. The fastest growing part of the budget has been employee retirement benefits, which are exceptionally generous. Unless the budget shortfall is resolved, transportation service will be cut, and many transportation employees will lose their jobs. Thus, it would be in the employees' best interest for their union to accept cuts in retirement benefits. Which of the following is an assumption the editorial's argument requires? (A) The transportation employees' union should not accept cuts in retirement benefits if doing so would not be in the employees' best interest. (B) The only feasible way for the agency to resolve the budget shortfall would involve cutting transportation service and eliminating jobs. (C) Other things being equal, it is in the transportation employees' interest to have exceptionally generous retirement benefits. (D) Cutting the retirement benefits would help resolve the agency's budget shortfall. (E) The transportation employees' union will not accept cuts in retirement benefits if doing so will not allow more transportation employees to keep their jobs.

Answer 106

Assumption Conclusion - it is in the employees' best interest for the union to accept cuts in retirement benefits; otherwise, there will be job losses if the budget shortfall is not resolved. Assumes getting rid of the employee retirement benefits would resolve the budget short fall ? Between D and E D is the ans > Negate: Cutting retirement benefits would NOT help resolve the agency's budget shortfall > So jobs will still be cut (cannot avoid job cuts) > isn't it better to accept retirement benefits and lose your job than to lose your job with lower retirement benefits? > weakens the conclusion E is wrong > Negate: the union will still accept cuts in retirement benefits even if doing so will not allow more employees to keep their jobs > so cuts will still lead to more job losses, but at least some employees will keep their jobs (better than the alternative of many employees losing their jobs) > Therefore, it is still in the employees' best interests to accept cuts in retirement benefits

Question 107

Last year a chain of fast-food restaurants, whose menu had always centered on hamburgers, added its first vegetarian sandwich, much lower in fat than the chain's other offerings. Despite heavy marketing, the new sandwich accounts for a very small proportion of the chain's sales. The sandwich's sales would have to quadruple to cover the costs associated with including it on the menu. Since such an increase is unlikely, the chain would be more profitable if it dropped the sandwich. Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument? A. Although many of the chain's customers have never tried the vegetarian sandwich, in a market research survey most of those who had tried it reported that they were very satisfied with it. B. Many of the people who eat at the chain's restaurants also eat at the restaurants of competing chains and report no strong preference among the competitors. C. Among fast-food chains in general, there has been little or no growth in hamburger sales over the past several years as the range of competing offerings at other restaurants has grown. D. When even one member of a group of diners is a vegetarian or has a preference for low-fat food, the group tends to avoid restaurants that lack vegetarian or low-fat menu options. E. An attempt by the chain to introduce a lower-fat hamburger failed several years ago, since it attracted few new customers and most of the chain's regular customers greatly preferred the taste of the regular hamburgers.

Answer 107

Weaken Conclusion: it would be more profitable if the chain dropped the sandwich (NOT that an increase in the sandwich's sales is unlikely!!) --> get the CONCLUSION right (we are not arguing that the increase is likely) D is correct > without the sandwich, some people dining with vegetarians will avoid the chain --> leading to even greater losses

Question 108

The Earth's rivers constantly carry dissolved salts into its oceans. Clearly, therefore, by taking the resulting increase in salt levels in the oceans over the past hundred years and then determining how many centuries of such increases it would have taken the oceans to reach current salt levels from a hypothetical initial salt-free state, the maximum age of the Earth's oceans can be accurately estimated. Which of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends? (A) The quantities of dissolved salts deposited by rivers in the Earth's oceans have not been unusually large during the past hundred years. (B) At any given time, all the Earth's rivers have about the same salt levels. (C) There are salts that leach into the Earth's oceans directly from the ocean floor. (D) There is no method superior to that based on salt levels for estimating the maximum age of the Earth's oceans (E) None of the salts carried into the Earth's oceans by rivers are used up by biological activity in the oceans.

Answer 108

Assumption In order to be able to ACCURATE PREDICT the max age of the Earth's oceans, the rates of salt accumulation must be STABLE Between A and E Ans A: > Illustrates that rate of accumulation is NOT stable NOT E > even if SOME of the salts carried into the oceans by rivers are used up by biological activity in the oceans, as long as that rate is constant, the conclusion still holds.

Question 109

In an attempt to produce a coffee plant that would yield beans containing no caffeine, the synthesis of a substance known to be integral to the initial stages of caffeine production was blocked either in the beans, in the leaves, or both. For those plants in which synthesis of the substance was blocked only in the leaves, the resulting beans contained no caffeine. Any of the following, if true, would provide the basis for an explanation of the observed results EXCEPT: A. In coffee plants, the substance is synthesized only in the leaves and then moves to the beans, where the initial stages of caffeine production take place. B. In coffee plants, the last stage of caffeine production takes place in the beans using a compound that is produced only in the leaves by the substance. C. In coffee plants, the initial stages of caffeine production take place only in the beans, but later stages depend on another substance that is synthesized only in the leaves and does not depend on the blocked substance. D. In coffee plants, caffeine production takes place only in the leaves, but the caffeine then moves to the beans. E. Caffeine was produced in the beans of the modified coffee plants, but all of it moved to the leaves, which normally produce their own caffeine.

Answer 109

Explain the discrepancy - Exception version Explain why blocking the synthesis of the substance only in the leaves results in beans containing NO caffeine > don't overcomplicate the problem by testing what happens when only the beans are blocked or both are blocked *So we need an answer that shows how the the synthesis of the substance or entire production of caffeine DO NOT occur in the leaves A - Substance is synthesized in the leaves and caffeine then produces in the beans. > If synthesis is blocked in the leaves, caffeine cannot be made > explains B - the last stage of caffeine production takes place in the beans. The substance is produced in the leaves. > If synthesis is blocked in the leaves, caffeine cannot be made. > explains C -Initial stages of caffeine production occurs in the beans, but later stages (needed to COMPLETE caffeine production) needs ANOTHER substance that is produced in the leaves > if synthesis of the special substance is blocked in the leaves, caffeine production still occurs (the other substance's synthesis is not blocked in the leaves!) > does not explain (ans) D - caffeine production takes place in the leaves > if synthesis is blocked in the leaves, caffeine production cannot occur > explains E - caffeine is produced in the beans and then moves to the leaves, which makes its own caffeine (this statement refers to the special coffee plant in the stimulus!) > if caffeine is normally produced in both the beans and leaves, then if the leaves are blocked, caffeine could move to the leaves after being produced in the beans > so the resulting beans could have no caffeine. > explains

Question 110

Parasitic wasps lay their eggs directly into the eggs of various host insects in exactly the right numbers for any suitable size of host egg. If they laid too many eggs in a host egg, the developing wasp larvae would compete with each other to the death for nutrients and space. If too few eggs were laid, portions of the host egg would decay, killing the wasp larvae. Which of the following conclusions can properly be drawn from the information above? (A) The size of the smallest host egg that a wasp could theoretically parasitize can be determined from the wasp's egg-laying behavior. (B) Host insects lack any effective defenses against the form of predation practiced by parasitic wasps. (C) Parasitic wasps learn from experience how many eggs to lay into the eggs of different host species. (D) Failure to lay enough eggs would lead to the death of the developing wasp larvae more quickly than would laying too many eggs. (E) Parasitic wasps use visual clues to calculate the size of a host egg.

Answer 110

Inference (whenever GMAT asks you to draw a conclusion, they actually want you to make an inference) Between A and C C is WRONG > we cannot say for certain that parasite wasps learn FROM EXPERIENCE how many eggs to lay in different host insects (could be some other biological mechanism) A is correct > We could theoretically determine the right number of parasite wasp eggs for any size based on the wasp's current egg-laying behaviour e.g., 1 egg in 2 inch host egg > there is a DIRECT correlation between host egg size and number of parasitic wasp eggs laid

Question 111

For several years, per capita expenditure on prescription drugs in Voronia rose by fifteen percent or more annually. In order to curb these dramatic increases, the ministry of health prohibited drug manufacturers from raising any of their products' prices. Even though use of prescription drugs did not expand after this price freeze, per capita expenditure for prescription drugs continued to increase by a substantial percentage each year. Which of the following, if true, most helps to explain why the ministry's action did not achieve its goal? (A) After price increases were prohibited, drug manufacturers concentrated on producing new medications to replace existing products. (B) The population of Voronia rose steadily throughout the period. (C) Improvements in manufacturing processes enabled drug manufacturers to maintain high profit levels on drugs despite the price freeze. (D) In addition to imposing a price freeze, the government encouraged doctors to prescribe generic versions of common drugs instead of the more expensive brand-name versions. (E) After price increases were prohibited, some foreign manufacturers of expensive drugs ceased marketing them in Voronia.

Answer 111

Explain the discrepancy "per capita" means per person Discrepancy: despite the price freeze and no increase in use of prescription drugs, per capita spending continued to increase by a large % each year NOT B > if the population rose throughout the period AND use didn't increase, then per capital expenditure on drugs should actually FALL, not increase Ans A > Since drug manufacturers cannot raise any of their products' prices, they developed new medications to replace their existing drugs, allowing these manufacturers to set HIGHER prices and bypass the price freeze.

Question 112

Excavation of the ancient city of Kourion on the island of Cyprus revealed a pattern of debris and collapsed buildings typical of towns devastated by earthquakes. Archaeologists have hypothesized that the destruction was due to a major earthquake known to have occurred near the island in A.D. 365. Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports the archaeologists' hypothesis? (A) Bronze ceremonial drinking vessels that are often found in graves dating from years preceding and following A.D. 365 were also found in several graves near Kourion. (B) No coins minted after A.D. 365 were found in Kourion, but coins minted before that year were found in abundance. (C) Most modern histories of Cyprus mention that an earthquake occurred near the island in A.D. 365. (D) Several small statues carved in styles current in Cyprus in the century between A.D. 300 and 400 were found in Kourion. (E) Stone inscriptions in a form of the Greek alphabet that was definitely used in Cyprus after A.D. 365 were found in Kourion.

Answer 112

Strengthen Conclusion: the destruction of the CITY OF KOURION (NO LONGER EXISTS) is because of an earthquake that happened in AD 365 > need evidence that an earthquake in AD 365 caused the city's destruction, or evidence the eliminates some other cause or possible earthquakes before or after AD 365 Ans B > Coin production in Kourion stopped after AD 365 --> something happened that year that caused destruction = earthquake NOT C > we already know from the stimulus that an earthquake occurred near Cyprus and Kourion in AD 365 > But we aren't sure with this info whether the earthquake caused Kourion's destruction NOT E > Stone inscriptions likely were made after AD 365 were found in Kourion > that means Kourion existed after AD 365, which would WEAKEN the evidence that the earthquake of AD 365 destroyed the city

Question 113

The recent decline in the value of the dollar was triggered by a prediction of slower economic growth in the coming year. But that prediction would not have adversely affected the dollar had it not been for the government's huge budget deficit, which must therefore be decreased to prevent future currency declines. Which of the following, if true, would most seriously weaken the conclusion about how to prevent future currency declines? (A) The government has made little attempt to reduce the budget deficit. (B) The budget deficit has not caused a slowdown in economic growth. (C) The value of the dollar declined several times in the year prior to the recent prediction of slower economic growth. (D) Before there was a large budget deficit, predictions of slower economic growth frequently caused declines in the dollar's value. (E) When there is a large budget deficit, other events in addition to predictions of slower economic growth sometimes trigger declines in currency value.

