Critical Reasoning - GMAT Verbal
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Capital punishment needs to be enacted more widely. Today’s criminals know that the appeals process can drag on indefinitely and that executions are becoming increasingly rare. Is it any wonder that our prisons are so overcrowded? Criminals know that their odds of facing the death penalty are the lowest in history.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
Capital punishment needs to be enacted more widely. Today’s criminals know that the appeals process can drag on indefinitely and that executions are becoming increasingly rare. Is it any wonder that our prisons are so overcrowded? Criminals know that their odds of facing the death penalty are the lowest in history.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
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The argument assumes that knowledge of the death penalty’s certain application will deter criminals from breaking the law. In order for this to be true, it is necessary for criminals to rationally calculate the costs and benefits of their actions. This directly contradicts the assertion that the death penalty has never worked. Observations about the appeals process, the financial costs of incarceration and the failure of rehabilitation all support the main point, but are subordinate to the author’s primary focus on deterrence.
The argument assumes that knowledge of the death penalty’s certain application will deter criminals from breaking the law. In order for this to be true, it is necessary for criminals to rationally calculate the costs and benefits of their actions. This directly contradicts the assertion that the death penalty has never worked. Observations about the appeals process, the financial costs of incarceration and the failure of rehabilitation all support the main point, but are subordinate to the author’s primary focus on deterrence.
The business model of internet cafes is no longer capable of success in the United States. This is because the availability of internet has skyrocketed over the past several years. Free wifi is offered in most major coffee shops and stores. Additionally, Americans have mobile devices with plans that provide them with internet access. For those without devices, public libraries also provide computers offering internet access, free of charge.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
The business model of internet cafes is no longer capable of success in the United States. This is because the availability of internet has skyrocketed over the past several years. Free wifi is offered in most major coffee shops and stores. Additionally, Americans have mobile devices with plans that provide them with internet access. For those without devices, public libraries also provide computers offering internet access, free of charge.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
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The correct answer is:
Internet cafes do not offer any other services, aside from online access, that would enable them to be profitable.
The crux of the argument is that internet cafes are not successful because the service that they offer -- online access -- is now made available for free by other outlets. However, this argument depends on the assumption that internet cafes do NOT offer any other services that would make them profitable -- such as a community base that would attract clients, or food and beverages that consumers would be interested in buying.
The correct answer is:
Internet cafes do not offer any other services, aside from online access, that would enable them to be profitable.
The crux of the argument is that internet cafes are not successful because the service that they offer -- online access -- is now made available for free by other outlets. However, this argument depends on the assumption that internet cafes do NOT offer any other services that would make them profitable -- such as a community base that would attract clients, or food and beverages that consumers would be interested in buying.
Landline telephone sales are declining and will no longer exist in a few decades. This is because almost everyone has cellular service or is able to rely on computer systems for their personal needs. Even in workplaces, landlines are becoming obsolete.
The argument depends on which of the following?
Landline telephone sales are declining and will no longer exist in a few decades. This is because almost everyone has cellular service or is able to rely on computer systems for their personal needs. Even in workplaces, landlines are becoming obsolete.
The argument depends on which of the following?
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The argument is based on the premise that landlines are either used for personal or business uses, and that no third use exists for them. Therefore, in order for the argument to hold water, there is an assumption that:Landlines will no longer be necessary for any reason aside from personal or business communication.
The argument is based on the premise that landlines are either used for personal or business uses, and that no third use exists for them. Therefore, in order for the argument to hold water, there is an assumption that:Landlines will no longer be necessary for any reason aside from personal or business communication.
Political partisanship is now so out of control that it has irreparably harmed the normal functioning of government. This situation has been created by zealots on both ends of the political spectrum. Our nation’s founders would surely be horrified by this disastrous, new state of affairs.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
Political partisanship is now so out of control that it has irreparably harmed the normal functioning of government. This situation has been created by zealots on both ends of the political spectrum. Our nation’s founders would surely be horrified by this disastrous, new state of affairs.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
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The argument assumes that functioning government existed in the past and that the current situation is unprecedented. Attributing blame to one particular party directly contradicts the author. Similarly, the idea that government can never get anything done is at odds with the premise that normal, functioning government actually is possible. Furthermore, the patriotism of the nation’s founders is not relevant to the argument. In addition, the author neither states nor implies anything about what will happen in the future. Only the correct answer reflects the author’s view that the current situation is an aberration.
