GMAT Critical Reasoning Discussions

1)The Mayor of Newtown: Many dog owners believe that they themselves can train their unruly dogs to develop good, companionable behavior, when in fact many dogs can only be made well-behaved through professional training. In order to protect public safety, either license requirements for dog owners should be raised to a level comparable to that for a driver's license or dog ownership should be banned in Newtown.

Which of the following would be most useful to evaluate the conclusion above?

A The number of dog owners in Newtown who used professional trainers

B The number of injuries caused by dogs in Newtown in the past

C The standard required for residents to get drivers' licenses in Newtown

D The proportion of Newtown residents who own dogs

E The cost of having a dog trained professionally in Newtown



2)Certain oil companies have been called poor corporate citizens because they have opposed government action to limit global warming by undermining scientific research that characterizes the issue as severe. However, these same oil companies have also invested millions of dollars in scientific research to address the long term effects of climate change.

Which of the following best explains the apparent discrepancy in the situation described above?

1 The oil companies only recently began investing in scientific research to address climate change issues.

2 The oil companies prefer to decide for themselves what actions to take as a result of their private research rather than to have certain actions mandated by the government.

3 Last year, the oil companies spent less on climate change research than they had in each of the preceding five years.

4 Scientific research has not produced any definitive results that characterize global warming as a severe problem.

5 The oil companies do not believe that any scientific research related to climate change will ultimately serve their interests.


how did u choose the better option between B and C?? wat is wrong wid C??
dare2 Says
B it is.. explain..


option a) Whether new technology becomes costlier or cheaper after its introduction is irrelevant to the passage

option b) the passage claims that introduction of new advances too soon might backfire with the consequence that consumers feel that they are being pressured. And this option strongly supports the claim hence correct

option c) It is irrelevant

option d)It is close but we are not sure how often new advances are introduced into the market in a year

option e) it is irrelevant

HTH
1)The Mayor of Newtown: Many dog owners believe that they themselves can train their unruly dogs to develop good, companionable behavior, when in fact many dogs can only be made well-behaved through professional training. In order to protect public safety, either license requirements for dog owners should be raised to a level comparable to that for a driver's license or dog ownership should be banned in Newtown.

Which of the following would be most useful to evaluate the conclusion above?

A The number of dog owners in Newtown who used professional trainers

B The number of injuries caused by dogs in Newtown in the past

C The standard required for residents to get drivers' licenses in Newtown

D The proportion of Newtown residents who own dogs

E The cost of having a dog trained professionally in Newtown



2)Certain oil companies have been called poor corporate citizens because they have opposed government action to limit global warming by undermining scientific research that characterizes the issue as severe. However, these same oil companies have also invested millions of dollars in scientific research to address the long term effects of climate change.

Which of the following best explains the apparent discrepancy in the situation described above?

1 The oil companies only recently began investing in scientific research to address climate change issues.

2 The oil companies prefer to decide for themselves what actions to take as a result of their private research rather than to have certain actions mandated by the government.

3 Last year, the oil companies spent less on climate change research than they had in each of the preceding five years.

4 Scientific research has not produced any definitive results that characterize global warming as a severe problem.

5 The oil companies do not believe that any scientific research related to climate change will ultimately serve their interests.


how did u choose the better option between B and C in 1st question?? wat is wrong wid C??
dare2 Says
how did u choose the better option between B and C in 1st question?? wat is wrong wid C??


OA for 1 is B

OE


The center of the argument is the public safety. Author claims in order to protect public safety, license should be created or dogs should be banned. We will be able to evaluate the argument only on basis of the past injuries caused by the dogs.

If we know that dogs in Newtown has created problems in past, then we can agree with the author's argument of issuing license or banning the dog ownership.
1)The Mayor of Newtown: Many dog owners believe that they themselves can train their unruly dogs to develop good, companionable behavior, when in fact many dogs can only be made well-behaved through professional training. In order to protect public safety, either license requirements for dog owners should be raised to a level comparable to that for a driver's license or dog ownership should be banned in Newtown.

Which of the following would be most useful to evaluate the conclusion above?

A The number of dog owners in Newtown who used professional trainers

B The number of injuries caused by dogs in Newtown in the past

C The standard required for residents to get drivers' licenses in Newtown

D The proportion of Newtown residents who own dogs

E The cost of having a dog trained professionally in Newtown



2)Certain oil companies have been called poor corporate citizens because they have opposed government action to limit global warming by undermining scientific research that characterizes the issue as severe. However, these same oil companies have also invested millions of dollars in scientific research to address the long term effects of climate change.