Answer 113

Weaken Conclusion - the budget deficit must be decreased to prevent future currency declines > so we need evidence that the budget deficit is NOT THE CAUSE of the currency decline D is correct > says that these similar predictions frequently caused declines in the dollar's value even WITHOUT a large budget deficit > so the budget deficit is not the cause of the currency declines stemming from predictions NOT C > we don't know if the budget deficit was present during these times of currency declines

Question 114

A recent report determined that although only three percent of drivers on Maryland highways equipped their vehicles with radar detectors, thirty-three percent of all vehicles ticketed for exceeding the speed limit were equipped with them. Clearly, drivers who equip their vehicles with radar detectors are more likely to exceed the speed limit regularly than are drivers who do not. The conclusion drawn above depends on which of the following assumptions? (A) Drivers who equip their vehicles with radar detectors are less likely to be ticketed for exceeding the speed limit than are drivers who do not. (B) Drivers who are ticketed for exceeding the speed limit are more likely to exceed the speed limit regularly than are drivers who are not ticketed. (C) The number of vehicles that were ticketed for exceeding the speed limit was greater than the number of vehicles that were equipped with radar detectors. (D) Many of the vehicles that were ticketed for exceeding the speed limit were ticketed more than once in the time period covered by the report. (E) Drivers on Maryland highways exceeded the speed limit more often than did drivers on other state highways not covered in the report.

Answer 114

Assumption Stimulus: > 3% of drivers on Maryland highways have radar detectors in their cars > yet 33% of all speeding tickets had vehicles with radar detectors > conclusion - cars with radar detectors are more likely to exceed the speed limit REGULARLY than are drivers who do not have them B is correct > Negate: driver who are ticketed for speeding are EQUALLY LIKELY to exceed the speed limit regularly as drivers who are not ticketed > So this means CHANCE played a role in who actually got ticketed, despite drivers all having the same likelihood of speeding > so this weakens the conclusion that cars with radar detectors are more likely to speed regularly than cars without them.

Question 115

Smithtown University’s fund-raisers succeeded in getting donations from 80 percent of the potential donors they contacted. This success rate, exceptionally high for university fund-raisers, does not indicate that they were doing a good job. On the contrary, since the people most likely to donate are those who have donated in the past, good fund-raisers constantly try less-likely prospects in an effort to expand the donor base. The high success rate shows insufficient canvassing effort. Which of the following, if true, provides more support for the argument? (A) Smithtown University’s fund-raisers were successful in their contacts with potential donors who had never given before about as frequently as were fund-raisers for other universities in their contacts with such people. (B) This year the average size of the donations to Smithtown University from new donors when the university’s fund-raisers had contacted was larger than the average size of donations from donors who had given to the university before. (C) This year most of the donations that came to Smithtown University from people who had previously donated to it were made without the university’s fund-raisers having made any contact with the donors. (D) The majority of the donations that fund-raisers succeeded in getting for Smithtown University this year were from donors who had never given to the university before. (E) More than half of the money raised by Smithtown University’s fund-raisers came from donors who had never previously donated to the university.

Answer 115

Strengthen Conclusion - insufficient canvassing effort to reach new donors (or the majority of donors they CONTACTED were regular donors) A is correct > says that Smithtown University's success rate for new donors is the SAME as other universities > so the high percentage stems mostly from returning donors NOT C > says that most of the donations were from returning donors made WITHOUT ANY CONTACT with the fundraisers > this is NOT the right group (we want to focus on the donors that the fundraisers had CONTACTED --> 80% stat)

Question 116

Transnational cooperation among corporations is experiencing a modest renaissance among United States firms, even though projects undertaken by two or more corporations under a collaborative agreement are less profitable than projects undertaken by a single corporation. The advantage of transnational cooperation is that such joint international projects may allow United States firms to win foreign contracts that they would not otherwise be able to win. Which of the following is information provided by the passage? (A) Transnational cooperation involves projects too big for a single corporation to handle. (B) Transnational cooperation results in a pooling of resources leading to high-quality performance. (C) Transnational cooperation has in the past been both more common and less common than it is now among United States firms. (D) Joint projects between United States and foreign corporations are not profitable enough to be worth undertaking. (E) Joint projects between United States and foreign corporations benefit only those who commission the projects.

Answer 116

Inference "modest renaissance" means that transnational cooperation among corps used to be QUITE COMMON than they are now, but also once was very uncommon too Ans C

Question 117

Because postage rates are rising, Home Decorator magazine plans to maximize its profits by reducing by one half the number of issues it publishes each year. The quality of articles, the number of articles published per year, and the subscription price will not change. Market research shows that neither subscribers nor advertisers will be lost if the magazine's plan is instituted. Which of the following, if true, provides the strongest evidence that the magazine's profits are likely to decline if the plan is instituted? (A) With the new postage rates, a typical issue under the proposed plan would cost about one-third more to mail than a typical current issue would. (B) The majority of the magazine's subscribers are less concerned about a possible reduction in the quantity of the magazine's articles than about a possible loss of the current high quality of its articles. (C) Many of the magazine's long-time subscribers would continue their subscriptions even if the subscription price were increased. (D) Most of the advertisers that purchase advertising space in the magazine will continue to spend the same amount on advertising per issue as they have in the past. (E) Production costs for the magazine are expected to remain stable

Answer 117

Weaken plan higher postage rates = higher costs --> reduce # of issues published w/o sacrificing quality and w/o affecting # of subs/advertisers --> C: max profits > find evidence that the plan would lead to LOWER PROFITS (despite same number of subscribers and advertisers and lower costs) Ans D > advertisers same number, but their spending is the same PER ISSUE > since the # of issues per year is going down, revenue also falls BY HALF, threatening profits NOT A (trap answer) > even though each issue would cost more to mail than a typical issue would, the TOTAL shipping costs would be lower with the plan imposed in light of the new postage rates > Without plan shipping costs: N issues * C > With plan shipping costs: (N/2) issues * C --> lower

Question 118

The traditional treatment of strep infections has been a seven-day course of antibiotics, either penicillin or erythromycin. However, since many patients stop taking those drugs within three days, reinfection is common in cases where those drugs are prescribed. A new antibiotic requires only a three-day course of treatment. Therefore, reinfection will probably be less common in cases where the new antibiotic is prescribed than in cases where either penicillin or erythromycin is prescribed. Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument? (A) Some of the people who are allergic to penicillin are likely to be allergic to the new antibiotic. (B) A course of treatment with the new antibiotic costs about the same as a course of treatment with either penicillin or erythromycin. (C) The new antibiotic has been shown to be effective in eradicating bacterial infections other than strep. (D) Some physicians have already begun to prescribe the new antibiotic instead of penicillin or erythromycin for the treatment of some strep infections. (E) Regardless of whether they take a traditional antibiotic or the new one, most patients feel fully recovered after taking the drug for three days.

Answer 118

Strengthen > Conclusion: Reinfection will probably be less common in cases where the new antibiotic is prescribed than in cases where the old antibiotics are prescribed Ans E > Most patients feel better after 3 days --> likely to STOP taking medication, which could increase the risk of re-infection if the treatment is incomplete > Supports the new antibiotic NOT C > irrelevant to consider other bacterial infections (we care about the reinfection of STREP)

Question 119

Environmentalist: The use of snowmobiles in the vast park north of Milville creates unacceptable levels of air pollution and should be banned. Milville business spokesperson: Snowmobiling brings many out-of-towners to Milville in winter months, to the great financial benefit of many local residents. So, economics dictate that we put up with the pollution. Environmentalist: I disagree: A great many cross-country skiers are now kept from visiting Milville by the noise and pollution that snowmobiles generate. Environmentalist responds to the business spokesperson by doing which of the following? A. Challenging an assumption that certain desirable outcome can derive from only one set of circumstances B. Challenging an assumption that certain desirable outcome is outweighed by negative aspects associated with producing that outcome C. Maintaining that the benefit that the spokesperson desires could be achieved in greater degree by a different means D. Claiming that the spokesperson is deliberately misrepresenting the environmentalist’s position in order to be better able to attack it E. Denying that an effect that the spokesperson presents as having benefited a certain group of people actually benefited those people

Answer 119

Structure Environmentalists challenge The spokesperson ASSUMPTION that snowmobiling creates greater financial benefits for local residents than without it Ans B > wording is WEIRD > Challenging the assumption THAT a certain desirable outcome (LESS POLLUTION, not financial benefit for local residents) is OUTWEIGHED by the negative aspects associated with producing that outcome (loss of business) > Challenging the assumption that less pollution < impact on business

Question 120

Which of the following most logically completes the passage? Appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix) is potentially fatal; consequently, patients with symptoms strongly suggesting appendicitis almost always have their appendix removed. The appropriate surgery is low-risk but performed unnecessarily in about 20 percent of all cases. A newly developed internal scan for appendicitis is highly accurate, producing two misdiagnoses for every 98 correct diagnoses. Clearly, using this test, doctors can largely avoid unnecessary removals of the appendix without, however, performing any fewer necessary ones than before, since ______. (A) the patients who are correctly diagnosed with this test as not having appendicitis invariably have medical conditions that are much less serious than appendicitis (B) the misdiagnoses produced by this test are always instances of attributing appendicitis to someone who does not, in fact, have it (C) all of the patients who are diagnosed with this test as having appendicitis do, in fact, have appendicitis (D) every patient who is diagnosed with this test as having appendicitis has more than one of the symptoms generally associated with appendicitis (E) the only patients who are misdiagnosed using this test are patients who lack one or more of the symptoms that are generally associated with appendicitis

Answer 120

Strengthen Why is the new internal scan better --> focus on the TWO MISDIAGNOSES > Goal is to lower the % of unnecessary surgeries, from 20%. Ans B > The misdiagnoses are always false positives --> 2/98 is a lower % than 20% --> so there is an improvement > Statement also eliminates the possibly of a false negative, guaranteeing that all patients who have appendicitis always receive the surgery. NOT A > irrelevant that the correct negatives have less serious medical conditions > we care about misdiagnoses

Question 121

In Patton City, days are categorized as having heavy rainfall (more than two inches), moderate rainfall (more than one inch, but no more than two inches), light rainfall (at least a trace, but no more than one inch), or no rainfall. In 1990, there were fewer days with light rainfall than in 1910 and fewer with moderate rainfall, yet total rainfall for the year was 20 percent higher in 1990 than in 1910. If the statements above are true, then it is also possible that in Patton City (A) the number of days with heavy rainfall was lower in 1990 than in 1910. (B) the number of days with some rainfall, but no more than two inches, was the same in 1990 as in 1910. (C) the number of days with some rainfall, but no more than two inches, was higher in 1990 than in 1910. (D) the total number of inches of rain that fell on days with moderate rainfall in 1990 was more than twice what it had been in 1910. (E) the average amount of rainfall per month was lower in 1990 than in 1910.

