GMAT Critical Reasoning Discussions

MBA
882
KingCat Says
Should be B.


Yar OA given is C.
The arguments conclusion is that the new lifeguard was not a factor in the eclining
number of deaths from last year to this year. (C) rules out one other possible explanation for the decline in the number of drownings, in turn rendering it more likely that the additional lifeguard did contribute to the decline.
883

try this ques puys
Q)The following is the list of instructions to be followed
Step1: x=0 A=2 B=3
Step2: If X
Step3: Y=A+B replace A by B replace B by Y
Step4: Type Y
Step5: Increase X by 2
Step6: Goto Step2
Step7: Exit
13. When X=4 what value of Y is typed?
1] 12 2] 8 3] 13 4] 5
14. Suppose Step5 is replace by 'Increase X by 5' then what would be the last value of Y typed?
1] 5 2] 4 3] 6 4] 9
15. After the set of instructions is over at Step 7 what is the value of X
1] 5 2] 4 3] 3 4] 7

884
At present the Hollywood restaurant has only standard height tables.However,many customers come to watch the celebrities who frequent the Hollywood , and they would prefer tall tables with stools because such seating would afford a better view of the celebrities.Moreover, diners seated on stools typically do not stay as long as diners at standard height tables.Therefore,if the Hollywood replaced some of its seating with high tables and stools,its profits would increase.

The argument is vulnerable to criticism on the grounds that it gives reason to believe that it is likely that

a) some celebrities come to hollywood to be seen , so might choose to sit at the tall tables if they were available
b) the price of meals ordered by celebrities dining at the Hollywood compensates for the longer time,if any,they spend lingering over their meals
c) a customer of the hollywood who would choose to sit at a tall table would be an exception to the generalization about lingering
d) a restaurant s customers who spend less time at their meals typically order less expensive meals than those who remain at their meals longer
e) with enough tall tables to accomodate all the Hollywoods customers interested in such seating , there would be no view except of other tall tables
885
At present the Hollywood restaurant has only standard height tables.However,many customers come to watch the celebrities who frequent the Hollywood , and they would prefer tall tables with stools because such seating would afford a better view of the celebrities.Moreover, diners seated on stools typically do not stay as long as diners at standard height tables.Therefore,if the Hollywood replaced some of its seating with high tables and stools,its profits would increase.

The argument is vulnerable to criticism on the grounds that it gives reason to believe that it is likely that

a) some celebrities come to hollywood to be seen , so might choose to sit at the tall tables if they were available
b) the price of meals ordered by celebrities dining at the Hollywood compensates for the longer time,if any,they spend lingering over their meals
c) a customer of the hollywood who would choose to sit at a tall table would be an exception to the generalization about lingering
d) a restaurant s customers who spend less time at their meals typically order less expensive meals than those who remain at their meals longer
e) with enough tall tables to accomodate all the Hollywoods customers interested in such seating , there would be no view except of other tall tables



My take 'C' whats the OA?
886
alchemist-mba Says
My take 'C' whats the OA?

Yes the OA is C ... Can u pls explain
887

1)
Dr. A: The new influenza vaccine is useless at best and possibly dangerous. I would never use it on a patient.
Dr. B: But three studies published in the Journal of Medical Associates have rated that vaccine as unusually effective.
Dr. A: The studies must have been faulty because the vaccine is worthless.
In which of the following is the reasoning most similar to that of Dr. A?
(A) Three of my patients have been harmed by that vaccine during the past three weeks, so the vaccine is unsafe.
(B) Jerrold Jersey recommends this milk, and I dont trust Jerrold Jersey, so I wont buy this milk.
(C) Wingzz tennis balls perform best because they are far more effective than any other tennis balls.
(D) Im buying Vim Vitamins. Doctors recommend them more often than they recommend any other vitamins, so Vim Vitamins must be good.（C）
(E) Since University of Muldoon graduates score about 20 percent higher than
average on the GMAT, Sheila Lee, a University of Muldoon graduate, will
score about 20 percent higher than average when she takes the GMAT