The argument assumes that functioning government existed in the past and that the current situation is unprecedented. Attributing blame to one particular party directly contradicts the author. Similarly, the idea that government can never get anything done is at odds with the premise that normal, functioning government actually is possible. Furthermore, the patriotism of the nation’s founders is not relevant to the argument. In addition, the author neither states nor implies anything about what will happen in the future. Only the correct answer reflects the author’s view that the current situation is an aberration.
Traditional print journalism is dying. The proliferation of online and cable news sources makes it easy for readers to bypass newspapers and magazines. Since most publications generate advertising revenue based on their circulation, this decline in readership will be fatal to the print journalism industry.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
Traditional print journalism is dying. The proliferation of online and cable news sources makes it easy for readers to bypass newspapers and magazines. Since most publications generate advertising revenue based on their circulation, this decline in readership will be fatal to the print journalism industry.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
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The argument assumes that declining readership, which leads to declining advertising revenue, makes it financially impossible for newspapers and magazines to survive. This can only be true if there are no other sources of revenue to offset these losses. Arguments about which news source is better are irrelevant since the author does not address the issue of quality. Similarly, the First Amendment argument is irrelevant since freedom of the press deals with political expression rather than business viability, which is the author’s main concern.
The argument assumes that declining readership, which leads to declining advertising revenue, makes it financially impossible for newspapers and magazines to survive. This can only be true if there are no other sources of revenue to offset these losses. Arguments about which news source is better are irrelevant since the author does not address the issue of quality. Similarly, the First Amendment argument is irrelevant since freedom of the press deals with political expression rather than business viability, which is the author’s main concern.
Though it has held true for more than half a century, the predictive maxim known as Moore’s Law, which famously supposes that the processing power of computer chips will double approximately every two years, will almost certainly fail to hold in the next ten years. Plainly, the only way to ensure that processing power continues to increase at the predicted rate would be either to continue to reduce the size of the transistors that are the source of all chips’ processing power or to fit additional transistors onto each chip. The former is impossible, as the fundamental barrier to further transistor miniaturization, the size of the atoms of silicon of which the transistors are composed, will be reached in but five years’ time, perhaps less. Since reducing the size between chips is similarly constrained by this atomic barrier; thus, the only realistic hope of substantially increasing transistor density that remains is the “sandwiching” of chip components, the further layering of transistor atop transistor. While transistor layering is integral to modern chip design, it, too, is unlikely to develop swiftly enough for the hoped for doubling of processing power to materialize. Sadly, Mr. Moore’s much vaunted prediction will not last the decade.
In the argument given above, the two underlined portions play which of the following roles?
Though it has held true for more than half a century, the predictive maxim known as Moore’s Law, which famously supposes that the processing power of computer chips will double approximately every two years, will almost certainly fail to hold in the next ten years. Plainly, the only way to ensure that processing power continues to increase at the predicted rate would be either to continue to reduce the size of the transistors that are the source of all chips’ processing power or to fit additional transistors onto each chip. The former is impossible, as the fundamental barrier to further transistor miniaturization, the size of the atoms of silicon of which the transistors are composed, will be reached in but five years’ time, perhaps less. Since reducing the size between chips is similarly constrained by this atomic barrier; thus, the only realistic hope of substantially increasing transistor density that remains is the “sandwiching” of chip components, the further layering of transistor atop transistor. While transistor layering is integral to modern chip design, it, too, is unlikely to develop swiftly enough for the hoped for doubling of processing power to materialize. Sadly, Mr. Moore’s much vaunted prediction will not last the decade.
In the argument given above, the two underlined portions play which of the following roles?
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The presence of underlined portions always indicate that the test maker is interested in the relationship between two different parts of the argument. This argument is somewhat complicated, but essentially follows this form: A & B are the only ways to do C. A is impossible. B could itself be accomplished in two ways, D & E. D is impossible and E is unlikely. Therefore, it’s likely that C will not occur. The second bolded statement is thus the argument’s conclusion, the first bolded statement is part of the evidence that the all the possibilities are either impossible or unlikely.