Answer 121

SPECIAL QUESTION: Semi-Inference --> "POSSIBLE" (but doesn't have to be absolutely true!) --> different than typical Inference questions *I misunderstood the question and tried to find a MUST BE TRUE answer* How could 1990 have more total rainfall than in 1910, when there were fewer days with light and moderate rainfall in 1990? > more rainfall in each of the days or more rain over 2 inches (not necessarily more heavy rainfall days, just each day had a lot of rain) Ans: A

Question 122

Manatees, aquatic mammals inhabiting Florida's rivers and coastal waters, swim close to the surface and are frequently killed in collisions with boats. To address the problem, boat traffic in manatee-populated waters is being required to maintain very low speeds. Unfortunately, manatees are unable to hear low-pitched sounds and a boat's sound lowers in pitch as the boat slows. Therefore, this approach may in fact make things worse rather than better. Which of the following, if true, casts most doubt on the conclusion? (A) The areas where boats would have to maintain low speeds were decided partly on the basis of manatee population estimates and partly from numbers of reported collisions between manatees and boats (B) Because the water hyacinth that manatees feed on grows best in water that is nearly still, water hyacinth beds can be disturbed or damaged by fast-moving boat traffic. (C) Over the last several decades, boat traffic in Florida's coastal waters has been increasing almost continuously and now represents the greatest threat to the endangered manatee population. (D) The sound of a boat engine generally travels much further under water than it does through the air (E) When experimenters exposed manatees to the recorded sounds of boats moving at various speeds, the creatures were unable to discern the sounds over normal background noise.

Answer 122

Weaken > focus on what the premises are saying --> be ware of OOScope answers B is out of scope > maybe lower speeds can increase the growth of water hyacinth, but it doesn't necessarily mean manatees will be significantly better off > we need to address the sound part E is the answer > indicates that manatees cannot determine the sounds from low speed boats and high speed boats > so lower speed will be better to reduce the number of collisions

Question 123

A medieval manuscript called L contains all eighteen extant tragedies by the Greek playwright Euripides. Of these, ten called the "select plays," are accompanied in L by ancient commentaries and also appear in other medieval manuscripts; this group includes some of Euripides' best-known works, including the Medea. The other eight, which appear only in L, are called the "alphabeticals" because they appear in alphabetical order, without commentary. The Electra is one of the "alphabeticals". Which of the following can be reliably concluded on the basis of the Statements given? (A) Only Euripides' best-known works are accompanied by ancient commentaries in extant medieval manuscripts. (B) The select plays are accompanied by ancient commentaries because they were the best known of Euripides' works. (C) No commentaries were written about Euripides' Electra in ancient times. (D) Euripides' Medea never appears in medieval manuscripts unaccompanied by ancient commentary. (E) Euripides' Electra does not appear accompanied by a commentary in any extant medieval manuscript.

Answer 123

Inference *be careful - once you think an answer might be right, be sure to read carefully the remaining answers so you don't miss it....* Ans E , NOT C > we know that Electra had no commentary in L and did not appear in other medieval manuscripts --> E > We cannot conclude that no commentaries were ever written about Electra in ancient times.

Question 124

Everyone who has graduated from TopNotch High School has an intelligence quotient (IQ) of over 120. Most students with an IQ of over 120 and all students with an IQ of over 150 who apply to one or more Ivy League universities are accepted by at least one of them. The statements above, if true, best support which of the following conclusions? A) Every graduate of TopNotch High School with an IQ of 150 has been accepted by at least one Ivy-League university. B) If a person is a high-school graduate and has an IQ of less than 100, he or she could not have been a student at TopNotch High School. C) If a person has an IQ of 130 and is attending an Ivy-League university, it is possible for him or her to have graduated from TopNotch High School. D) At least one graduate from TopNotch high school who has applied to at least one Ivy-League university has been accepted to one of them. E) If a high-school graduate has an IQ of 150 and is not attending an Ivy-League university, then he or she did not apply to one of them.

Answer 124

Inference Between B and C B is wrong > "he or she could not have been a student at TopNotch High School" ---> what if the student WAS A STUDENT, but couldn't pass? And then had to go to a DIFFERENT high school and subsequently graduated? > does not say that the person is a graduate of TopNotch C is CORRECT > "possible" opens up the possibility

Question 125

Officials of the Youth Hockey League and parents of players in the league have become concerned with the number of flagrant fouls occurring during league games. This past season, the number of flagrant fouls was double the number from the season before. League officials plan to reduce the number of such fouls during the coming season by implementing mandatory suspensions for players who commit flagrant fouls. Which of the following statements, if true, provides the best evidence that the officials’ plan will be effective? A) Most serious injuries occurring during league games are a direct result of flagrant fouls. B) League referees have been trained to recognize flagrant fouls and to report incidents involving such fouls. C) Parents of players in the league are in support of mandatory suspensions for flagrant fouls. D) A similar league suspends players for committing flagrant fouls; this league has a relatively low incidence of flagrant fouls when compared with the Youth Hockey League. E) Most players in the league strive to be selected for the All-Star team, and league rules state that no player with a record of suspension shall be selected for the All-Star team.

Answer 125

Strengthen Between D and E E is better D is wrong > although similar results in similar circumstances are definitely helpful in providing support, this type of evidence is WEAKER than E (reduces motivation to commit INTENTIONAL FOULS)

Question 126

Analyst: The pace of technological development brings a constant stream of new devices to the market, and many of them enjoy commercial success. But announcing new technology too soon after the introduction of a successful device can backfire. Once consumers hear about the new device, they may stop buying the one currently on sale. So, if a company wishes to announce the upcoming sale of a new device, it should wait until purchases of the old device have begun to decline. Which of the following, if true, would best support the analyst's main assertion? A) New technology often becomes less expensive after an initial surge in sales. B) Media outlets, such as television programs and magazines, often report on the planned introduction of new devices while the sales of old devices are still strong. C) Many consumers are unable to determine whether new technology is superior to current technology. D) Surveys have shown that some consumers make only one or two technology purchases per year, whereas others make more frequent purchases. E) Consumers tend to be loyal to technology companies whose products they enjoy using.

Answer 126

Strengthen Between B and D D requires an additional assumption > assuming that the statement implies that some consumers will wait for the new product and avoid purchasing the old device > but there are some that will still buy the old one and the new one > also even if someone frequently buys new phones every year, they may wait until the new device B is stronger because it links directly with "once consumers HEAR about the new device" > media outlets are quick to report on planned introductions while the sale of old devices are STILL STRONG

Question 127

Recent observations suggest that small, earthlike worlds form a very low percentage of the planets orbiting stars in the galaxy other than the sun. Of over two hundred planets that astronomers have detected around other stars, almost all are hundreds of times larger and heavier than the earth and orbit stars much smaller than the sun. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken the above justification of the claim that earthlike worlds form a low percentage of the total number of planets? (A) There are millions of planets orbiting stars around which astronomers have not attempted to detect planets. (B) The best current astronomical theories predict that almost all planets around other stars are probably hundreds of times larger than the earth. (C) A planet orbiting a star similar to the sun would be more likely to be earthlike in size than would a planet orbiting a much smaller star. (D) The smaller a planet is relative to the star it orbits, the more difficult it is for astronomers to detect. (E) The observations would have detected any small, earthlike worlds orbiting the stars around which larger planets have been detected

Answer 127

Weaken Conclusion - small, earthlike world form a very low % of the plants orbiting stars in the galaxy other than the Sun B/C found that a large % of planets detected are larger than earth between A and D A does not suggest anything about WHICH GALAXY these "millions of planets" are located > we want evidence that in OUR GALAXY, there could be many many undetected small, earthlike worlds D is stronger > Around the SAME star, even though we detected many plants that are larger and heavier than Earth, there could be smaller planets that astronomers simply HAVE NOT successfully detected > stronger weakener

Question 128

Mansour: We should both plan to change some of our investments from coal companies to less polluting energy companies. And here’s why. Consumers are increasingly demanding nonpolluting energy, and energy companies are increasingly supplying it. Therese: I'm not sure we should do what you suggest. As demand for nonpolluting energy increases relative to supply, its price will increase, and then the more polluting energy will cost relatively less. Demand for the cheaper, dirtier energy forms will then increase, as will the stock values of the companies that produce them. Therese responds to Mansour’s proposal by doing which of the following? (A) Advocating that consumers use less expensive forms of energy (B) Implying that not all uses of coal for energy are necessarily polluting (C) Disagreeing with Mansour’s claim that consumers are increasingly demanding nonpolluting energy (D) Suggesting that leaving their existing energy investments unchanged could be the better course (E) Providing a reason to doubt Mansour’s assumption that supply of nonpolluting energy will increase in line with demand

Answer 128

Structure Understand what's going on: > M and T both currently own shares in coal companies > T disagrees with M's suggestion because she thinks that increasing demand for nonpulluting energy will actually INCREASE the stock values of companies producing dirtier energy forms > so T is suggesting that they continue with their existing energy investments (Ans D) NOT C > T USES (agrees with) the fact that consumers are increasingly demanding nonpolluting energy to explain why they SHOULDN'T do M's idea.

Question 129

A survey of entrepreneurs who started companies last year shows that while virtually all did substantial preparatory research and planning, only half used that work to produce a formal business plan. Since, on average, the entrepreneurs without formal plans secured the capital they needed in half the time of those with plans, these survey results indicate that, in general, formal plans did not help the entrepreneurs who produced them to secure the capital they needed. Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument? (A) Companies started by entrepreneurs who had used formal business plans to attract investment were on the whole as profitable in their first year as were companies started by entrepreneurs who had not produced such plans. (B) In surveys of entrepreneurs who have attempted without success to raise sufficient capital, more than half of the respondents indicate that they have produced a formal business plan. (C) Among the entrepreneurs surveyed, those who did not produce formal business plans sought and received a much larger proportion of their capital from investors with whom they had a long-standing business relationship. (D) The entrepreneurs surveyed who did not produce a formal business plan spent nearly as much time doing preparatory research and planning as the entrepreneurs who produced plans. (E) The entrepreneurs who produced business plans generally reported later that the process of writing the plan had increased their confidence that their company would succeed

Answer 129

Weaken Conclusion - formal plans did not help the entrepreneurs secure the capital they needed FIND PROOF that formal plans DID HELP ENTREPRENEURS WHO USED THEM Between A and C C is right, though it requires some additional logic: > if the entrepreneurs who DID NOT use a formal plan got most of their capital from warm contacts, that means the entrepreneurs who DID USE a formal plan got most of their capital from COLD CONTACTS ---> presumably harder to secure than warm contacts > therefore, formal plans DID HELP those who used them > this answer suggests that the entrepreneurs who DID NOT use a formal plan had some other advantage to compensate for not using them A is wrong > profit is the same in both companies in the first year > in any case, this suggests that entrepreneurs who DID USE formal plans had NO extra advantage > those who did not use formal plans actually secured capital FASTER too