Which of the following best explains the apparent discrepancy in the situation described above?

1 The oil companies only recently began investing in scientific research to address climate change issues.

2 The oil companies prefer to decide for themselves what actions to take as a result of their private research rather than to have certain actions mandated by the government.

3 Last year, the oil companies spent less on climate change research than they had in each of the preceding five years.

4 Scientific research has not produced any definitive results that characterize global warming as a severe problem.

5 The oil companies do not believe that any scientific research related to climate change will ultimately serve their interests.


My take:
1. B 2. B
Please post the OAs.
My take:
1. B 2. B
Please post the OAs.



OA is B for both

1)The Mayor of Newtown: Many dog owners believe that they themselves can train their unruly dogs to develop good, companionable behavior, when in fact many dogs can only be made well-behaved through professional training. In order to protect public safety, either license requirements for dog owners should be raised to a level comparable to that for a driver's license or dog ownership should be banned in Newtown.

Which of the following would be most useful to evaluate the conclusion above?
conclusion = to protect public safety, either license requirements for dog owners should be raised to a level comparable to that for a driver's license or dog ownership should be banned in Newtown.

A The number of dog owners in Newtown who used professional trainers (Serves no good or out of scope. The focus is on owners who do not want a professional)

B The number of injuries caused by dogs in Newtown in the past (relevant - this will help evaluate if the safety is even a concern)

C The standard required for residents to get drivers' licenses in Newtown (concern is public safety not the license level, the alternative is dog ownership be banned in Newtown; could be a choice if B was absent.)

D The proportion of Newtown residents who own dogs (Even if a few do safety is still a concern)

E The cost of having a dog trained professionally in Newtown (out of scope, the author does not care)



2)Certain oil companies have been called poor corporate citizens because they have opposed government action to limit global warming by undermining scientific research that characterizes the issue as severe. However, these same oil companies have also invested millions of dollars in scientific research to address the long term effects of climate change.

Which of the following best explains the apparent discrepancy in the situation described above?

discrepancy = companies have invested millions of dollars in scientific research to address the long term effects of climate change BUT they opposed government action to limit global warming by undermining scientific research that characterizes the issue as severe.
We have to resolve this.

1 The oil companies only recently began investing in scientific research to address climate change issues.(out of scope)

2 The oil companies prefer to decide for themselves what actions to take as a result of their private research rather than to have certain actions mandated by the government. (if true this explains why they do not go with the govt research)

3 Last year, the oil companies spent less on climate change research than they had in each of the preceding five years. (out of scope)

4 Scientific research has not produced any definitive results that characterize global warming as a severe problem. (does not explain the discrepency).

5 The oil companies do not believe that any scientific research related to climate change will ultimately serve their interests. (does not explain the discrepency).

Guys ,

Try this ,
In most economies, the government plays a role in the market system. Governments enforce the rules of the game, impose taxes, and may control prices through price ceilings or price supports. These actions necessarily may create shortages or surpluses. In most developed and interdependent economies, the necessity of the governments playing some role in the economy is disputed.

The author of the passage would probably agree that

A. economic surpluses are alwaysgood.


B. market shortages are a necessary evil.


C. higher prices strengthen the economy.


D. price ceilings add to the shortages.


E. surpluses are not usually created intentionally

Guys ,

Try this ,
In most economies, the government plays a role in the market system. Governments enforce the rules of the game, impose taxes, and may control prices through price ceilings or price supports. These actions necessarily may create shortages or surpluses. In most developed and interdependent economies, the necessity of the governments playing some role in the economy is disputed.

The author of the passage would probably agree that
A. economic surpluses are alwaysgood.
B. market shortages are a necessary evil.
C. higher prices strengthen the economy.
D. price ceilings add to the shortages.

E. surpluses are not usually created intentionally


That was a cool question. My pick is E. A,B, C can be ruled out straight away. D is close, but it is not confirmed in the argument since argument uses the word "MAY".

