GMAT Critical Reasoning Discussions

In the united states, of the people who moved from one state to another when they retired, the percentage who retired to Florida has decreased by three percentage points over the past ten years. Since many local businesses in Florida cater to retirees, these declines are likely to have a noticeably negative economic effect on these businesses and therefore on the economy of Florida.
Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument given?
(A) People who moved from one state to another when they retired moved a greater distance, on average, last year than such people did ten years ago.
(B) People were more likely to retire to North Carolina from another state last year than people were ten years ago.
(C) The number of people who moved from one state to another when they retired has increased significantly over the past ten years.
(D) The number of people who left Florida when they retired to live in another state was greater last year than it was ten years ago.
(E) Florida attracts more people who move from one state to another when they retire than does any other state.

my take :Opt C, because the argument assumes the no. of people moved when they retire remains constant, then only argument of lower retirees having negative economic effect remains valid. C, on the other hand attacks this argument by stating enough tough percentage points decreased, due to significantly increase in retirees, the actual no. may still be higher and the business may not get affected

can we have OA and any other reasoning, pl....?

Here's one from my side, pl ignore if already discussed.

Vervet monkeys use different alarm calls to warn each other of nearby predators, depending on whether the
danger comes from land or from the air. Which one of the following, if true, contributes most to an explanation of
the behavior of vervet monkeys described above?

A. By varying the pitch of its alarm call, a vervet monkey can indicate the number of predators approaching.
B. Different land-based predators are responsible for different numbers of vervet monkey deaths.
C. No predators that pose a danger to vervet monkeys can attack both from land and from the air.
D. Vervet monkeys avoid land-based predators by climbing trees but avoid predation from the air by diving into
foliage.
E. Certain land-based predators feed only on vervet monkeys, whereas every predator that attacks vervet monkeys
from the air feeds on many different animals.

Raisins are made by drying grapes in the sun. Although some of the sugar in the grapes is caramelized in the process, nothing is added. Moreover, the only thing removed from the grapes is the water that evaporates during the drying, and water contains no calories or nutrients. The fact that raisins contain more iron per calorie than grapes do is thus puzzling.
Which one of the following, if true, most helps to explain why raisins contain more iron per calorie than do grapes?


A. Since grapes are bigger than raisins, it takes several bunches of grapes to provide the same amount of iron as a
handful of raisins does.
B. Caramelized sugar cannot be digested, so its calories do not count toward the calorie content of raisins.
C. The body can absorb iron and other nutrients more quickly from grapes than from raisins because of the relatively
high water content of grapes.
D. Raisins, but not grapes, are available year- round, so many people get a greater share of their yearly iron intake
from raisins than from grapes.
E. Raisins are often eaten in combination with other iron-containing foods, while grapes are usually eaten by themselves

Vervet monkeys use different alarm calls to warn each other of nearby predators, depending on whether the
danger comes from land or from the air. Which one of the following, if true, contributes most to an explanation of
the behavior of vervet monkeys described above?
A. By varying the pitch of its alarm call, a vervet monkey can indicate the number of predators approaching.
B. Different land-based predators are responsible for different numbers of vervet monkey deaths.
C. No predators that pose a danger to vervet monkeys can attack both from land and from the air.
D. Vervet monkeys avoid land-based predators by climbing trees but avoid predation from the air by diving into
foliage.
E. Certain land-based predators feed only on vervet monkeys, whereas every predator that attacks vervet monkeys
from the air feeds on many different animals.




My take is
Option A: talks about number or predators so ruled out
option B: irrelevant
option E: irrelevant
option C: close but you cannot be sure that no one can attack them
so i will go with option D
Raisins are made by drying grapes in the sun. Although some of the sugar in the grapes is caramelized in the process, nothing is added. Moreover, the only thing removed from the grapes is the water that evaporates during the drying, and water contains no calories or nutrients. The fact that raisins contain more iron per calorie than grapes do is thus puzzling.
Which one of the following, if true, most helps to explain why raisins contain more iron per calorie than do grapes?


A. Since grapes are bigger than raisins, it takes several bunches of grapes to provide the same amount of iron as a
handful of raisins does.
B. Caramelized sugar cannot be digested, so its calories do not count toward the calorie content of raisins.
C. The body can absorb iron and other nutrients more quickly from grapes than from raisins because of the relatively
high water content of grapes.
D. Raisins, but not grapes, are available year- round, so many people get a greater share of their yearly iron intake
from raisins than from grapes.
E. Raisins are often eaten in combination with other iron-containing foods, while grapes are usually eaten by themselves


My take
Option A: As water evaporates from grapes, only calories are left so a small amount of raisin can provide enough calorie as compared to grapes.

Tell me if I am wrong.

IMO D

A. There is no discussion about the number of predators
B. It talks only about the Land based predators, cannot judge what the air predators do
C.This could have been an option, but at this point we are only concerned about the exisiting land and air predators
E.Does not contribute to the reasoning

Here's one from my side, pl ignore if already discussed.