Question 130

Springfield Fire Commissioner: the vast majority of false fire alarms are prank calls made anonymously from fire alarm boxes on street corners. Since virtually everyone has access to a private telephone, these alarm boxes have outlived their usefulness. Therefore, we propose to remove the boxes. Removing the boxes will reduce the number of prank calls without hampering people’s ability to report a fire. Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports the claim that the proposal, if carried out, will have the announced effect? A. The fire department traces all alarm calls made from private telephones and records where they came from. B. Maintaining the fire alarm boxes costs Springfield approximately five million dollars annually. C. A telephone call can provide the fire department with more information about the nature and size of a fire than can an alarm placed from an alarm box. D. Responding to false alarms significantly reduces the fire department’s capacity for responding to fires. E. On any given day, a significant percentage of the public telephones in Springfield are out of service

Answer 130

Strengthen Conclusion - removing the boxes will reduce the number of prank calls without hampering people's ability to report a fire Between A and C **I focused on one part of the conclusion instead of the other C is incorrect > discusses the QUALITY of info derived from a telephone call, but doesn't strengthen the conclusion that people will be able to report a fire just as easily as before > also, pranksters could still anonymously call using their private telephones > also doesn't talk about impact on people's ability to report fires A is correct > TRACING indicates that there will be FEWER PRANK CALLS

Question 131

Q25) Errors in the performance of repetitive or “boring” tasks—often attributed to a momentary lapse in concentration—can be serious in such activities as flying a passenger aircraft. Is there any method that would provide warning of such lapses—for example by monitoring brain activity? Researchers scanned the brains of volunteers performing a repetitive task. When the tasks were being performed correctly, the volunteers’ brains showed activity in cognitive-processing regions. However, these regions became less active several seconds before some errors were made, and another brain region, region X, became active. The researchers concluded that the monitoring of region X could provide warning of an impending error. Which of the following, if true, most supports the researchers’ conclusion? (A) The cognitive effort required in performing a repetitive task diminishes significantly with increases in the number of repetitions of the task performance. (B) Once a mistake was made and detected, brain activity in regions associated with cognitive effort sometimes increased. (C) Other research found that whenever significant activity occurs in region X, it is generally with repetitive tasks, soon before an error occurs. (D) The diminution of brain activity in cognitive processing regions and the increase of activity in region X began at least 5 seconds before the errors occurred. (E) Reduced activity in brain regions associated with cognitive effort was accompanied by increased activity in regions that become active during sleep

Answer 131

Strengthen Conclusion: monitoring region X could provide warning of an impending error Between C and D D is wrong: > we ALREADY know from the stimulus that the diminution of brain activity in cognitive processing regions and the increase of activity in region X occurs BEFORE some errors were made. Knowing the precise time buffer is a weak strengthener. C discusses OTHER RESEARCH that also found significant activity occurs in region X before an error occurs during repetitive tasks > it doesn't matter that we just know that the region became active "soon before" an error occurs --> the exact time is irrelevant (we don't need copious amounts of time to get a warning) > also, this research provides support that region X does not just become active for other reasons!

Question 132

People who have spent a lot of time in contact with animals often develop animal-induced allergies, a significant percentage of which are quite serious. In a survey of current employees in major zoos, about 30 percent had animal-induced allergies. However, a zoo employee who develops a serious animal-induced allergy is very likely to switch to some other occupation. Which of the following hypotheses receives the strongest support from the information given? (A) The incidence of serious animal-induced allergies among current zoo employees is lower than that among the general population. (B) Zoo employees tend to develop animal-induced allergies that are more serious than those of other people who spend equally large amounts of time with animals. (C) Exposure to domestic pets is, on the whole, less likely to cause animal-induced allergy than is exposure to the kinds of animals that are kept in zoos. (D) There is no occupation for which the risk of developing an animal-induced allergy is higher than 30 percent. (E) Among members of the general population who have spent as much time with animals as zoo employees typically have, the percentage with animal-induced allergies is significantly more than 30 percent.

Answer 132

Inference Between A and E A is WRONG > Comparing incidence of serious animal-induced allergies among CURRENT ZOO EMPLOYEES and the GENERAL POP > general pop is quite large --> so the proportion of serious animal-induced allergies is likely very small > we cannot say for certain that the incidence is lower than that among current zoo employees > we also DO NOT KNOW the current incidence of SERIOUS animal-induced allergies (just general animal-induced allergies). E is correct > Comparing incidence of an animal-induced allergy among CURRENT ZOO EMPLOYEES and among members of the general pop who have spent AS MUCH TIME with animals as zoo employees have.

Question 133

In a certain rural area, people normally dispose of household garbage by burning it. Burning household garbage releases toxic chemicals known as dioxins. New conservation regulations will require a major reduction in packaging—specifically, paper and cardboard packaging—for products sold in the area. Since such packaging materials contain dioxins, one result of the implementation of the new regulations will surely be a reduction in dioxin pollution in the area. Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument? A. Garbage containing large quantities of paper and cardboard can easily burn hot enough for some portion of the dioxins that it contains to be destroyed. B. Packaging materials typically make up only a small proportion of the weight of household garbage, but a relatively large proportion of its volume. C. Per-capita sales of products sold in paper and cardboard packaging are lower in rural areas than in urban areas. D. The new conservation regulations were motivated by a need to cut down on the consumption of paper products in order to bring the harvesting of timber into a healthier balance with its regrowth. E. It is not known whether the dioxins released by the burning of household garbage have been the cause of any serious health problems.

Answer 133

Weaken Conclusion - the new regulations will REDUCE the amount of dioxin pollution in the area. Ans A > suggests that currently SOME portion of dioxins is DESTROYED because of the LARGE quantities of paper and cardboard > without such large quantities, there might be LESS DESTROYING during burning --> net result is no reduction in dioxin pollution NOT C > even though rural areas have LOWER sales of products in paper and cardboard packaging, the new regulations COULD STILL REDUCE the amount of dioxin pollution in the area.

Question 134

Banker: My country’s laws require every bank to invest in its local community by lending money to local businesses, providing mortgages for local home purchases, and so forth. This is intended to revitalize impoverished local communities. But it is clear that the law will soon entirely cease to serve its intended purpose. An increasing number of banks incorporated in our country exist solely on the Internet and are not physically located in any specific community. The banker’s argument is most vulnerable to criticism on which of the following grounds? A. It overlooks the possibility that most banks that are physically located in specific communities in the banker’s country are not located in impoverished communities. B. It takes for granted that a law that ceases to serve its originally intended purpose no longer serves any other beneficial purpose, either. C. It confuses a condition that would, if present, be likely to produce a given effect, with a condition that would probably be the cause if that effect were present. D. It overlooks the possibility that even if there is a strong correlation between two phenomena, neither of those phenomena are necessarily causally responsible for the other. E. It fails to adequately address the possibility that an increase in the number of banks of one kind in the banker’s country will not lead to the complete elimination of banks of another kind.

Answer 134

Find the Flaw The arg is saying that the law will soon be useless because we are seeing more and more Internet banks in the country that won’t help local communities. This conclusion ASSUMES that the physical banks will be wiped out or that the purely-online banks are not covered under the laws. Ans E > There is a possibility that an increase in the # of Internet banks will NOT lead to the complete elimination of physical banks --> means that the law will still serve its intended purpose.

Question 135

The total market value of real estate in Altonville has steadily declined over the past four years. This decline has meant that the overall figure on which the city’s property tax is based—the assessed value of that real estate—has also declined. The percentage of assessed value that was paid as property taxes to the city, however, did not change from year to year during this period. The information above most strongly supports which of the following? A. The percentage of Altonville’s yearly revenue that comes from money collected in property taxes did not change over the past four years. B. The percentage of Altonville’s yearly revenue that comes from money collected in property taxes has declined steadily over the past four years. C. The amount of revenue that Altonville collected from property taxes was lower last year than it was four years ago. D. During the past four years, Altonville officials increased tax rates on other sources of revenue such as retail sales and business profits. E. Altonville will soon require property owners to pay a higher percentage of the assessed value of their property as property tax.

Answer 135

Inference Lower MV of real estate * same % = lower property tax revenue NOT B - we don't know whether property tax revenue/total revenue has increased or decreased; we just know the ABSOLUTE value has decreased Ans C

Question 136

Meteorologists say that if only they could design an accurate mathematical model of the atmosphere with all its complexities, they could forecast the weather with real precision. But this is an idle boast, immune to any evaluation, for any inadequate weather forecast would obviously be blamed on imperfections in the model. Which of the following, if true, could best be used as a basis for arguing against the author's position that the meteorologists' claim cannot be evaluated? (A) Certain unusual configurations of data can serve as the basis for precise weather forecasts even though the exact causal mechanisms are not understood. (B) Most significant gains in the accuracy of the relevant mathematical models are accompanied by clear gains in the precision of weather forecasts. (C) Mathematical models of the meteorological aftermath of such catastrophic events as volcanic eruptions are beginning to be constructed. (D) Modern weather forecasts for as much as a full day ahead are broadly correct about 80 percent of the time. (E) Meteorologists readily concede that the accurate mathematical model they are talking about is not now in their power to construct.

Answer 136

Weaken conclusion conclusion: CANNOT evaluate the meterologists' claim (cannot tell if meteorlogists are forecasting better with the improved model because they could just blame failures on the model itself when it is convenient to do so) > We want to prove that YOU CAN measure whether the model is adequate or not Ans B > says that the weather forecasts clearly become MORE PRECISE as math models become more accurate. => strengthens Meterologists' claim > accurate models = better forecasts All other answers are irrelevant

Question 137

Some theorists and critics insist that no aesthetic evaluation of a work of art is sound if it is based even in part on data about the cultural background of the artist. This opinion is clearly false. The only sound aesthetic evaluations of artists' works are those that take into account factors such as the era and the place of the artists' births, their upbringing and education, and the values of their societies—in sum, those factors that are part of their cultural background. The above argument is most vulnerable to which of the following objections? A. The argument presupposes the conclusion for which it purports to provide evidence. B. The argument cites evidence that undermines rather than supports the conclusion. C. The argument draws its conclusion by means of an equivocal interpretation of key terms. D. The argument assumes that the production of an effect is evidence of an intention to produce that effect. E. The argument assumes that evaluative disputes can be resolved by citing factual evidence.