The prediction made elsewhere is that transistor layering is unlikely to develop swiftly enough. This, with the claim in the first bolded statement would support the conclusion.
The presence of underlined portions always indicate that the test maker is interested in the relationship between two different parts of the argument. This argument is somewhat complicated, but essentially follows this form: A & B are the only ways to do C. A is impossible. B could itself be accomplished in two ways, D & E. D is impossible and E is unlikely. Therefore, it’s likely that C will not occur. The second bolded statement is thus the argument’s conclusion, the first bolded statement is part of the evidence that the all the possibilities are either impossible or unlikely.
The prediction made elsewhere is that transistor layering is unlikely to develop swiftly enough. This, with the claim in the first bolded statement would support the conclusion.
Comic books are no longer just for children. They deal with adult themes like government surveillance, terrorism, sexuality, religion, conformity and repression. Although costumed heroes, villains and super powers populate the medium, stories are told in more realistic settings and characters deal with more realistic problems. For this reason, the notion that comic books are merely juvenile, escapist fare is no longer true, if it ever actually was.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
Comic books are no longer just for children. They deal with adult themes like government surveillance, terrorism, sexuality, religion, conformity and repression. Although costumed heroes, villains and super powers populate the medium, stories are told in more realistic settings and characters deal with more realistic problems. For this reason, the notion that comic books are merely juvenile, escapist fare is no longer true, if it ever actually was.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
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The argument assumes that the reason for the appeal of comic books beyond their traditional base of young readers has been the introduction of mature themes. The author expresses no opinion about whether or not this is a good thing. And while it may be true that costumed heroes and villains are inherently appealing to children, this does not relate to the broader appeal of comic books to older readers. Finally, the widespread introduction of comic book characters into movies and television relates to the form of media rather than the age of the audience, which is the author’s main point.
The argument assumes that the reason for the appeal of comic books beyond their traditional base of young readers has been the introduction of mature themes. The author expresses no opinion about whether or not this is a good thing. And while it may be true that costumed heroes and villains are inherently appealing to children, this does not relate to the broader appeal of comic books to older readers. Finally, the widespread introduction of comic book characters into movies and television relates to the form of media rather than the age of the audience, which is the author’s main point.
Our collective obsession with celebrities and entertainment news is ruining this country. As a nation, we face daunting political, economic, social and environmental problems that threaten our existence. Instead of dealing with these problems, we instead focus on the minute details of even the most minor celebrities. How can we prepare for the challenges of the future when we’re so obsessed with trivia of the present?
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
Our collective obsession with celebrities and entertainment news is ruining this country. As a nation, we face daunting political, economic, social and environmental problems that threaten our existence. Instead of dealing with these problems, we instead focus on the minute details of even the most minor celebrities. How can we prepare for the challenges of the future when we’re so obsessed with trivia of the present?
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
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The argument assumes that spending too much time following celebrity/entertainment news is not just pointless, but dangerous. Claiming that serious, national problems and celebrity news are equally important is therefore incorrect since the author considers these problems to be more important. Similarly, the author clearly believes that these problems have some basis in fact, so the fears are not groundless. And while the author may agree that all news about celebrities and entertainment is trivial, this does not go far enough in addressing the danger about which the author warns. Finally, the economic impact of the entertainment industry is irrelevant to the issue of whether it distracts people from dealing with serious problems. Only the correct answer makes the connection between the prevalence of celebrity obsession and the danger it poses in the form of distraction.
The argument assumes that spending too much time following celebrity/entertainment news is not just pointless, but dangerous. Claiming that serious, national problems and celebrity news are equally important is therefore incorrect since the author considers these problems to be more important. Similarly, the author clearly believes that these problems have some basis in fact, so the fears are not groundless. And while the author may agree that all news about celebrities and entertainment is trivial, this does not go far enough in addressing the danger about which the author warns. Finally, the economic impact of the entertainment industry is irrelevant to the issue of whether it distracts people from dealing with serious problems. Only the correct answer makes the connection between the prevalence of celebrity obsession and the danger it poses in the form of distraction.