Vervet monkeys use different alarm calls to warn each other of nearby predators, depending on whether the
danger comes from land or from the air. Which one of the following, if true, contributes most to an explanation of
the behavior of vervet monkeys described above?
A. By varying the pitch of its alarm call, a vervet monkey can indicate the number of predators approaching.
B. Different land-based predators are responsible for different numbers of vervet monkey deaths.
C. No predators that pose a danger to vervet monkeys can attack both from land and from the air.
D. Vervet monkeys avoid land-based predators by climbing trees but avoid predation from the air by diving into
foliage.
E. Certain land-based predators feed only on vervet monkeys, whereas every predator that attacks vervet monkeys
from the air feeds on many different animals.

IMO B

B. We are talking about more Iron PER calorie, since the calories of Caramalised sugar is not counted in the calorie content of the raisins, the iron per calorie count is more in raisin than grapes.

Raisins are made by drying grapes in the sun. Although some of the sugar in the grapes is caramelized in the process, nothing is added. Moreover, the only thing removed from the grapes is the water that evaporates during the drying, and water contains no calories or nutrients. The fact that raisins contain more iron per calorie than grapes do is thus puzzling.
Which one of the following, if true, most helps to explain why raisins contain more iron per calorie than do grapes?

A. Since grapes are bigger than raisins, it takes several bunches of grapes to provide the same amount of iron as a
handful of raisins does.
B. Caramelized sugar cannot be digested, so its calories do not count toward the calorie content of raisins.
C. The body can absorb iron and other nutrients more quickly from grapes than from raisins because of the relatively
high water content of grapes.
D. Raisins, but not grapes, are available year- round, so many people get a greater share of their yearly iron intake
from raisins than from grapes.
E. Raisins are often eaten in combination with other iron-containing foods, while grapes are usually eaten by themselves

here are the official answers:
1. Vervet monkeys use different alarm calls to warn each other of nearby predators, depending on whether the
danger comes from land or from the air. Which one of the following, if true, contributes most to an explanation of
the behavior of vervet monkeys described above?

The correct answer choice is (D).
Because vervet monkeys react
to predators in different ways, they would need to know if the predator was
coming by land or air. Hence, the different calls are used to tell the monkeys
whether they should climb trees or dive into the foliage. Since this answer
explains the behavior of vervet monkeys, this answer is correct


2. Raisins are made by drying grapes in the sun. Although some of the sugar in the grapes is caramelized in the
process, nothing is added. Moreover, the only thing removed from the grapes is the water that evaporates during
the drying, and water contains no calories or nutrients. The fact that raisins contain more iron per calorie than
grapes do is thus puzzling. Which one of the following, if true, most helps to explain why raisins contain more iron
per calorie than do grapes?

The correct answer choice is (B).
The paradox in the stimulus is that raisins
contain more iron per calorie than grapes even though the two are almost
identical in composition. But there is a difference: some of the sugar in
grapes is caramelized as the grapes are dried in the sun. Since this is the
only stated difference between the two that could affect the calorie count
(water has no calories), you should focus on an answer that discusses this
difference.
as in (B), If the iron content in the raisins and grapes is
identical, but raisins have fewer calories for counting purposes, then the iron
per calorie will be higher for raisins.


Hope it helps

Thanks
Dipak Haridas

cognizant_81 Says
@dipak good work hope you post more such Qs:thumbsup:

thnx buddy...u too doing wonderful work..
n btw congrats u n all puys out ther on sensational victory over Pakistan... truly once in a lifetime moment... (sorry for spamming :))

hi..friends...i am stucking in some problems where i have to conclude among two bold faced parts in different sentences in the argument....can anybody give some idea to approach such type of problems..

casmba Says
hi..friends...i am stucking in some problems where i have to conclude among two bold faced parts in different sentences in the argument....can anybody give some idea to approach such type of problems..


If the question is about finding the better conclusion between the two bold statements, then if X and Y are two statements and X, therefore Y seems more logical, then Y is the conclusion or vice versa.

I hope i understood what you wanted to ask.

The people of Prohibitionland are considering banning the service of alcoholic beverages in restaurants to curb unruly behavior on the part of its residents. Proprietors of restaurants in Prohibitionland are protesting the ban on the grounds that it will reduce their revenues and profits. However, several provinces in Prohibitionland enacted restrictions on alcoholic beverages last year, and the sales taxes paid by the restaurants in those provinces rose by an average of 50 percent. In contrast, the sales taxes paid by restaurants located in areas of Prohibitionland that did not have any restrictions rose by an average of 30 percent.