Answer 137

Flaw Between A and C A is the answer: > the argument "presupposes" (assumes) the conclusion for which the argument says it will provide evidence > the author presents a CLAIM as "evidence" > aka a reiteration of the conclusion Meaning problem > the "only sound aesthetic evaluations of artists' works" is THE AUTHOR's POV, not real evidence

Question 138

Many retailers advertise price-matching policies, such as, “In the unlikely event that you find an identical item that you purchased here offered at a lower price in another store, we promise to refund the difference.” Contrary to what might logically be expected, a recent study finds that the presence of such a policy leads to a decrease in consumer searches when search costs are low (e.g., when multiple competitor stores are clustered in a small area), but an increase in consumer searches when search costs are high. These findings can be explained if a store’s price-matching policies __________. Which of the following most logically completes the passage? A. affect consumer search behavior only when information about prices in other stores is unavailable B. encourage consumers to shop around when there are multiple competitor stores nearby C. force nearby competitor stores to reduce their prices in order to retain a market share D. are taken as credible indicators of low prices at the store when and only when it is easy for consumers to verify them E. lead to significant increases in consumer searches only for high-price purchases

Answer 138

Explain the discrepancy Situation: > Decrease in consumer searches when there are multiple competitor stores nearby > increase in consumer searches when there are fewer competitor stores nearby Why? > consumers don't feel the need to verify the prices when there are many stores nearby, even though it is easy for them to do so Ans D > Store's price-matching policies are taken by consumers as CREDIBLE INDICATORS of low prices ONLY WHEN it is easy for consumers to verify them (i.e., a consumer might think that a store wouldn't have such a policy if its prices were higher than competitors) NOT C > if competitor stores reduced their prices too, consumers would not feel the need to check all the time > but even competitors who are farther away would also feel pressured to reduce prices --> this does not explain why CONSUMERS CHECK LESS OFTEN when the stores are in a cluster

Question 139

For several reasons, it can be concluded that, as compared with the promise of reward, the threat of punishment is a poorer means of motivating desired behavior. One reason is that people, and animals as well, exercise considerable ingenuity in avoiding punishment while continuing to engage in behavior subject to punishment. Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the force of the evidence offered? A. Punishment tends not to be effective unless it is applied consistently over a sufficient period of time for learning to occur. B. People, in contrast to animals, tend to be able to learn desired ways of behaving by observing punishments being meted out to others. C. The severity of punishment and magnitude of reward that are effective in producing desired behavior depend on the individual who is to be punished or rewarded D. Often people and animals cheat to obtain rewards without engaging in the behavior for which the rewards are offered. E. Not all people find the same sorts of promised rewards attractive and worth striving for

Answer 139

Weaken (the evidence that the threat of punishment invokes ingenuity - cleverness) > Pre-think: stimulus discusses both people and animals. Therefore, the answer should mention BOTH Ans D > one way to weaken the evidence is to strengthen evidence that the promise of reward is a POORER means of motivating desired behavior than is punishment > this statement states that people AND animals often cheat to obtain rewards, so they are not motivated to perform the desired behavior > therefore, BOTH the threat of punishment and promise of reward invoke ingenuity

Question 140

There are fundamentally two possible changes in an economy that will each cause inflation unless other compensating changes also occur. These changes are either reductions in the supply of goods and services or increases in demand. In a pre-banking economy the quantity of money available, and hence the level of demand, is equivalent to the quantity of gold available. If the statements above are true, then it is also true that in a pre-banking economy (A) any inflation is the result of reductions in the supply of goods and services (B) if other factors in the economy are unchanged, increasing the quantity of gold available will lead to inflation (C) if there is a reduction in the quantity of gold available, then, other things being equal, inflation must result (D) the quantity of goods and services purchasable by a given amount of gold is constant (E) whatever changes in demand occur, there will be compensating changes in the supply of goods and services

Answer 140

Inference MEANING PROBLEM In a pre-banking economy, money = gold = demand So if the quantity of gold increases, then DEMAND increases, leading to INFLATION B

Question 141

Kayla: Many people are reluctant to shop in our neighborhood because street parking is scarce. The city plans to address this by adding parking meters with time limits that ensure that parking spaces are generally available. But this plan will surely backfire—shoppers dislike paying at parking meters, so most will probably drive to other neighborhoods to shop at malls with free parking. Which of the following, if true, would be the most logically effective rebuttal a proponent of the city's plan could make to Kayla's objection? A. Most shoppers dislike hunting for scarce street parking spaces much more than they dislike paying for metered parking spaces. B. The city could post signs with street parking time limits to ensure that parking spaces become available without forcing shoppers to pay at meters. C. Currently, most shoppers in the neighborhood drive only occasionally to shop at malls in other neighborhoods. D. The neighborhood already contains a parking lot where shoppers must pay to park. E. The nearby malls with free parking have no parking time limits to help ensure that parking spaces in their lots become available.

Answer 141

Strengthen Conclusion - weaken opponent's argument We need evidence that the PLAN will WORK > shoppers will not simply shop in other places Ans A > Means that most shoppers would PREFER to PAY at the meter than search for scarce street parking --> WILLINGNESS to go with the plan > Directly refutes the contention that shoppers dislike paying at meters and will likely go to malls with free parking (where parking spots might not be guaranteed) NOT E > suggests that the nearby malls COULD be busy (but we do not know HOW BUSY it is) > If the malls have sufficient parking spots --> Yes, people would likely go to the malls > If the malls DO NOT have sufficient parking spots --> People would perhaps not go to the mall > we DO NOT KNOW WHAT PEOPLE PREFER

Question 142

Which of the following most logically completes the argument? The irradiation of food kills bacteria and thus retards spoilage. However, it also lowers the nutritional value of many foods. For example, irradiation destroys a significant percentage of whatever vitamin B1 a food may contain. Proponents of irradiation point out that irradiation is no worse in this respect than cooking. However, this fact is either beside the point, since much irradiated food is eaten raw, or else misleading, since ___________. (A) many of the proponents of irradiation are food distributors who gain from food’s having a longer shelf life (B) it is clear that killing bacteria that may be present on food is not the only effect that irradiation has (C) cooking is usually the final step in preparing food for consumption, whereas irradiation serves to ensure a longer shelf life for perishable foods (D) certain kinds of cooking are, in fact, even more destructive of vitamin B1 than carefully controlled irradiation is (E) for food that is both irradiated and cooked, the reduction of vitamin B1 associated with either process individually is compounded

Answer 142

Strengthen NOT B > we are talking about destroying vitamin B1 - not OTHER bacteria Ans E > FINISH READING ALL THE ANSWERS before choosing!!

Question 143

Pharmaceutical companies spend more than ever on research and development; yet the number of new drugs patented each year has dropped since 1963. At the same time, profits—at constant 1963 dollars—for the industry as a whole have been steadily increasing. Which of the following, if true, is the single factor most likely to explain, at least in part, the three trends mentioned above for money spent, drugs patented, and profits made? A. Government regulations concerning testing requirements for novel drugs have become steadily more stringent. B. Research competition among pharmaceutical companies has steadily intensified as a result of a general narrowing of research targets to drugs for which there is a large market. C. Many pharmaceutical companies have entered into collaborative projects with leading universities, while others have hired faculty members away from universities by offering very generous salaries. D. The number of cases in which one company's researchers duplicated work done by another company's researchers has steadily grown. E. The advertising budgets of the major pharmaceutical companies have grown at a higher rate than their profits have.

Answer 143

Explain the Discrepancy Ans B MEANING ISSUE If research competition has steadily intensified, then that means many pharm companies are spending MORE ON RandD. However, patents are becoming HARDER TO OBTAIN. Also, profits are likely to INCREASE because these drugs have a LARGE MARKET NOT D > explains why there are fewer drug patented each year > explains perhaps why pharm companies are spending more on RandD (to come up with something innovative) > DOES NOT EXPLAIN INCREASING PROFITS (how does duplication of research work increase a company's profit?)

Question 144

Mashika: We already know from polling data that some segments of the electorate provide significant support to Ms. Puerta. If those segments also provide significant support to Mr. Quintana, then no segment of the electorate that provides significant support to Mr. Quintana provides significant support to Mr. Ramirez. Salim: But actually, as the latest polling data conclusively shows, at least one segment of the electorate does provide significant support to both Mr. Quintana and Mr. Ramirez. Among the following statements, which is it most reasonable to infer from the assertions by Mashika and Salim? A. At least one segment of the electorate provides significant support neither to Mr. Quintana nor to Mr. Ramirez. B. At least one segment of the electorate provides significant support to Ms. Puerta but not to Mr. Quintana. C. Each segment of the electorate provides significant support to Ms. Puerta. D. Each segment of the electorate provides significant support to Mr. Quintana. E. Each segment of the electorate provides significant support to Mr. Ramirez.

Answer 144

Inference > conditions!! Mashika says that IF the segments that support P ALSO all support Q, then NO segment will support both Q and R. > If P and Q ---> No Q and R However, Salim disproves Mashika's condition, stating that there IS a segment that supports both Q and R > Q and R ---> No P and Q Ans B > at least one segment of the electorate provides significant support to only P and not Q.

Question 145

In recent years, networks of fiber-optic cable have been replacing electrical wire for transmitting telecommunications signals. Signals running through fiber-optic cables deteriorate, and so the signals must be run through a piece of equipment called a regenerator before being transmitted farther. Light-Line is the leading manufacturer of signal regenerators. Therefore, Light-Line is one of the companies that will most benefit if new long-distance fiber-optic telecommunications networks are constructed. Which of the following, if true, casts the most doubt on the prediction about Light-Line's prospects? A. Telecommunications signals sent along electrical wires can travel much farther than signals transmitted through fiber-optic before needing to be regenerated. B. Expanding its production of regenerators will require Light-Line to spend proportionately more on labor and materials. C. The volume of signals that a fiber-optic cable can carry is several thousand times greater than the volume that can be carried by an electrical wire of similar size. D. There are technologies that enable telecommunications signals to be transmitted without either wire or fiber-optic cable. E. Several manufacturers are developing regenerator technologies that will allow signals to be transmitted many times farther than at present before requiring regeneration.

Answer 145

Weaken NOT B > even though Light-Line would have to spend more to meet higher demand, the company will likely generate higher revenues = company will benefit the most Ans E > new disruptive technologies are on the horizon > these technologies could LOWER DEMAND of regenerators --> hurt Light-Line and benefit these manufacturers in stead

Question 146

Although elementary school children have traditionally received considerable instruction in creating visual art, there has been no such instruction in music. Consequently, in contrast to the situation for visual art, most people as adults do not recognize the artistic intention of composers. To remedy this situation, a few educators now recommend teaching elementary schools students to compose music. Which of the following, if true, is the strongest basis for arguing that implementation of the recommendation will not lead to the desired result? A. Few elementary schools students are likely to create superior compositions. B. Traditional education facilitates the appreciation of visual art, but not the recognition of the artistic intentions of artists. C. More people report that they enjoy music than report that they enjoy visual art. D. Some composers have had little formal instruction in composition. E. The recommendation is based on the results of a controlled longitudinal study conducted in three schools within a single city.

Answer 146

Weaken the plan > prove that teaching students how to compose music WILL NOT lead to more adults recognizing the artistic intention of composers Ans B > Traditional visual arts instruction FACILITATES on the APPRECIATION OF VISUAL ART, not the recognition of the artistic intentions of artists > therefore, SOME OTHER REASON is causing adults to recognize the artistic intensions of composers (no CASUAL RELATIONSHIP between art instruction and recognition of artistic intensions) > so teaching students to compose music is UNLIKELY to lead to recognition of the artistic intensions of composers NOT D > "some" --> irrelevant indicator

Question 147

Researchers conditioned a group of flies to associate a particular odor with a weak electric shock. Twentyfour and forty-eight hours later the researchers conducted tests on the flies, both individually and in groups, to determine whether the flies retained the conditioning. When tested individually, the flies were significantly less likely to avoid areas marked with the odor. The researchers hypothesized that in the presence of the odor, a fly that retains the conditioned association gives off an alarm signal that arouses the attention of any surrounding flies, retriggering the association in them and thereby causing them to avoid the odor. The researchers’ hypothesis requires which of the following assumptions? (A) The flies do not give off odors as alarm signals. (B) Flies that did not avoid the odor when tested individually were not merely following other flies’ movements when tested in a group. (C) Flies that did not avoid the odor when tested individually were less likely than the other flies to avoid the odor when tested in a group. (D) Prior to their conditioning, the flies would likely have found the odor used in the experiment to be pleasant. (E) An electric shock was used during the flies’ conditioning and during the later tests.