 2) In 1986, the city of Los Diablos had 20 days on which air pollution reached unhealthful amounts and a smog alert was put into effect. In early 1987, new air pollution control measures were enacted, but the city had smog alerts on 31 days that year and on 39 days the following year. In 1989, however, the number of smog alerts in Los Diablos dropped to sixteen. The main air pollutants in Los Diablos are ozone and carbon monoxide, and since 1986 the levels of both have been monitored by gas spectrography.
Which of the following statements, assuming that each is true, would be LEAST helpful in explaining the air pollution levels in Los Diablos between 1986 and 1989?
(A) The 1987 air pollution control measures enacted in Los Diablos were put into effect in November of 1988.
(B) In December of 1988 a new and far more accurate gas spectrometer was invented.
(C) In February of 1989, the Pollution Control Board of Los Diablos revised the scale used to determine the amount of air pollution considered unhealthful.
(D) In 1988 the mayor of Los Diablos was found to have accepted large campaign donations from local industries and to have exempted those same industries from air pollution control measures.（B）
(E) Excess ozone and carbon monoxide require a minimum of two years to break down naturally in the atmosphere above a given area.

888
1)
Dr. A: The new influenza vaccine is useless at best and possibly dangerous. I would never use it on a patient.
Dr. B: But three studies published in the Journal of Medical Associates have rated that vaccine as unusually effective.
Dr. A: The studies must have been faulty because the vaccine is worthless.
In which of the following is the reasoning most similar to that of Dr. A?
(A) Three of my patients have been harmed by that vaccine during the past three weeks, so the vaccine is unsafe.
(B) Jerrold Jersey recommends this milk, and I dont trust Jerrold Jersey, so I wont buy this milk.
(C) Wingzz tennis balls perform best because they are far more effective than any other tennis balls.
(D) Im buying Vim Vitamins. Doctors recommend them more often than they recommend any other vitamins, so Vim Vitamins must be good.（C）
(E) Since University of Muldoon graduates score about 20 percent higher than
average on the GMAT, Sheila Lee, a University of Muldoon graduate, will
score about 20 percent higher than average when she takes the GMAT

 2) In 1986, the city of Los Diablos had 20 days on which air pollution reached unhealthful amounts and a smog alert was put into effect. In early 1987, new air pollution control measures were enacted, but the city had smog alerts on 31 days that year and on 39 days the following year. In 1989, however, the number of smog alerts in Los Diablos dropped to sixteen. The main air pollutants in Los Diablos are ozone and carbon monoxide, and since 1986 the levels of both have been monitored by gas spectrography.
Which of the following statements, assuming that each is true, would be LEAST helpful in explaining the air pollution levels in Los Diablos between 1986 and 1989?
(A) The 1987 air pollution control measures enacted in Los Diablos were put into effect in November of 1988.
(B) In December of 1988 a new and far more accurate gas spectrometer was invented.
(C) In February of 1989, the Pollution Control Board of Los Diablos revised the scale used to determine the amount of air pollution considered unhealthful.
(D) In 1988 the mayor of Los Diablos was found to have accepted large campaign donations from local industries and to have exempted those same industries from air pollution control measures.（B）
(E) Excess ozone and carbon monoxide require a minimum of two years to break down naturally in the atmosphere above a given area.

q1) E
q2) B

i remember ashishjha had posted this question earlier.

wat r the OAs?
889
1)
Dr. A: The new influenza vaccine is useless at best and possibly dangerous. I would never use it on a patient.
Dr. B: But three studies published in the Journal of Medical Associates have rated that vaccine as unusually effective.
Dr. A: The studies must have been faulty because the vaccine is worthless.
In which of the following is the reasoning most similar to that of Dr. A?
......................

2) In 1986, the city of Los Diablos had 20 days on which air pollution reached unhealthful amounts and a smog alert was put into effect. In early 1987, new air pollution control measures were enacted, but the city had smog alerts on 31 days that year and on 39 days the following year. In 1989, however, the number of smog alerts in Los Diablos dropped to sixteen. The main air pollutants in Los Diablos are ozone and carbon monoxide, and since 1986 the levels of both have been monitored by gas spectrography.
Which of the following statements, assuming that each is true, would be LEAST helpful in explaining the air pollution levels in Los Diablos between 1986 and 1989?
..................