Humanity’s long-term survival depends on developing the capacity for space travel. Even if we learn to make better use of our natural resources, control population growth and live in harmony with our environment, our sun will eventually die. If our species is to survive, then we must develop the means to find and settle a new planet that we can call home.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
Humanity’s long-term survival depends on developing the capacity for space travel. Even if we learn to make better use of our natural resources, control population growth and live in harmony with our environment, our sun will eventually die. If our species is to survive, then we must develop the means to find and settle a new planet that we can call home.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
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The argument assumes that the only way to ensure humanity’s long-term survival is to find another planet that can sustain us after the sun dies. For that to be true, it must be assumed that alternatives to planetary living, such as space stations, won’t be up to the task. While the other answers may be arguably true, none of them make the case that space travel is vital for our survival.
The argument assumes that the only way to ensure humanity’s long-term survival is to find another planet that can sustain us after the sun dies. For that to be true, it must be assumed that alternatives to planetary living, such as space stations, won’t be up to the task. While the other answers may be arguably true, none of them make the case that space travel is vital for our survival.
The way we treat the most vulnerable members of our society reflects on our own level of moral development. The poor, the homeless, orphans, the mentally ill, prisoners and those afflicted with disease usually lack the political power to advocate on their own behalf. When we address their concerns and make them our own, that is when we show true nobility of spirit.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
The way we treat the most vulnerable members of our society reflects on our own level of moral development. The poor, the homeless, orphans, the mentally ill, prisoners and those afflicted with disease usually lack the political power to advocate on their own behalf. When we address their concerns and make them our own, that is when we show true nobility of spirit.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
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The argument assumes that there is a correlation between morality and helping the vulnerable since this is what the author is recommending to promote moral development. Although political and economic power are related, this observation lacks the essential component of morality. Likewise, the assertion that people undergoing hardship must learn to endure is true, but it also omits any reference to morality. Similarly, the answer noting the existence of “haves” and “have-nots” addresses the reason there are vulnerable members of society, but says nothing about the moral imperative of helping them. Finally, the author neither advocates nor implies that any criteria be applied to determine which members of society are most worthy of help.
The argument assumes that there is a correlation between morality and helping the vulnerable since this is what the author is recommending to promote moral development. Although political and economic power are related, this observation lacks the essential component of morality. Likewise, the assertion that people undergoing hardship must learn to endure is true, but it also omits any reference to morality. Similarly, the answer noting the existence of “haves” and “have-nots” addresses the reason there are vulnerable members of society, but says nothing about the moral imperative of helping them. Finally, the author neither advocates nor implies that any criteria be applied to determine which members of society are most worthy of help.
Government regulation and red tape are hampering business and stifling our economy. As we compete in the global marketplace, our businesses are falling behind foreign competitors who are free from such constraints. In terms of time and money, the costs of regulatory compliance are simply too high. We would all benefit from deregulation.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
Government regulation and red tape are hampering business and stifling our economy. As we compete in the global marketplace, our businesses are falling behind foreign competitors who are free from such constraints. In terms of time and money, the costs of regulatory compliance are simply too high. We would all benefit from deregulation.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
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The argument assumes that government regulation and “red tape” are unequivocally harmful. Therefore, the best answer is the one that compares regulation to its opposite - deregulation. While the author might agree that the global economy has made us all more vulnerable and that “survival of the fittest” is the organizing principle, these answers do not address the issue of deregulation. Similarly, the observation that deregulation imposes other serious costs directly challenges the author’s main assumption. This is also the case with the answer that attributes foreign success to reasons other than deregulation, which is the author's primary focus.
The argument assumes that government regulation and “red tape” are unequivocally harmful. Therefore, the best answer is the one that compares regulation to its opposite - deregulation. While the author might agree that the global economy has made us all more vulnerable and that “survival of the fittest” is the organizing principle, these answers do not address the issue of deregulation. Similarly, the observation that deregulation imposes other serious costs directly challenges the author’s main assumption. This is also the case with the answer that attributes foreign success to reasons other than deregulation, which is the author's primary focus.