Answer 147

Assumption Negation technique UNDERSTAND THE SITUATION: > study > flies were conditioned to associate a particular odor with a weak electric shock > Individually, the flies were LESS LIKELY to go to AVOID areas marked with the order than in groups (so in GROUPS - the flies AVOIDED THE ODOR) Assumption B > Negate: flies that did not avoid the odor when tested individually were MERELY FOLLOWING the other flies' movements when tested in a group ---> no association at all to an "alarm signal" (weakens the conclusion)

Question 148

Following several years of declining advertising sales, the Greenville Times reorganized its advertising sales force two years ago. Before the reorganization, the sales force was organized geographically, with some sales representatives concentrating on city-center businesses and others concentrating on different outlying regions. The reorganization attempted to increase the sales representatives’ knowledge of clients’ businesses by having each sales representative deal with only one type of industry or of retailing. After the reorganization, advertising sales increased. In assessing whether the improvement in advertising sales can properly be attributed to the reorganization, it would be helpful to find out each of the following EXCEPT: A) Two years ago, what proportion of the Greenville Times’s total revenue was generated by advertising sales? B) Has the circulation of the Greenville Times increased substantially in the last two years? C) Has there been a substantial turnover in personnel in the advertising sales force over the last two years? D) Before the reorganization, had sales representatives found it difficult to keep up with relevant developments in all the types of businesses to which they were assigned? E) Has the economy in Greenville and the surrounding regions been growing rapidly over the last two years?

Answer 148

EXCEPT Explain the Discrepancy Question **be ware of EXCEPT questions Only A is fully irrelevant

Question 149

Last August the XT chain of gasoline stations had a temporary sales promotion in effect. In the promotion, any customer who made a purchase of ten or more gallons of gasoline was entitled to a free car wash. For the month of August, XT experienced a ten percent increase in gasoline sales as compared to sales in August the previous year, so evidently the promotion was successful as a means of boosting sales. In evaluating the argument, it would be most helpful to answer which of the following? (A) In the areas in which XT’s gasoline stations operate, how did total combined gasoline sales for all gasoline stations last August compare with sales for the previous August? (B) Was the money that XT earned from the increase in gasoline sales enough to offset the cost of providing free car washes during the promotion? (C) Were there any customers who bought ten or more gallons at an XT gasoline station during the promotion who would have bought gasoline at the same station in lower quantities, but more frequently, if the promotion had not been in effect? (D) Did XT or any of its gasoline stations have to pay other businesses to provide the car washes that customers were offered in the promotion? (E) Are XT’s gasoline sales in August usually significantly higher than one twelfth of XT’s annual gasoline sales?

Answer 149

Evaluate the Argument Ans A > reading/understanding problem > if the TOTAL COMBINED gasoline sales for ALL gasoline stations in the AREA increased by a lot, then the increase experienced by XT could have been because of some OTHER reason NOT C > even if there were some customers who bought more gasoline in August all at once rather than spreading out their purchases, AGGREGATE sales in August would have been the same for these customers > since aggregate sales in August increased, there must have been OTHER customers contributing to the increase

Question 150

Several ancient Greek texts provide accounts of people being poisoned by honey that texts suggest was made from the nectar of rhododendron or oleander plants. Honey made from such nectar can cause the effects the texts describe, but only if eaten fresh, since the honey loses its toxicity within a few weeks of being made. In Greece, rhododendrons and oleander bloom only in springtime, when they are the predominant sources of nectar. Which of the following, if true, most strongly support the accounts of Greek texts? (A) There are no plants that Greece in ancient times that produce more nectar than rhododendrons or oleanders does. (B) In areas where neither rhododendrons nor oleanders grow, honey is never poisonous (C) beebive’s honeycomb cannot have some sections that contain toxic honey and other sections that contain nontoxic honey. (D) The incidents of honey poisoning that are related in the ancient texts occurred in the springtime or in the early summer. (E) Whether the honey in a beehive is toxic depends solely on which plants were the source of that was used to make the honey.

Answer 150

Inference Between C and D C is OUT OF SCOPE - the stimulus does not discuss the "honeycomb" at all D is correct > discusses "incidents of honey POSIONING) and TIMING of it (springtime) > in the fall, there cannot be any honey made (no more nectar)

Question 151

Vorland’s government is planning a nationwide ban on smoking in restaurants. The objection that the ban would reduce restaurants’ revenues is ill founded. Several towns in Vorland enacted restaurant smoking restrictions five years ago. Since then, the amount the government collects in restaurant meal taxes in those towns has increased 34 percent, on average, but only 26 percent elsewhere in Vorland. The amount collected in restaurant meal taxes closely reflects restaurants’ revenues. Which of the following, if true, most undermines the defense of the government’s plan? (A) When the state first imposed a restaurant meal tax, opponents predicted that restaurants’ revenues would decline as a result, a prediction that proved to be correct in the short term. (B) The tax on meals in restaurants is higher than the tax on many other goods and services. (C) Over the last five years, smoking has steadily declined throughout Vorland. (D) In many of the towns that restrict smoking in restaurants, restaurants can maintain separate dining areas where smoking is permitted. (E) Over the last five years, government revenues from sales taxes have grown no faster in the towns with restaurant smoking restrictions than in the towns that have no such restrictions.

Answer 151

Weaken Ans D > DIFFERENTIATE between a BAN and RESTRICTIONS > under the ban scenario, we do not know whether restaurants could still maintain separate dining areas where smoking is permitted --> which could lower revenues NOT A > not relevant - no mention of smoking at all, just the restaurant meal tax

Question 152

Exports of United States wood pulp will rise considerably during this year. The reason for the rise is that the falling value of the dollar will make it cheaper for paper manufacturers in Japan and Western Europe to buy American wood pulp than to get it from any other source. Which of the following is an assumption made in drawing the conclusion above? (A) Factory output of paper products in Japan and Western Europe will increase sharply during this year. (B) The quality of the wood pulp produced in the United States would be adequate for the purposes of Japanese and Western European paper manufacturers. (C) Paper manufacturers in Japan and Western Europe would prefer to use wood pulp produced in the United States if cost were not a factor. (D) Demand for paper products made in Japan and Western Europe will not increase sharply during this year. (E) Production of wood pulp by United States companies will not increase sharply during this yea

Answer 152

Assumption Between B and C Ans B > even though quality is not directly mentioned in the stimulus, that is OK > Negate: the quality of wood pulp produced in the US is not adequate for the purposes of Japanese and Western European paper manufacturers --> exports MIGHT NOT RISE CONSIDERABLY NOT C - "Preference" does NOT need to be true (i.e., these manufacturers will buy the dirt cheap wood pulp even if they prefer wood pulp from Germany, for example).

Question 153

Letter to the editor: If the water level in the Searle River Delta continues to drop, the rising sea level will make the water saltier and less suitable for drinking. Currently, 40 percent of the water from upstream tributaries is diverted to neighboring areas. To keep the delta's water level from dropping any further, we should end all current diversions from the upstream tributaries. Neighboring water utilities are likely to see higher costs and diminished water supplies, but these costs are necessary to preserve the delta. Which of the following would, if true, indicate a serious potential weakness of the suggested plan of action? A. Desalination equipment would allow water from the delta to be used for drinking even it if became saltier. B. Water level is only one factor that affects salinity in the delta. C. The upstream tributaries' water levels are controlled by systems of dams and reservoirs. D. Neighboring areas have grown in population since the water was first diverted from upstream tributaries. E. Much of the recent drop in the delta's water level can be attributed to a prolonged drought that has recently ended.

Answer 153

Weaken Plan is to end all current diversions to neighboring areas in an effort to KEEP DELTA's water level from dropping any further = Preserving the delta Ans E - the CAUSE of the recent drop is largely attributed to a prolonged drought that has recently ended --> so water levels might rise now - is there even a need for the plan? Are these costs truly necessary to preserve the delta? NOT A - drinkability of water from the delta might NOT be the only problem --> Delta might still not be preserved

Question 154

Under the agricultural policies of Country R, farmers can sell any grain not sold on the open market to a grain board at guaranteed prices. It seems inevitable that, in order to curb the resultant escalating overproduction, the grain board will in just a few years have to impose quotas on grain production, limiting farmers to a certain flat percentage of the grain acreage they cultivated previously. Suppose an individual farmer in Country R wishes to minimize the impact on profits of the grain quota whose eventual imposition is being predicted. If the farmer could do any of the following and wants to select the most effective course of action, which should the farmer do now? A. Select in advance currently less profitable grain fields and retire them if the quota takes effect. B. Seek long-term contracts to sell grain at a fixed price. C. Replace obsolete tractors with more efficient new ones. D. Put marginal land under cultivation and grow grain on it. E. Agree with other farmers on voluntary cutbacks in grain production.

Answer 154

Special question - strategy to MINIMIZE impact on profits > quota will result in LOWER QUANTITY SOLD = lower profits > If the quota is on an acreage basis, we should try to PRESERVE or GAIN as much as we can (quantity) Ans D: Put marginal land under cultivation and grow grain on it. > So if we have 4 plots cultivated, but we add 6 more, we get 10 total. And if we keep 50%, we get 5 acres instead of 2. > Therefore, we get to increase/keep our profits even with the quota NOT B > not sure if we are locking in higher or lower prices > We could be costing ourselves money by locking in lower rates compared to the free market

Question 155

Telomerase is an enzyme that is produced only in cells that are actively dividing. For this reason it is generally absent from body tissues in adults. Bone marrow is an exception to this rule, however, since even in adults, bone marrow cells continually divide to replace old blood cells. Cancers are another exception, because their cells are rapidly dividing. The information provided most strongly supports which of the following? (A) Telomerase is the only enzyme that is present in cancerous cells but absent from cells that are not actively dividing. (B) In children, the only body tissues from which telomerase is absent are those in which cells are not rapidly dividing. (C) The presence of telomerase in bone marrow is no indication of bone marrow cancer. (D) Cancer of the bone marrow develops more rapidly than cancer growing in any other kind of adult tissue. (E) The level of telomerase production is always higher in cancerous tissue than in noncancerous tissue.

Answer 155

Inference Between B and C B is about children and we really can't infer anything about them - "only" is a dead give away that this option is likely wrong - while telomerase can only be in cells that are actively dividing, we don't know WHEN the enzyme is ABSENT (perhaps absent in some cell dividing tissues too) Necessary = dividing cells Sufficient = Telomerase C is correct > telomerase is a normal part of bone marrow and does not indicate bone marrow cancer

Question 156

Kendrick: Governments that try to prevent cigarettes from being advertised are justified in doing so, since such advertisements encourage people to engage in an unhealthy practice. But cigarette advertisements should remain legal since advertisements for fatty foods are legal, even though those advertisements also encourage people to engage in unhealthy practices. Which one of the following, if true, most helps to resolve the apparent conflict between Kendrick's statements? (A) Any advertisement that encourages people to engage in an unhealthy practice should be made illegal, even though the legality of some such advertisements is currently uncontroversial (B) The advertisement of fattening foods, unlike that of cigarettes, should not be prevented, because fattening foods, unlike cigarettes, are not addictive. (C) Most advertisements should be legal, although advertisers are always morally responsible for ensuring that their advertisements do not encourage people to engage in unhealthy practices. (D) Governments should try to prevent the advertisement of cigarettes by means of financial disincentives rather than by legal prohibition. (E) Governments should place restrictions on cigarette advertisements so as to keep them from encouraging people to engage in unhealthy practices, but should not try to prevent such advertisements.