Arguments starts with "IN most economies, govt play role" meaning there are some economy in which govt doesnt play role for those economies it can be said that "surpluses are not usually created intentionally (by govt)" it may be because of some other reason. (Used Logical opposite Vs polar opposite from bible)...
Guys ,

Try this ,
In most economies, the government plays a role in the market system. Governments enforce the rules of the game, impose taxes, and may control prices through price ceilings or price supports. These actions necessarily may create shortages or surpluses. In most developed and interdependent economies, the necessity of the governments playing some role in the economy is disputed.

The author of the passage would probably agree that

A. economic surpluses are alwaysgood.


B. market shortages are a necessary evil.


C. higher prices strengthen the economy.


D. price ceilings add to the shortages.


E. surpluses are not usually created intentionally


My take is E.
I guess the gist is hidden in the statement "These actions necessarily may create shortages or surpluses". This clearly says that govt plays a role in the market system but the results may be radically opposite, sometimes shortages and at other times surpluses. Thus govt might have tried for something else but the end result was surplus in the market.
Hence "surpluses are not usually created intentionally" is the best pick out of the given options.
Used Logical opposite Vs polar opposite from bible)...


which bible are u talking about. can you please send the link or softcopy. Thanks in advance.
thetimeisnow Says
which bible are u talking about. can you please send the link or softcopy. Thanks in advance.


dude, there is only one bible in the world of CR for GMAT, its powerscore CR bible. search on esnips... its 58 MB file cant send by mail.
Guys ,

Try this ,
In most economies, the government plays a role in the market system. Governments enforce the "rules of the game," impose taxes, and may control prices through price ceilings or price supports. These actions necessarily may create shortages or surpluses. In most developed and interdependent economies, the necessity of the government's playing some role in the economy is disputed.

The author of the passage would probably agree that

A. economic surpluses are alwaysgood.


B. market shortages are a necessary evil.


C. higher prices strengthen the economy.


D. price ceilings add to the shortages.


E. surpluses are not usually created intentionally


A. The author say what is evil and what is not (OOS).
B. Same reason as A.OOS.
C. Cannot conclude what strengthens or weakens.
D. The relationship b/w price ceilings & price supports AND shortages & surpluses has not been made clear.
E. These actions necessarily may create shortages or surpluses : This suggests that its not a direct result hence not intentional. Best Choice.
That was a cool question. My pick is E. A,B, C can be ruled out straight away. D is close, but it is not confirmed in the argument since argument uses the word "MAY".

Arguments starts with "IN most economies, govt play role" meaning there are some economy in which govt doesnt play role for those economies it can be said that "surpluses are not usually created intentionally (by govt)" it may be because of some other reason. (Used Logical opposite Vs polar opposite from bible)...

From where has the above highlighted part come up? You are correct in pointing out the word may but not in the conclusion you have made. Here the Sentence "These actions necessarily may create shortages or surpluses" is used to express that the actions of the govt could have side effects which are "shortages or surpluses" but are not intentional. Its just like medicines can cause some other "benefits" or "problems" BUT they are not intentional. I am not doubting the CR Bible rather I am doubting the usage of the concept here.
Gail.Wynand Says
From where has the above highlighted part come up? You are correct in pointing out the word may but not in the conclusion you have made. Here the Sentence "These actions necessarily may create shortages or surpluses" is used to express that the actions of the govt could have side effects which are "shortages or surpluses" but are not intentional. Its just like medicines can cause some other "benefits" or "problems" BUT they are not intentional. I am not doubting the CR Bible rather I am doubting the usage of the concept here.


Thanks for pointing out. i missed the word "usually" in choice E. faulty logic... but anyway, i could rule out 4 wrong choices, which means i dont need to prove the remaining one right... πŸ˜‰ just kidding...
MissionPGPX Says
Thanks for pointing out. i missed the word "usually" in choice E. faulty logic... but anyway, i could rule out 4 wrong choices, which means i dont need to prove the remaining one right... πŸ˜‰ just kidding...


I will vote for option E.All other ans choices are too strong to be supported by the passage.


-Deepak.
Guys ,

Try this ,
In most economies, the government plays a role in the market system. Governments enforce the rules of the game, impose taxes, and may control prices through price ceilings or price supports. These actions necessarily may create shortages or surpluses. In most developed and interdependent economies, the necessity of the governments playing some role in the economy is disputed.