Labor unions are outdated relics of a bygone era. There was a need for them in centuries past, when children worked in factories, safety was ignored, and workers toiled endlessly under backbreaking conditions. Laws were enacted to address these problems, however. Since then, unions have become an institution in search of a mission.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
Labor unions are outdated relics of a bygone era. There was a need for them in centuries past, when children worked in factories, safety was ignored, and workers toiled endlessly under backbreaking conditions. Laws were enacted to address these problems, however. Since then, unions have become an institution in search of a mission.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
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The argument assumes that unions have outlived their usefulness. For this to be true, there must be nothing left for them to do. Thus, the issues of union leader motivation, decreased productivity and fewer labor strikes are all irrelevant to the issue of usefulness. Finally, the answer stating that unions still have much to do in the workplace directly contradicts the author’s main assumption.
The argument assumes that unions have outlived their usefulness. For this to be true, there must be nothing left for them to do. Thus, the issues of union leader motivation, decreased productivity and fewer labor strikes are all irrelevant to the issue of usefulness. Finally, the answer stating that unions still have much to do in the workplace directly contradicts the author’s main assumption.
Unions still have a vital role to play in society despite their declining membership. Issues like the minimum wage, health care, pension insolvency and outsourcing still affect millions of workers. While “union bosses” make easy targets for some politicians, it doesn’t change the fact that unions are the only institution run by and for workers. For this reason, if for no other, they will survive.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
Unions still have a vital role to play in society despite their declining membership. Issues like the minimum wage, health care, pension insolvency and outsourcing still affect millions of workers. While “union bosses” make easy targets for some politicians, it doesn’t change the fact that unions are the only institution run by and for workers. For this reason, if for no other, they will survive.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
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The argument assumes that there are no credible alternatives to unions that can better represent the interests of workers. Although the author states that workplace problems still affect millions, the paragraph emphasizes the composition and organization of unions. Thus, the focus is on the close union-member relationship rather than need. The issues of corruption, along with declining membership and labor unrest are similarly unrelated to this focus.
The argument assumes that there are no credible alternatives to unions that can better represent the interests of workers. Although the author states that workplace problems still affect millions, the paragraph emphasizes the composition and organization of unions. Thus, the focus is on the close union-member relationship rather than need. The issues of corruption, along with declining membership and labor unrest are similarly unrelated to this focus.
Creativity in Hollywood seems to be in short supply these days. Every movie or television show is either a sequel or remake of something we’ve seen before. Even worse is the practice of making movies based on toys. I remember when successful movies spawned toys; now the reverse is true. It seems like Hollywood has become averse to original thinking.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
Creativity in Hollywood seems to be in short supply these days. Every movie or television show is either a sequel or remake of something we’ve seen before. Even worse is the practice of making movies based on toys. I remember when successful movies spawned toys; now the reverse is true. It seems like Hollywood has become averse to original thinking.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
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The argument assumes that the production of sequels and remakes, which are derived from existing sources of material, conclusively proves the absence of creativity. Thus, the author may not like moves based on toys, but this is because they are derived from an existing source of material - the toy itself. Similarly, the author may agree with the answers criticizing Hollywood, but they do not address the argument’s key assumption. Specifically, they do not link the use of existing source material to a lack of creativity.
The argument assumes that the production of sequels and remakes, which are derived from existing sources of material, conclusively proves the absence of creativity. Thus, the author may not like moves based on toys, but this is because they are derived from an existing source of material - the toy itself. Similarly, the author may agree with the answers criticizing Hollywood, but they do not address the argument’s key assumption. Specifically, they do not link the use of existing source material to a lack of creativity.
Cities should stop subsidizing the construction of sports stadiums. These subsidies, in the form of tax breaks or municipal funding, take money directly from city residents. Sports teams are owned by wealthy people who don’t need help. On the other hand, every dollar spent subsidizing a stadium is one less dollar available for schools or city services.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
Cities should stop subsidizing the construction of sports stadiums. These subsidies, in the form of tax breaks or municipal funding, take money directly from city residents. Sports teams are owned by wealthy people who don’t need help. On the other hand, every dollar spent subsidizing a stadium is one less dollar available for schools or city services.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
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The argument assumes that it is impossible for sports teams and taxpayers to equally benefit from the municipal funding of stadiums. In the author’s view, one side will win and the other will lose. In light of this, the correct answer clearly reflects this assumption. Issues of morality and manipulation of the system are separate from the cost-benefit analysis implied by the author’s basic assumption. The answer stating the importance of schools and city services does imply such an analysis, but does not relate to the specific issue of stadium funding. Finally, the answer mentioning the economic benefits of subsidizing stadium construction directly contradicts the author’s contention that this is a bad idea.