Answer 156

Explain the Discrepancy > how can BOTH STATEMENTS be true at the SAME TIME? Statement 1: Gov't are justified in preventing cig ads Statement 2: Cig ads should be legal Ans D > Gov't should prevent advertising of cigarettes via financial disincentives, thus allowing cig ads to remain legal. NOT B --> opposite of what we are looking for (suggests a poor analogy between fatty foods and cigarettes) NOT E (trap) > Meaning is wrong. We want an answer that explains why cig ads should remain legal, INCLUDING those that encourage people to engage in unhealthy practices. > in this option, we do not explain why cig ads should remain fully legal (no restrictions on them).

Question 157

Which of the following best completes the passage? A company that makes electric razors recently introduced a new model that offered various features that ensured a degree of precision not possible with older models. After a year on the market, the new model proved to sell poorly compared to its older counterparts, leading the company to conclude that precision was not an important concern for consumers. However, this view was seriously challenged by a later finding that __________. (A) Around the time the new razor was unveiled, a consumer guide reported that many shoddy haircuts and shaves were the result of faulty precision features in razors. (B) Razor users typically find that they get the best results from older razors because they are most familiar with their features. (C) The company does a significant part of its business with hair salons and barber shops, which are frequented by people who do not own electric razors themselves. (D) Despite the addition of new precision features on the new razor model, the razor did not significantly increase in price. (E) Other razor-making companies introduced new models with similar precision features, and these went on to sell relatively well.

Answer 157

Strengthen Flow: New razer with higher degree of precision --> Did not sell well --> Precision could still be an important factor b/c ____ Pre-think: Why did the new razer have poor sales, even though users prefer precision? > either the new razer cost too much or the old razer had some precision benefits Ans B > users prefer using older razors, EVEN though they may think precision is valuable NOT E > NOT an indication of competition because we DON'T know when other razor-making companies introduced these new models (maybe during that time period, users cared about precision, but times could have changed) > overall, we DO NOT KNOW whether this statement challenges or supports the conclusion e.g., could have sold well because of lower prices or had other features

Question 158

Although parapsychology is often considered a pseudoscience, it is in fact a genuine scientific enterprise, for it uses scientific methods such as controlled experiments and statistical tests of clearly stated hypotheses to examine the questions it raises. The conclusion above is properly drawn if which of the following is assumed? (A) If a field of study can conclusively answer the questions it raises, then it is a genuine science. (B) Since parapsychology uses scientific methods, it will produce credible results. (C) Any enterprise that does not use controlled experiments and statistical tests is not genuine science. (D) Any field of study that employs scientific methods is a genuine scientific enterprise. (E) Since parapsychology raises clearly statable questions, they can be tested in controlled experiments.

Answer 158

Find the Assumption > great example of Sufficient vs Necessary conditions Sufficient --> Necessary Sci methods --> Sci enterprise NOT sci enterprise --> NOT sci methods Wrong answer C: > reverse terms: Sci enterprise --> Sci methods So NOT sci methods --> NOT sci enterprise > this is FALSE (there could be OTHER reasons why something might be a sci enterprise) Ans D > Negate: SOME fields of study that employ sci methods are NOT a genuine sci enterprise > weakens the conclusion that parapsychology is a genuine sci enterprise based on the premise that it uses sci methods

Question 159

Among consumers in this country who take cruises regularly, the percentage who chose High Seas’ cruise lines has decreased by 5 percentage points over the past five years. Since High Seas obviously relies on consumers to earn profits, these declines must have had a measurably negative impact on High Seas’ earnings. Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument above? (A) Some trips were cut from the cruise schedule, and they were trips during which ticket sales had historically been sufficient to achieve profitability. (B) There are many more cruise lines in existence today than there were five years ago. (C) The number of people who regularly take cruises has increased significantly over the past five years. (D) Five years ago, High Seas reduced the number of cruises on its annual schedule. (E) High Seas cruises travel to several different destinations

Answer 159

Weaken Causal reasoning MEANING PROBLEM Conclusion: Declines in percentage of cruisers who chose High Seas' cruise lines = negative impact on High Seas' earnings Even though the PERCENT of cruisers who chose High Seas' cruise lines DECLINED, the ACTUAL NUMBER of customers could have REMAINED THE SAME OR INCREASED (depending on the TOTAL # of customers) Ans C NOT D > suggests a reason why there is a decline in the PERCENTAGE of cruisers who chose High Seas' cruise lines > BUT does not provide a strong enough reason to believe that High Seas' earnings were not negatively impacted (costs could have decreased, but did revenue decrease more?) ALSO the stimulus refers only to "consumers in THIS COUNTRY who take cruises regularly" -->what about consumers from OTHER countries (could increase High Seas' earnings)

Question 160

Building a space station, in which astronauts would live for a considerable time, is essential even if the space station project were to contribute no new knowledge about space or Earth that could not otherwise be obtained. For future missions to explore Mars, we will need the medical knowledge that the space station project will give us about the limits of human capacities to live in spacecraft for an extended time. The argument makes the assumption that (A) the exploration of Mars will be carried out by people traveling in spacecraft and not by robots alone (B) the capacities of astronauts are typical of those of ordinary human beings (C) no unforeseen medical problems will arise on the first mission to explore Mars (D) a mission to Mars will be the first of many missions that will explore the solar system (E) living in spaceship for an extended time presents insurmountable medical problems

Answer 160

Find the Assumption C: Need to send astronauts to space to enable future missions on Mars > Why? The project will provide info about the limits of human capacities to live in a spacecraft for an extended time Between A and B: GET THE CONCLUSION RIGHT A is correct --> Sending people to space will help with the future mission to Mars BECAUSE we PLAN ON SENDING HUMANS to mars > Negate: The exploration of Mars will be carried out by ROBOTS alone --> then there is no need to send astronauts to space --> weakens the conclusion NOT B: > Negate: The capacities of astronauts are NOT typical of those of ordinary human beings => we can still determine the LIMITS OF HUMAN CAPACITIES --> does not weaken the conclusion

Question 161

Proponents of the theory of social utilitarianism hold that the value of human capital should bear an inherent relation to its social utility. Although maximizing the value of human capital is both morally defensible and economically praiseworthy, the theory of social utilitarianism has severe practical limitations. If the price of labor were to become a measure of social utility and not of scarcity, the labor market would suffer significant distortions that may well reduce, and not increase, the current level of human capital. The argument proceeds by (A) Questioning a proposed strategy by showing that, if implemented, such a strategy could compromise the very objectives it is trying to achieve. (B) Criticizing a course of action by showing that, even if morally defensible, the end result does not always justify the means necessary to achieve it. (C) Criticizing a strategy by suggesting that there is an alternative way of achieving its proposed advantages without risking a number of serious disadvantages. (D) Conceding that a social policy may have certain ethical advantages that are ultimately outweighed by the impossibility of putting such a policy into effect. (E) Establishing that undesirable consequences result from the adoption of a social policy whose goal is antithetical to the central tenets of a free market economy.

Answer 161

Find the flaw / structure question Identify the CONCLUSION: the theory of social utilitarianism has severe practical limitations Logic: Proponents of theory believe value of human capital (price) should reflect its social utility --> if this were so, the labour market would suffer distortions and decrease the level of human capital --> the theory of social utilitarianism has severe practical limitations, despite its moral and economic benefits Ans A > "questioning" is the correct action > an example is shown (e.g., price of labor) > "very objectives the strategy is trying to achieve" = maximize value of human capital NOT D > no concessions were made about the outweighing of ethical advantages by impossibility > also no mention of the "impossibility" (too extreme), just not practical

Question 162

Scientists studying climate change have found that global warming not only increases the temperature of the planet but also leads, on average, to an earlier arrival of the spring season and a later arrival of the autumn season. Though some argue that this effect on the seasons is advantageous because it increases the length of the summer growing season, leaders of the World Wildlife Fund fear that many animal species will not be able to adapt to the altered season lengths and will thus soon face extinction. Which of the following, if true, provides the best evidence in support of the view held by the leaders of the World Wildlife Fund? (A) When spring arrives earlier than usual, most species of hibernating mammals are forced to emerge from hibernation earlier than usual and to find alternative food sources to supplement their regular diets. (B) As the planet's temperature rises, the average global sea surface temperature also rises, endangering several marine organisms that reside near the sea surface and that can only survive within very narrow temperature windows. (C) Many species of salmon rely on seasonal changes in temperature to signal the start of their annual migrations and will leave their freshwater birthplaces early if spring arrives early; as a result, the populations of several types of freshwater insects consumed by those species of salmon will grow exponentially, infesting thousands of acres of crops on which humans rely. (D) The young of many species of birds and rodents feed exclusively on caterpillars, whose metamorphosis into butterflies is triggered by seasonal changes in temperature. (E) As the length of the summer growing season increases, the amount of carbon emissions produced by humans gradually increases, exacerbating the increase in global temperatures that will likely endanger hundreds of animal species

Answer 162

Strengthen Global warming has elongated the summer season --> WWF fears many animal species won't be able to adapt to the changing seasons --> more extinction Pre-think: What examples would strengthen the conclusion that many animals won't be able to adapt to the CHANGING seasons such that they WILL DIE / GO EXTINCT? Between A and D (understand D fully to get the answer) Ans D: If spring comes earlier, caterpillars will change into butterflies earlier than usual --> leaves many species of birds and rodents left with LESS FOOD --> increases risk of extinction caused by changing season lengths NOT A > while forcing hibernating mammals to emerge from hibernation earlier than usual and find alternative food sources COULD risk extinction, the answer choice does not provide a definitive impact on these hibernating animals (these mammals could find these alternative food sources very easily) > there is NO indication that animals would FAIL to find alternative food sources

Question 163

Which of the following most logically completes the argument? During the 1930s, Roosevelt’s New Deal expanded federal authority by creating several new government agencies designed to administer financial relief to the country, which had been devastated by the 1929 stock market crash and the ensuing economic depression. In the decades following the depression, however, policymakers grew uncomfortable with the amount of power that had been given to the federal government and sought to discontinue many of the agencies created under the New Deal. Although they feared another economic depression, many prominent economists of that time sided with those policymakers, since (A) further expansion of federal authority would hinder economic growth and increase the risk of another economic depression. (B) many agencies created under the New Deal were designed to provide financial relief, not to maintain economic stability. (C) most Americans feared expansion of federal authority more than they feared another economic depression. (D) the power and authority of many agencies created under the New Deal had expanded well beyond the limits defined in their respective agency charters. (E) most policymakers of that time considered federal regulation of the market to be an emergency measure that, as such, should only be temporary

Answer 163

Strengthen (logically complete): Why would ECONOMISTS agree with policymakers that federal government agencies should be discontinued? (Despite fearing another economic depression) > look for an economic-related SHORTCOMING of the agencies Ans B > Economists believe the agencies would not help maintain economic stability NOT A > mentions "further EXPANSION of federal authority" - irrelevant to the discussion of whether or not to DISCONTINUE federal authorities

Question 164

Guillemots are birds of Arctic regions. They feed on fish that gather beneath thin sheets of floating ice, and they nest on nearby land. Guillemots need 80 consecutive snow-free days in a year to raise their chicks, so until average temperatures in the Arctic began to rise recently, the guillemots’ range was limited to the southernmost Arctic coast. Therefore, if the warming continues, the guillemots’ range will probably be enlarged by being extended northward along the coast. Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument? (A) Even if the warming trend continues, there will still be years in which guillemot chicks are killed by an unusually early snow. (B) If the Arctic warming continues, guillemots’ current predators are likely to succeed in extending their own range farther north. (C) Guillemots nest in coastal areas, where temperatures are generally higher than in inland areas. (D) If the Arctic warming continues, much of the thin ice in the southern Arctic will disappear. (E) The fish that guillemots eat are currently preyed on by a wider variety of predators in the southernmost Arctic regions than they are farther north.