The author of the passage would probably agree that

A. economic surpluses are alwaysgood.


B. market shortages are a necessary evil.


C. higher prices strengthen the economy.


D. price ceilings add to the shortages.


E. surpluses are not usually created intentionally


OA is E. Sorry dont have OE

Try these, Please also post explanations

4. Total contributions by individuals to political parties were up 25 percent in this most recent presidential election over those of four years earlier. Hence, it is obvious that people are no longer as apathetic as they were, but are taking a greater interest in politics.
Which of the following, if true, would considerable weaken the preceding argument?

A The average contribution per individual actually declined during the same four-year period.
B Per capita income of the population increased by 15 percent during the four years in question.
C Public leaders continue to warn citizens against the dangers of political apathy.
D Contributions made by large corporations to political parties declined during the four-year period.
E Fewer people voted in the most recent presidential election than in the one four years earlier.


7. New Weight Loss Salons invite all of you who are dissatisfied with your present build to join our Exercise for Lunch bunch. Instead of putting on even more weight by eating lunch, you actually cut down on your daily caloric intake by exercising rather than eating. Every single one of us has the potential to be slim and fit, so take the initiative and being losing excess pounds today. Don't eat! Exercise! You'll lose weight and feel stronger, happier, and more attractive.
Which of the following, if true, would weaken the logic of the argument made by this advertisement?

I Most people will experience increased desire for food as a result of the exercise and will lose little weight as a result of enrolling in the program.
II Nutritionists agree that skipping lunch is not a healthy practice.
III In our society, obesity is regarded as unattractive.
IV A person who is too thin is probably not in good health.

A I only
B I and II only
C II and III only
D III and IV only
E I, II and III

18. The single greatest weakness of American parties is their inability to achieve cohesion in the legislature. Although there is some measure of party unity, it is not uncommon for the majority party to be unable to implement important legislation. The unity if strongest during election campaigns: after the primary elections, the losing candidates all promise their support to the party nominee. By the time the Congress convenes, the unity has dissipated. This phenomenon is attributable to the fragmented nature of party politics. The national committees are no more that feudal lords who receive nominal fealty from their vassals. A member of Congress builds power upon a local base. Consequently, a member is likely to be responsive to local special interest groups. Evidence of this is seen in the difference in voting patterns between the upper and lower houses. In the Senate, where terms are longer, there is more party unity.

Which of the following, if true, would most weaken the author's argument?

A Members of Congress receive funds from the national party committee.
B Senators vote against the party leaders only two-thirds as often as House members.
C The primary duty of an officeholder is to be responsive to a local constituency rather than party leaders.
D There is more unity among minority party members than among majority party members.
E Much legislation is passed each session despite party disunity.

19. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT: When you enroll with Future Careers Business Institute (FCBI), you will have access to our placement counselling service. Last year, 92% of our graduates who asked us to help them find jobs found them. So go to FCBI for your future!
Which of the following would be appropriate questions to ask in order to determine the value of the preceding claim?

I How many of your graduates asked FCBI for assistance?
II How many people graduated from FCBI last year?
III Did those people who asked for jobs find ones in the areas for which they were trained?
IV Was FCBI responsible for finding the jobs or did graduates find them independently?

A I and II only
B I, II and III only
C III and IV only
D III and IV only
E I, II, III, and IV.

28. Some judges have allowed hospitals to disconnect life-support equipment of patients who have no prospects for recovery. But I say that is murder. Either we put a stop to this practice now, or we will soon have programs of euthanasia for the old and infirm as well as others who might be considered a burden. Rather than disconnecting life-support equipment, we should let nature take its course.
Which of the following are valid objections to the above argument?

I It is internally inconsistent.
II It employs emotionally charged terms.
III It presents a false dilemma.

A I only
B II only
C III only
D II and III only
E I, II and III

4. Total contributions by individuals to political parties were up 25 percent in this most recent presidential election over those of four years....
The argument is about increasing contribution to political parties and relating that to the increase in interest for the people in politics.

So, we have to find in the arguments which claims that increased funds does not necessarily mean active interest in politics. The closest possible option would be

A The average contribution per individual actually declined during the same four-year period.

This will considerably weaken the argument of active interest in politics as it says that though funds increased average decreased and more the no. of voters and less is the contribution towards political parties.

7. New Weight Loss Salons invite all of you who are dissatisfied with your present build to join our Exercise for Lunch bunch. Instead....

The ad is about excess weight and to weaken the argument something that would increase the weight or suggest the view of health care officials would be of any help.