I got the following answers

1) B
2) D

Please post the OA's too
890
I got the following answers

1) B
2) D

Please post the OA's too

1) Can some1 explain how to do such questions - Similar reasoning ones, does it depend on deriving the correct inference, and then searching that inference in the options.

2) B
All options explain possible reasons why values were higher before 1989 except B
B says, a new and more accurate spectrometer was used, doesnt say, that earlier one was faulty. So using a new one - doesnt explain the effect. Hence B
891
At present the Hollywood restaurant has only standard height tables.However,many customers come to watch the celebrities who frequent the Hollywood , and they would prefer tall tables with stools because such seating would afford a better view of the celebrities.Moreover, diners seated on stools typically do not stay as long as diners at standard height tables.Therefore,if the Hollywood replaced some of its seating with high tables and stools,its profits would increase.

The argument is vulnerable to criticism on the grounds that it gives reason to believe that it is likely that

a) some celebrities come to hollywood to be seen , so might choose to sit at the tall tables if they were available
b) the price of meals ordered by celebrities dining at the Hollywood compensates for the longer time,if any,they spend lingering over their meals
c) a customer of the hollywood who would choose to sit at a tall table would be an exception to the generalization about lingering
d) a restaurant s customers who spend less time at their meals typically order less expensive meals than those who remain at their meals longer
e) with enough tall tables to accomodate all the Hollywoods customers interested in such seating , there would be no view except of other tall tables



Considering each statement and how it supports the original argument that "if the Hollywood replaced some of its seating with high tables and stools,its profits would increase."

a) profitable
b) price ordered compensates the lingering time, hence no loss
c) the original statement assumes that diners on stool dont stay as long as the ones sitting on standard height tables, hence if a customer sitting on stools spends longer time than expected it would be a loss. Here the price of the meal ordered has not been mentioned hence it doesnt figure in the argument.
d) again no loss
e) this statement is far-fetched

Hence C
892
1) Can some1 explain how to do such questions - Similar reasoning ones, does it depend on deriving the correct inference, and then searching that inference in the options.

2) B
All options explain possible reasons why values were higher before 1989 except B
B says, a new and more accurate spectrometer was used, doesnt say, that earlier one was faulty. So using a new one - doesnt explain the effect. Hence B


Reasoned in the following manner :
1) Dr. A's statement are judgements while Dr. B's statements are inferences (drawn from facts). Checking the options, all of them given except B are inferences.

2) Here the option that was the LEAST helpful in explaining the reduction in the polluton levels was asked.
Didnt go for option B going by reasoning that the new and accurate spectrometer neednt necessarily give higher reading.
According to Option D local industries have been exempted from air pollution control measures, implying that there should be an increase in pollution levels. Hence D.
893
1)
Dr. A: The new influenza vaccine is useless at best and possibly dangerous. I would never use it on a patient.
Dr. B: But three studies published in the Journal of Medical Associates have rated that vaccine as unusually effective.
Dr. A: The studies must have been faulty because the vaccine is worthless.
In which of the following is the reasoning most similar to that of Dr. A?
(A) Three of my patients have been harmed by that vaccine during the past three weeks, so the vaccine is unsafe.
(B) Jerrold Jersey recommends this milk, and I dont trust Jerrold Jersey, so I wont buy this milk.
(C) Wingzz tennis balls perform best because they are far more effective than any other tennis balls.
(D) Im buying Vim Vitamins. Doctors recommend them more often than they recommend any other vitamins, so Vim Vitamins must be good.（C）
(E) Since University of Muldoon graduates score about 20 percent higher than
average on the GMAT, Sheila Lee, a University of Muldoon graduate, will
score about 20 percent higher than average when she takes the GMAT