The argument assumes that it is impossible for sports teams and taxpayers to equally benefit from the municipal funding of stadiums. In the author’s view, one side will win and the other will lose. In light of this, the correct answer clearly reflects this assumption. Issues of morality and manipulation of the system are separate from the cost-benefit analysis implied by the author’s basic assumption. The answer stating the importance of schools and city services does imply such an analysis, but does not relate to the specific issue of stadium funding. Finally, the answer mentioning the economic benefits of subsidizing stadium construction directly contradicts the author’s contention that this is a bad idea.
The per capita violent crime rate in Jackson City is over 
higher than it was just six years ago. And yet only ten miles away, the city of Trentdale, the rate has risen only 
. Though the two towns are similar in a great many ways, clearly residents of Jackson City are far more likely to become victims of violent crime than their close neighbors in Trentdale.
Which of the following statements, if true, would most weaken the conclusion above?
The per capita violent crime rate in Jackson City is over
Which of the following statements, if true, would most weaken the conclusion above?
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We don’t know exactly how high the crime rates in the two cities were before the increase, but if Trentdale already had a huge crime rate, increasing that rate by 10% could mean it’s still higher than Jackson City’s, if Jackson City’s were lower to start. (An example: If Trentdale’s crime rate six years ago was 90% (90 out of 100 residents affected by crime) and it went up 10%, it’d be 99%--nearly everybody affected. If Jackson City’s crime rate six years ago was 8%, and it went up 75%, it’d now be only 10%.)
We don’t know exactly how high the crime rates in the two cities were before the increase, but if Trentdale already had a huge crime rate, increasing that rate by 10% could mean it’s still higher than Jackson City’s, if Jackson City’s were lower to start. (An example: If Trentdale’s crime rate six years ago was 90% (90 out of 100 residents affected by crime) and it went up 10%, it’d be 99%--nearly everybody affected. If Jackson City’s crime rate six years ago was 8%, and it went up 75%, it’d now be only 10%.)
Even though she is allergic to chocolate, Sandra found a box of chocolates in her mailbox, apparently a gift from an anonymous party. If the gift had been sent by someone who knew her well, they would have known that Sandra is allergic to chocolate and would not be happy to receive it. Someone who only knew Sandra in passing would surely have included some note indicating who the gift was from, but there was no such note. So it must be that the unknown person intended to give Sandra some other candy, or an identifying note was lost in the mail, or the chocolates were accidentally put in her mailbox.
The reasoning above is questionable because it fails to exclude the possibility that .
Even though she is allergic to chocolate, Sandra found a box of chocolates in her mailbox, apparently a gift from an anonymous party. If the gift had been sent by someone who knew her well, they would have known that Sandra is allergic to chocolate and would not be happy to receive it. Someone who only knew Sandra in passing would surely have included some note indicating who the gift was from, but there was no such note. So it must be that the unknown person intended to give Sandra some other candy, or an identifying note was lost in the mail, or the chocolates were accidentally put in her mailbox.
The reasoning above is questionable because it fails to exclude the possibility that .
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This argument makes an assumption so slight that you might have missed it, that only people with nice intentions would ever give a gift to someone. Sure, Sandra's acquaintances might know she hates chocolate. And they might be angry at Sandra and want to annoy her by putting chocolates she doesn't want in her mailbox. Or maybe they're just really bad at giving gifts. The correct answer points out that there could be other reasons someone might give a gift.
This argument makes an assumption so slight that you might have missed it, that only people with nice intentions would ever give a gift to someone. Sure, Sandra's acquaintances might know she hates chocolate. And they might be angry at Sandra and want to annoy her by putting chocolates she doesn't want in her mailbox. Or maybe they're just really bad at giving gifts. The correct answer points out that there could be other reasons someone might give a gift.
Despite its appearance as an exhibition sport at the 2012 Games, the so-called “sport” of parkour should not be added to the permanent roster of Olympic events. Though parkour’s varied physical challenges—or, to use its practitioners favored term, its ‘moves’— certainly require a great deal of physical skill and even, at times, grace, thus far even its most ardent supporters have been unable to suggest a plausible system of scoring under which participants might be ranked.