I Most people will experience increased desire for food as a result of the exercise and will lose little weight as a result of enrolling in the program.
II Nutritionists agree that skipping lunch is not a healthy practice.
18. The single greatest weakness of American parties is their inability to achieve cohesion in the legislature. Although there is some....
E
19. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT: When you enroll with Future Careers Business Institute (FCBI), you will have access to our placement....

B
28. Some judges have allowed hospitals to disconnect life-support equipment of patients who have no prospects for recovery...

B


I will post the explanations in the later posts... Please post OAs









B I and II only
Try these, Please also post explanations

4. Total contributions by individuals to political parties were up 25 percent in this most recent presidential election over those of four years earlier. Hence, it is obvious that people are no longer as apathetic as they were, but are taking a greater interest in politics.
Which of the following, if true, would considerable weaken the preceding argument?

A The average contribution per individual actually declined during the same four-year period.
B Per capita income of the population increased by 15 percent during the four years in question.
C Public leaders continue to warn citizens against the dangers of political apathy.
D Contributions made by large corporations to political parties declined during the four-year period.
E Fewer people voted in the most recent presidential election than in the one four years earlier.(possible coz % is given in stem but its number here.. also weakens the stem the most)

7. New Weight Loss Salons invite all of you who are dissatisfied with your present build to join our Exercise for Lunch bunch. Instead of putting on even more weight by eating lunch, you actually cut down on your daily caloric intake by exercising rather than eating. Every single one of us has the potential to be slim and fit, so take the initiative and being losing excess pounds today. Don't eat! Exercise! You'll lose weight and feel stronger, happier, and more attractive.
Which of the following, if true, would weaken the logic of the argument made by this advertisement?

I Most people will experience increased desire for food as a result of the exercise and will lose little weight as a result of enrolling in the program.
II Nutritionists agree that skipping lunch is not a healthy practice.
III In our society, obesity is regarded as unattractive.
IV A person who is too thin is probably not in good health.

A I only
B I and II only((III supports.. so eliminated C,D,E. II weakens the stem most.. n this is da only option which fits
C II and III only
D III and IV only
E I, II and III

18. The single greatest weakness of American parties is their inability to achieve cohesion in the legislature. Although there is some measure of party unity, it is not uncommon for the majority party to be unable to implement important legislation. The unity if strongest during election campaigns: after the primary elections, the losing candidates all promise their support to the party nominee. By the time the Congress convenes, the unity has dissipated. This phenomenon is attributable to the fragmented nature of party politics. The national committees are no more that feudal lords who receive nominal fealty from their vassals. A member of Congress builds power upon a local base. Consequently, a member is likely to be responsive to local special interest groups. Evidence of this is seen in the difference in voting patterns between the upper and lower houses. In the Senate, where terms are longer, there is more party unity.

Which of the following, if true, would most weaken the author's argument?

A Members of Congress receive funds from the national party committee.
B Senators vote against the party leaders only two-thirds as often as House members.
C The primary duty of an officeholder is to be responsive to a local constituency rather than party leaders.
D There is more unity among minority party members than among majority party members.
E Much legislation is passed each session despite party disunity.
19. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT: When you enroll with Future Careers Business Institute (FCBI), you will have access to our placement counselling service. Last year, 92% of our graduates who asked us to help them find jobs found them. So go to FCBI for your future!
Which of the following would be appropriate questions to ask in order to determine the value of the preceding claim?

I How many of your graduates asked FCBI for assistance?
II How many people graduated from FCBI last year?
III Did those people who asked for jobs find ones in the areas for which they were trained?
IV Was FCBI responsible for finding the jobs or did graduates find them independently?

A I and II only
B I, II and III only
C III and IV only
D III and IV only

E I, II, III, and IV.

28. Some judges have allowed hospitals to disconnect life-support equipment of patients who have no prospects for recovery. But I say that is murder. Either we put a stop to this practice now, or we will soon have programs of euthanasia for the old and infirm as well as others who might be considered a burden. Rather than disconnecting life-support equipment, we should let nature take its course.
Which of the following are valid objections to the above argument?

I It is internally inconsistent.
II It employs emotionally charged terms.
III It presents a false dilemma.

A I only
B II only
C III only
D II and III only
E I, II and III


answers in red.. quite difficult ones i guess..