 2) In 1986, the city of Los Diablos had 20 days on which air pollution reached unhealthful amounts and a smog alert was put into effect. In early 1987, new air pollution control measures were enacted, but the city had smog alerts on 31 days that year and on 39 days the following year. In 1989, however, the number of smog alerts in Los Diablos dropped to sixteen. The main air pollutants in Los Diablos are ozone and carbon monoxide, and since 1986 the levels of both have been monitored by gas spectrography.
Which of the following statements, assuming that each is true, would be LEAST helpful in explaining the air pollution levels in Los Diablos between 1986 and 1989?
(A) The 1987 air pollution control measures enacted in Los Diablos were put into effect in November of 1988.
(B) In December of 1988 a new and far more accurate gas spectrometer was invented.
(C) In February of 1989, the Pollution Control Board of Los Diablos revised the scale used to determine the amount of air pollution considered unhealthful.
(D) In 1988 the mayor of Los Diablos was found to have accepted large campaign donations from local industries and to have exempted those same industries from air pollution control measures.（B）
(E) Excess ozone and carbon monoxide require a minimum of two years to break down naturally in the atmosphere above a given area.



OA s are C and B..

Can anyone explain y C)...
894

1)
Dr. A: The new influenza vaccine is useless at best and possibly dangerous. I would never use it on a patient.
Dr. B: But three studies published in the Journal of Medical Associates have rated that vaccine as unusually effective.
Dr. A: The studies must have been faulty because the vaccine is worthless.
In which of the following is the reasoning most similar to that of Dr. A?
(A) Three of my patients have been harmed by that vaccine during the past three weeks, so the vaccine is unsafe.
(B) Jerrold Jersey recommends this milk, and I dont trust Jerrold Jersey, so I wont buy this milk.
(C) Wingzz tennis balls perform best because they are far more effective than any other tennis balls.
(D) Im buying Vim Vitamins. Doctors recommend them more often than they recommend any other vitamins, so Vim Vitamins must be good.ďźˆC
(E) Since University of Muldoon graduates score about 20 percent higher than
average on the GMAT, Sheila Lee, a University of Muldoon graduate, will
score about 20 percent higher than average when she takes the GMAT

Can anyone explain y C)...

Hey, I'll post my understanding. Maybe some1 can correct it, if wrong.
In conversation between Dr. A and Dr. B , A already has an opinion abt something(in this case medicine - that it is useless at best blah blah..) and B offers some advice, but he doesnt accept it, and stays firm on what he already knows. Basically, he is not basing his ideas, on any facts/results/Advice

OptionA: Opinion is based on results of using the vaccine.
OptionB: Basing his opinion on the fact - that he doesnt trust the guy.
OptionC: Clear and concise, he knows they are the best and gives and explanation to support it.
OptionD: Basing his opinion on advice of doctors.
OptionE: Expectation based on past results (score 20% > avg score).

hope this helps a lil
895

Can u post the Offical explanations too?
I could reason out my mistakes but wanna check if they are right

thanks

896
One variety of partially biodegradable plastic beverage container is manufactured from small bits of plastic bound together by a degradable bonding agent such as cornstarch. Since only the bonding agent degrades, leaving the small bits of plastic, no less plastic refuse per container is produced when such containers are discarded than when comparable nonbiodegradable containers are discarded.



Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument above?

(A) Both partially biodegradable and nonbiodegradable plastic beverage containers can be crushed completely flat by refuse compactors.
(B) The partially biodegradable plastic beverage containers are made with moreplastic than comparable non-biodegradable ones in order to compensate for the weakening effect of the bonding agents.
(C) Many consumers are ecology-minded and prefer to buy a product sold in partially biodegradable plastic beverage containers rather than in nonbiodegradable containers, even if the price is higher.
(D) The manufacturing process for partially biodegradable plastic beverage containers results in less plastic waste than the manufacturing process for nonbiodegradable plastic beverage containers.
(E) Technological problems with recycling currently prevent the reuse as food or beverage containers of the plastic from either type of plastic beverage container.



First of all,tell me what this sentence means ?

Since only the bonding agent degrades, leaving the small bits of plastic, no less plastic refuse per container is produced when such containers are discarded than when comparable nonbiodegradable containers are discarded

this is very confusing sentence to me.

plastic refuse means a big plastic bag ...right ?

what the heck "....leaving the small bits of plastic, no less plastic refuse per container is produced when such containers are discarded than when comparable nonbiodegradable containers are discarded..." means ?

someone please explain the meaning in steps :(


BTW, OA is B

don't see the OA first ...try first and then hover mouse over there to see the OA ..OA is hidden there :)

I'll post the OE soon ...let the discussion roll ....advance congrats to those who made it at the first go :)

please answer my query ...thanks




The Conclusion of the argument says..partially biodegradable plastic produces same amount of waste as that of fully biodegradable plastic.