Answer 164

Weaken Guillemots feed on fish beneath thin ice, and rest on nearby land --> need 80 consecutive snow free days to raise chicks --> C: if warming continues, the range of guillemots will likely BE ENLARGED (extended northward) Pre-think: Why might guillemot's range NOT BE ENLARGED? NOT B > even though guillemots' current predators will also follow them northward, the conclusion is STILL TRUE (range is enlarged) Ans D > if much of the thin ice in Southern Arctic disappears, then they won't be able to feed on fish ---> guillemots will not be able to expand their habitat

Question 165

In order to maintain the competitive edge our company has gained through extensive research, decades of experience, and development of innovative methods, we must ensure that information security remains a top priority. The information stored on our networks, such as research data, training materials, and company memos, could potentially be very valuable to competitors and foreign governments alike. In order to safeguard this information, we require that all employees adhere to strict password and data encryption policies and complete a training course detailing steps to avoid theft or loss of company-issued physical assets, such as laptops and mobile phones. Employees who fail to comply with those policies and follow the steps described in the training course are compromising the security of the company's intellectual property and will face stern consequences. If the statements above are all true, which of the following can properly be inferred on the basis of them? (A) Competitors and foreign governments might be able to use the company's laptops to access information stored on its networks. (B) Employees who repeatedly fail to comply with the password and data encryption policies will most likely face termination. (C) The company competes, either directly or indirectly, with at least one foreign government. (D) Employees who have not yet completed the training course detailing steps to avoid theft or loss of company issued physical assets are likely to have their laptops or mobile phones stolen. (E) Employees use company issued physical assets, such as laptops and mobile phones, to store research data, training materials, and company memos.

Answer 165

Employees must adhere to strict policies and complete training to prevent theft or loss of laptops and phones  to safeguard information stored on networks (which can be valuable to competitors and foreign governments)  to maintain company’s competitive advantage Ans A: (A) Competitors and foreign governments might be able to use the company's laptops to access information stored on its networks. - Whole purpose of policies and training is to SAFEGUARD COMPANY INFO - Why might the company need training on physical assets? Because the laptops grant ACCESS TO COMPANY INFO - If there was no way for competitors and foreign governments to access info stored on the company’s networks, then the loss or theft of laptops would NOT compromise that information  training course would NOT help company safeguard the information - Keyword is “might” NOT D: (D) Employees who have not yet completed the training course detailing steps to avoid theft or loss of company issued physical assets are likely to have their laptops or mobile phones stolen. - NOTHING in the prompt discusses the likelihood of having laptops/phones stolen (aside from the “compromising the security of the company’s intellectual property”  still not directly related to likelihood) - Perhaps it is very unlikely that employees will have their assets stolen, BEFORE completing the training (with training might simply decreases the already low probability of loss or theft)

Question 166

In their search for Mayan ruins in the jungles of Guatemala, archaeologists have been unable to utilize satellite imagery, which is taken by satellites that orbit 500 or more kilometers above the Earth's surface and cannot penetrate the dense tree canopy of the jungles. However, using new infrared imaging technology, which translates heat signatures into distinct colors, archaeologists have recently been able to discern some Mayan ruins in photographs taken from helicopters flown just above the tree canopy. If scientists can equip satellites with this new infrared imaging technology, the discovery of Mayan ruins in the jungles of Guatemala will surely be expedited. The conclusion above logically depends on each of the following assumptions EXCEPT: (A) All of the Mayan ruins in the jungles of Guatemala have not already been discovered. (B) The new infrared imaging technology is compatible with satellites currently used to photograph the Earth from space. (C) Some of the heat signatures of undiscovered Mayan ruins in the jungles of Guatemala are different from those of the surrounding jungle. (D) The effectiveness of the new infrared imaging technology is not limited to photographs taken at heights just above the tree canopy. (E) Funds will be available to cover the cost of launching at least one satellite with the new infrared imaging technology into orbit.

Answer 166

Ans B Assumptions NOT E - Negate: "funds will be NOT be available to cover the cost of launching at least one satellite with the new infrared imaging technology into orbit" - means that they won't be able to launch special satellite - even if scientists can EQUIP satellites with this new tech, they won't be able to LAUNCH it into orbit --> discovery of Mayan ruins WON'T BE expedited - weakens conclusion B: (B) The new infrared imaging technology is compatible with satellites currently used to photograph the Earth from space. - Negate: "The new infrared imaging technology is NOT compatible with satellites CURRENTLY used to photograph the Earth from space" - conclusion is that 'IF SCIENTISTS CAN EQUIP" satellites with new tech - so even though right now won't be able to equip, if they can still do it (i.e., with different satellites), the conclusion remains true

Question 167

Community spokesperson: As a result of a recent surge of foreclosures, many homes in our town are vacant and falling into disrepair. Property values have already plummeted and, unless preventative action is taken, will likely continue to plummet as panicked residents, fearing a further decline in the value of their homes, begin to leave town. To prevent this snowball effect, the town should encourage potential buyers to purchase the vacant homes by offering special mortgages with low interest rates for the first five years. Which of the following, if true, provides the strongest indication that the plan recommended by the community spokesperson is not likely to achieve its goal? (A) Many of the town's residents have lived in the area for over 20 years and will not want to leave their homes, despite falling property values. (B) There are several other ways to prevent panicked residents from leaving town besides offering special mortgages. (C) Crime rates have risen significantly since the recent surge of foreclosures, making the town a less desirable place to live. (D) Low interest rates will likely attract some buyers who would be unable to make their mortgage payments once the interest rate goes up after the first five years. (E) In order to subsidize the special mortgages offered by lenders as part of the plan, the town would have to cut funding for many community programs.

Answer 167

Weaken Recent surge of foreclosures --> high vacancy rates, decrepit houses and plummeting property values --> caused people to panic and leave --> bad cycle --> to prevent more residents from leaving town, the town should encourage potential buyers to purchase vacant homes by lowering interest rates for the first fives Pre-think: > why won't this plan work? > why might buyers not be enticed by lower interest rates? > why might the bad cycle still continue despite low interest rates? Ans C: (C) Crime rates have risen significantly since the recent surge of foreclosures, making the town a less desirable place to live. > this option presents a counterforce to the spokesperson's plan > even if interest rates decline, potential buyers are unlikely to purchase vacant homes because of high crime raes NOT D: (D) Low interest rates will likely attract some buyers who would be unable to make their mortgage payments once the interest rate goes up after the first five years. > key word is "SOME" (quantifier) > as long as MOST BUYERS are able to make their mortgage payments, the town can fix their problem

Question 168

A study released by a major medical center has found that people who experience a stroke are frequently not treated quickly enough to prevent major complications, such as brain damage and paralysis. Stroke symptoms are similar to those of a heart attack but may pass more quickly, leading victims to believe that there is no need to seek the timely medical treatment required to avoid major long-term complications. As a result of the study, the medical center has implemented a program requiring doctors to review certain educational materials, which explain that stroke victims must immediately seek adequate medical attention when they experience stroke symptoms, with all patients who have risk factors for a stroke. The goal of the program is to reduce the incidence of major complications after a stroke among patients who have risk factors for a stroke. Which of the following, if true, would most significantly limit the extent to which the program meets its goal? (A) Most first-time stroke victims have not been previously diagnosed as having risk factors for a stroke. (B) Stroke symptoms, while readily identifiable by those around stroke victims, are rarely perceived by the stroke victims themselves. (C) Some stroke victims who seek immediate medical attention after a stroke can still experience major complications. (D) All of the information contained in the educational materials has already been readily available on the internet for several years. (E) Because many stroke victims have difficulty moving during and after a stroke, the medical center also provides patients who have risk factors for a stroke with wearable devices that can be used to summon emergency assistance at the push of a button.

Answer 168

Weaken the plan GOAL: to reduce incidence of severe complications after a stroke among patients who have risk factors for a stroke --> by requiring doctors to review educational materials WITH ALL patients who have risk factors for a stroke --> materials explain that patients should seek immediate medical treatment when they experience stroke symptoms NOT A: Most first-time stroke victims have not been previously diagnosed as having risk factors for a stroke. • The program is for patients who HAVE (known) RISK FACTORS for a stroke (vs patients who did NOT have risk factors prior to their first stroke) o I guess the thinking is that those unknown risk factors are not in scope of the plan ANS B: (B) Stroke symptoms, while readily identifiable by those around stroke victims, are rarely perceived by the stroke victims themselves. • Educational materials encourage stroke victims to seek immediate medical attention when they experience stroke symptoms • BUT if stroke victims cannot perceive when they are experiencing such symptoms, the program won’t be as effective

Question 169

The price the government pays for standard weapons purchased from military contractors is determined by a pricing method called “historical costing.” Historical costing allows contractors to protect their profits by adding a percentage increase, based on the current rate of inflation, to the previous year’s contractual price. Which of the following statements, if true, is the best basis for a criticism of historical costing as an economically sound pricing method for military contracts? (A) The government might continue to pay for past inefficient use of funds. (B) The rate of inflation has varied considerably over the past twenty years. (C) The contractual price will be greatly affected by the cost of materials used for the products. (D) Many taxpayers question the amount of money the government spends on military contracts. (E) The pricing method based on historical costing might not encourage the development of innovative weapons.

Answer 169

To protect contractor profits, the government pays for a percentage increase each year to cover cost of inflation to the previous year’s contractual price for military equipment Pre-think: Why might this “historical costing” method NOT be an economically sound pricing method? • What if the historical price was not economically sound? i.e., overpriced to begin with? Between A and E ANS A: (A) The government might continue to pay for past inefficient use of funds. • What if last year’s contract was a BAD DEAL? NOT E: (E) The pricing method based on historical costing might not encourage the development of innovative weapons. • Out of SCOPE – no mention of innovative weapons o Contractors might still have some incentive to innovate and come up with better weapons • Also this passage discusses pricing method for STANDARD weapons