Which of the following, if true, supports the restaurant proprietors' economic stance against the ban?

a. In the provinces that restricted alcoholic beverages, there was a short-term negative impact on restaurant visitation in the beginning of last year.
b. The sales tax in Prohibitionland is lower on food and beverages than it is on other consumer goods, such as clothing.
c. The consumption of alcoholic beverages in Prohibitionland has been on a gradual decline the last 20 years.
d. The restrictions on alcoholic beverages enacted last year allowed for the service of drinks beginning around dinnertime each evening.
e. Overall sales tax revenue did not increase at a substantially higher rate in the provinces that enacted the restrictions on alcoholic beverages than in the rest of Prohibitionland last year.

Please explain the answer as well.

The people of Prohibitionland are considering banning the service of alcoholic beverages in restaurants to curb unruly behavior on the part of its residents. Proprietors of restaurants in Prohibitionland are protesting the ban on the grounds that it will reduce their revenues and profits. However, several provinces in Prohibitionland enacted restrictions on alcoholic beverages last year, and the sales taxes paid by the restaurants in those provinces rose by an average of 50 percent. In contrast, the sales taxes paid by restaurants located in areas of Prohibitionland that did not have any restrictions rose by an average of 30 percent.

Which of the following, if true, supports the restaurant proprietors economic stance against the ban?

a. In the provinces that restricted alcoholic beverages, there was a short-term negative impact on restaurant visitation in the beginning of last year.
b. The sales tax in Prohibitionland is lower on food and beverages than it is on other consumer goods, such as clothing.
c. The consumption of alcoholic beverages in Prohibitionland has been on a gradual decline the last 20 years.
d. The restrictions on alcoholic beverages enacted last year allowed for the service of drinks beginning around dinnertime each evening.
e. Overall sales tax revenue did not increase at a substantially higher rate in the provinces that enacted the restrictions on alcoholic beverages than in the rest of Prohibitionland last year.

Please explain the answer as well.


I am confused between A and D.

B and E seem to be irrelevant. C actually weakens the the statement.

Heres what i think abt A and D

A => if there was a short-term negative impact at the beginning of last year the relative rise in sales tax revenue can be explained. It can also be argued that if the sale of alcoholic beverages had not been restricted, the revenue would have been higher... so this could be a potential answer.

D => this says that there was a restriction and not a ban. thus, the profit could have been because of larger sales in alcohol post dinner time.

What is the OA?
The people of Prohibitionland are considering banning the service of alcoholic beverages in restaurants to curb unruly behavior on the part of its residents. Proprietors of restaurants in Prohibitionland are protesting the ban on the grounds that it will reduce their revenues and profits. However, several provinces in Prohibitionland enacted restrictions on alcoholic beverages last year, and the sales taxes paid by the restaurants in those provinces rose by an average of 50 percent. In contrast, the sales taxes paid by restaurants located in areas of Prohibitionland that did not have any restrictions rose by an average of 30 percent.

Which of the following, if true, supports the restaurant proprietors' economic stance against the ban?

a. In the provinces that restricted alcoholic beverages, there was a short-term negative impact on restaurant visitation in the beginning of last year.
b. The sales tax in Prohibitionland is lower on food and beverages than it is on other consumer goods, such as clothing.
c. The consumption of alcoholic beverages in Prohibitionland has been on a gradual decline the last 20 years.
d. The restrictions on alcoholic beverages enacted last year allowed for the service of drinks beginning around dinnertime each evening.
e. Overall sales tax revenue did not increase at a substantially higher rate in the provinces that enacted the restrictions on alcoholic beverages than in the rest of Prohibitionland last year.

Please explain the answer as well.

My take is D...

People must have gone in those restaurants where it was allowed at dinner time atleast rather than going to a place where it was totally banned ......
I am confused between A and D.

B and E seem to be irrelevant. C actually weakens the the statement.

Heres what i think abt A and D

A => if there was a short-term negative impact at the beginning of last year the relative rise in sales tax revenue can be explained. It can also be argued that if the sale of alcoholic beverages had not been restricted, the revenue would have been higher... so this could be a potential answer.

D => this says that there was a restriction and not a ban. thus, the profit could have been because of larger sales in alcohol post dinner time.

What is the OA?


OA is D. A is incorrect as even though there was a short term negative impact in the beginning of the year, it would not be a strong point to assume that this short term impact would influence the revenue for the entire year.

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.

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.


My take is (b)
icon_guy Says
My take is (b)


Why B? Please explain. If media discloses plans about the release of a new products while the sales of the older version is still strong, will it not negatively impact the company as people will stop buying the older version? Why would the company base its argument on this?
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.


Pardon me for jumping in like this...
My take is (A).
(B) as discussed seems to be the exact opposite of what is needed, (C) seems irrelevant, as someone who is confused about which is better will stay confused irrespective of the timing of the launch, (D) and (E) seem irrelevant too....
Comments plz..
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.

My Take is C ...

Since Many consumeres are not sure if the new technology is better so they might keep on buying the products made by old technology and hence the sales of the new technology might get affected.