That is For eg., amount of partially biodegradable plastic used for an object = amount of fully biodegradable plastic used for an object ---(1)

Say 4 kg of partial plastic + 1 Kg corn = 5 kg of normal plastic ---(2)

The diff of plastic in two sides is 1 kg..to compensate that 1 kg loss.. the partial bio plastic uses more of plastic ..

So answer B is right
897

(B) The partially biodegradable plastic beverage containers are made with moreplastic than comparable non-biodegradable ones in order to compensate for the weakening effect of the bonding agents.

898
dazed Says
(B) The partially biodegradable plastic beverage containers are made with moreplastic than comparable non-biodegradable ones in order to compensate for the weakening effect of the bonding agents.

After going thru the argument and various clauses following it, I came up with 2 options, B and C
C says if the customers who are eco-minded would prefer partially boidegradable containers.More units of these containers would result in more refuse than generated by non biodegradable cans.

can anyone tell me where my reasoning is flawed.

thanks
899
After going thru the argument and various clauses following it, I came up with 2 options, B and C
C says if the customers who are eco-minded would prefer partially boidegradable containers.More units of these containers would result in more refuse than generated by non biodegradable cans.

can anyone tell me where my reasoning is flawed.

thanks


The argument here is only about plastic waste per container and not the selective volume of waste from the two containers.

C says that there will be more plastic waste from bio-degradable containers,volume wise, but its does not say anything about plastic waste per container. Hence it neither supports nor opposes.

But in B it is strengthened as it says that there is more plastic waste per container, it supports the argument that it is no less.

Hope this input makes sense...
900

1. The average age of chief executive officers (CEOs) in a large sample of companies is 57. The average age of CEOs in those same companies 20 years ago was approximately eight years younger. On the basis of those data, it can be concluded that CEOs in general tend to be older now.
Which of the following casts the most doubt on the conclusion drawn above?
(A) The dates when the CEOs assumed their current positions have not been specified.
(B) No information is given concerning the average number of years that CEOs remain in office.
(C) The information is based only on companies that have been operating for at least 20 years.
(D) Only approximate information is given concerning the average age of the CEOs 20 years ago.（C）
(E) Information concerning the exact number of companies in the sample has not been given.


2) Surveys show that every year only 10 percent of cigarette smokers switch brands. Yet the manufacturers have been spending an amount equal to 10 percent of their gross receipts on cigarette promotion in magazines. It follows from these figures that inducing cigarette smokers to switch brands did not pay, and that cigarette companies would have been no worse off economically if they had dropped their advertising. Of the following, the best criticism of the conclusion that inducing cigarette smokers to switch brands did not pay is that the conclusion is based on
(A) computing advertising costs as a percentage of gross receipts, not of overall costs
(B) past patterns of smoking and may not carry over to the future
(C) the assumption that each smoker is loyal to a single brand of cigarettes at any one time
(D) the assumption that each manufacturer produces only one brand of cigarettes（E）
(E) figures for the cigarette industry as a whole and may not hold for a particular company


3) Recent estimates predict that between 1982 and 1995 the greatest increase in the number of people employed will be in the category of low-paying service occupations. This category, however, will not increase its share of total employment, whereas the category of high-paying service occupations will increase its share. If the estimates above are accurate, which of the following conclusions can be drawn?
(A) In 1982 more people were working in low-paying service occupations than were working in high-paying service occupations.
(B) In 1995 more people will be working in high-paying service occupations than will be working in low-paying service occupations.
(C) Nonservice occupations will account for the same share of total employment in 1995 as in 1982.
(D) Many of the people who were working in low-paying service occupations in 1982 will be working in high-paying service occupations by 1995.（A）
(E) The rate of growth for low-paying service occupations will be greater than the overall rate of employment growth between 1982 and 1995.

901

Posted the same post twice...