Which of the following is an assumption that supports drawing the conclusion above from the reasons given for that conclusion?
Despite its appearance as an exhibition sport at the 2012 Games, the so-called “sport” of parkour should not be added to the permanent roster of Olympic events. Though parkour’s varied physical challenges—or, to use its practitioners favored term, its ‘moves’— certainly require a great deal of physical skill and even, at times, grace, thus far even its most ardent supporters have been unable to suggest a plausible system of scoring under which participants might be ranked.
Which of the following is an assumption that supports drawing the conclusion above from the reasons given for that conclusion?
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Though the stem contains one of the wordier ways of asking an assumption question, the argument is straightforward: the author evaluates the sport of parkour against a standard that is not explicitly connected to the situation. The assumption is that the standard is in fact determinative.
The correct answer names the author’s assumption, that the standard he indicates that the sport fails to live up to (having a plausible scoring system) is indeed required for all sports that would be included in the Olympics.
Though the stem contains one of the wordier ways of asking an assumption question, the argument is straightforward: the author evaluates the sport of parkour against a standard that is not explicitly connected to the situation. The assumption is that the standard is in fact determinative.
The correct answer names the author’s assumption, that the standard he indicates that the sport fails to live up to (having a plausible scoring system) is indeed required for all sports that would be included in the Olympics.
It is strange that in Portland there are so many corner shops selling food items. After all there are many supermarkets in the city which sell food at cheaper prices, and many of these supermarkets are open 
.
Which of the following, if true, would be of the least help in explaining the paradoxical observation?
It is strange that in Portland there are so many corner shops selling food items. After all there are many supermarkets in the city which sell food at cheaper prices, and many of these supermarkets are open
Which of the following, if true, would be of the least help in explaining the paradoxical observation?
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The first thing to do is check the answers for statements that help explain why there continues to be a large number of corner shops. One suggests that they stock different things; another that they are more conveniently located; one answer states their main business does not compete with supermarkets’; and one suggests that they are favored by the community and rely on patrons. The least relevant to the argument, and thus the answer we need, is the fact that they make home deliveries. This is irrelevant because it is not clear whether the supermarkets do the same.
The first thing to do is check the answers for statements that help explain why there continues to be a large number of corner shops. One suggests that they stock different things; another that they are more conveniently located; one answer states their main business does not compete with supermarkets’; and one suggests that they are favored by the community and rely on patrons. The least relevant to the argument, and thus the answer we need, is the fact that they make home deliveries. This is irrelevant because it is not clear whether the supermarkets do the same.
Although company's products have continued to enjoy profitable sales worldwide, electronics retailers have recently reported that the number of smart TVs sold have steadily decreased in the past two years. However, in the past two years, the number of Universe phones sold have nearly doubled. Thus, more people are choosing to buy Universe phones than smart TVs when selecting from the company's products.
The reasoning in the argument is questionable primarily because the argument .
Although company's products have continued to enjoy profitable sales worldwide, electronics retailers have recently reported that the number of smart TVs sold have steadily decreased in the past two years. However, in the past two years, the number of Universe phones sold have nearly doubled. Thus, more people are choosing to buy Universe phones than smart TVs when selecting from the company's products.
The reasoning in the argument is questionable primarily because the argument .
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This question asks about a flaw in logic: take the time to reflect upon the logic used to make the argument and expose any flaws before reading the answer choices. In this case, the reasoning is that if one product’s popularity increases, while another’s decreases, it must mean that consumers are choosing the one over the other. The assumption is that there is no other reason to explain these statistics. Any number of things could have caused these changes in patterns of consumption, thus it is irresponsible to assume that one was directly linked to the other.
This question asks about a flaw in logic: take the time to reflect upon the logic used to make the argument and expose any flaws before reading the answer choices. In this case, the reasoning is that if one product’s popularity increases, while another’s decreases, it must mean that consumers are choosing the one over the other. The assumption is that there is no other reason to explain these statistics. Any number of things could have caused these changes in patterns of consumption, thus it is irresponsible to assume that one was directly linked to the other.