Cell phone technology has progressed more quickly than almost anyone could have predicted. Only fifteen years ago was it even conceivable that handheld devices might be able to both store large amounts of data and access the internet. Yet, just a few years later, cell phones accomplish both of these things and are readily accessible to the public. While technology usually advances at predictable, moderate speed, advancements during some periods are so rapid as to be truly remarkable. The development of the cell phone provides an example of just such a time.

The author of the argument is most likely to agree with which of the following?

Physical trainer: Exercise is one of the most important parts of one's day. Many people are aware that 30 minutes of exercise lowers the heart rate, burns calories, and strengthens muscles. Many people, however, do not know that 30 minutes of exercise can also provide the benefits of elevating a person's metabolism and increasing productivity at work or school.

John: I'm sure exercise is one way of losing weight, but there are other ways.  As a result, burning calories is an insignificant benefit of exercise.

John and the physical trainer most likely disagree about which of the following statements?

Jeans have been a staple of fashion for many decades. They may have remained fashionable for so long because they are durable, comfortable, and easy to maintain.  It seems unlikely that any one of these factors alone could account for the popularity of jeans.  After all, many articles of clothing have gone out of style even though they were comfortable.  The same can be said of clothing items that were durable and clothing that was easy to maintain.

With which of the following would the author most likely agree?

Teacher: Textbooks are just not effective for teaching some subjects to children.  They don't take an interest in the topics, don't really understand them, and certainly won't remember them long term.  To solve these problems we need to regularly take students to museums.  Textbooks aren't a good option anymore.

Principal: It does seem that students are often distracted in the classroom.  However, there are alternatives to textbooks that do not involve taking students to museums.  Documentaries, for instance, can be an effective learning tool.

The teacher and principal are most likely to disagree about which of the following statements?

For about thirty years, government intelligence departments have spent resources equally between domestic and foreign activities. For about the same amount of time, intelligence departments have conducted covert operations in addition to intelligence gathering. This conduct has raised public concern that intelligence departments wield too much authority. In the end, though, domestic spending and covert operations may be simply a consequence of ineptness.

The author of the argument is most likely to agree with which of the following?

Director of the transportation department: We could save money over the next few years by closing lanes on highways and deferring repairs. The cost savings would be well worth the moderate increase in traffic jams. The roads will eventually need to be repaired, but the department could stay within budget over the next several years, which should be a top priority. If we continue to overspend, we may face a financial disaster.

Deputy Director: Closing road lanes would lead not only to a considerable increase in traffic jams but would also lead to increased accidents and death. That said, we’ve explored other options and closing the lanes seems to be our only viable plan to save money, and there is no question that we must accomplish that.

The Director and Deputy Director most likely disagree about whether?

Director: The most influential movie in history is likely Orson Welles’ classic Citizen Kane.  No other single film has helped so many filmmakers in their craft.  Indeed, a recent study showed that nearly 85% of modern films implemented at least one filmmaking technique pioneered by Citizen Kane.  The film was especially noteworthy in its cinematography, its use of multiple narrators in storytelling, and in its use of music to set a scene.

In evaluating the director’s argument it would be most helpful to know whether

Reporter: News agencies are trying to determine how to adapt to the modern technology age.  Should they continue to promote old media outlets, incorporate news programs into social media, or develop an altogether new approach to breaking news stories?

News anchor: The discussion is not entirely open for debate.  While there are some decisions still to be made, it is difficult to see any plausible new approach outside of social media.

The reporter and news anchor most likely disagree about whether?

Jane: Nowadays 3D effects are seen as a distracting gimmick that most people no longer appreciate.  The recent trend toward producing more 3D movies is not a good financial strategy for movie studios.  In fact, I and my friends refuse to attend movies in 3D, and I know many others that feel the same way.

Bill: But you fail to take into account the fact that 3D ticket prices are higher than 2D ticket prices.  The difference in price offsets the lower attendance at 3D movies.  I, for one, appreciate having the choice between 2D and 3D films.

The dialogue provides the most support for the claim that Jane and Bill disagree about whether

Employee 1: I am considering resigning and obtaining other available work.  I do not have any disputes with my employers and enjoy my coworkers, but the benefits are less than they were, the hours are longer, and the work has become tedious.  Many of my friends are satisfied with their jobs and employment openings are advertised everywhere.

Employee 2: I have also considered resigning. I stay because I am risk averse. Sure, this job has downsides, but our benefits here are above average and I might resign only to ask for my job again because other jobs are unavailable.

The employees are most likely to disagree about whether: