Bold Face CR - Test1

Q - 1. Local authorities are considering an amendment to the litter law that would raise the fine for littering in thecommunity picnic area to $1,000. Since the inception of the litter law, incremental increases in the litteringfine have proven to be consistently effective at further reducing the amount of litter in the communitypicnic area. However, raising the fine to $1,000 would actually have the unintended effect of increasing theamount of litter in the picnic area. Picnic area users would perceive this fine to be unreasonable andunenforceable, and would disregard the litter law altogether. In the argument, the two portions in boldfaceplay which of the following roles?• The first is irrefutable evidence that the author offers in support of a prediction; the second is that prediction.• The first is a statement of causation that the author predicts will be repeated in the case at hand; the secondraises evidence against this prediction.• The first is a statement of fact that the author accepts to be true; the second is presented as a consequence of thisfact.• The first is evidence that weakens the main position that the author defends; the second is that position.• The first is a statement of causation that the author predicts will not hold in the case at hand; the second offers aline of reasoning to support this prediction.

Q - 2. In countries where automobile insurance includes compensation for whiplash injuries sustained in automobile accidents, reports of having suffered such injuries are twice as frequent as they are in countries where whiplash is not covered. Presently; no objective test for whiplash exists, so it is true that spurious reports of whiplash injuries cannot be readily identified. Nevertheless, these facts do not warrant the conclusion drawn by some commentators that in the countries with the higher rates of reported whiplash injuries, half of the reported cases are spurious. Clearly, in countries where automobile insurance does not include compensation for whiplash, people often have little incentive to report whiplash injuries that they actually have suffered.

In the argument given, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

(A) The first is a claim that the argument disputes; the second is a conclusion that has been based on that claim.

(B) The first is a claim that has been used to support a conclusion that the argument accepts; the second is that conclusion.(C) The first is evidence that has been used to support a conclusion for which the argument provides further evidence; the second is the main conclusion of the argument.(D) The first is a finding whose implications are at issue in the argument; the second is a claim presented in order to argue against deriving certain implications from that finding.(E) The first is a finding whose accuracy is evaluated in the argument; the second is evidence presented to establish that the finding is accurate.

Q - 3. Although the earliest surviving Greek inscriptions written in an alphabet date from the eighth century B.C., the fact that the text of these Greek inscriptions sometimes runs from right to left and sometimes from left to right indicates that the Greeks adopted alphabetic writing at least two centuries before these inscriptions were produced. After all, the Greeks learned alphabetic writing from the Phoenicians, and presumably, along with the alphabet, they also adopted the then-current Phoenician practice with respect to the direction of text. And although Phoenician writing was originally inconsistent in direction, by the eighth century B.C. Phoenician was consistently written from right to left and had been for about two centuries.

In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

(A) The first and the second each describe evidence that has been used to challenge the position that the argument seeks to establish.(B) The first is evidence that forms the basis for an objection to the position that the argument seeks to establish; the second is that position.(C) The first is evidence that forms the basis for an objection to the position that the argument seeks to establish; the second is a consideration that is introduced to counter the force of that evidence.(D) The first and the second each provide evidence in support of the position that the argument seeks to establish.(E) The first provides evidence in support of the position that the argument seeks to establish; the second is that position.

Q - 4. Business Consultant: Some corporations shun the use of executive titles because they fear thatthe use of titles indicating position in the corporation tends to inhibit communication up and down the corporate hierarchy. Since an executive who uses a title is treated with more respect by outsiders, however, use of a title can facilitate an executive’s dealings with external businesses. The obvious compromise is for these executives to use their corporate titles externally but not internally, since even if it is widely known that the corporation’s executives use executive titles outside their organization, this knowledge does not by itself inhibit communication within the corporation. In the consultant’s reasoning, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

A) The first presents an obstacle to achieving a certain goal; the second presents a reason for

considering that goal to be undesirable. B) The first is a consideration that has led to the adoption of a certain strategy; the second presents a reason against adopting that strategy. C) The first describes a concern that the consultant dismisses as insignificant; the second is a consideration that serves as the basis for that dismissal. D) The first is a belief for which the consultant offers support; the second is part of that support. E) The first is a belief against which evidence is offered; the second is part of the evidence offered against that belief.

Q - 5. Political Candidate: Government subsidized prescription drug plans that would allow individuals significant choice in determining their benefits and costs are deceptively appealing to numerous stakeholders. However, buying prescription drug coverage, like buying health insurance coverage, is not like buying a car. The consumer cannot predict his or her future health needs. Moreover, the administrators of the choice-based drug plans under consideration are allowed to change the drugs they cover and the prices they charge at any time; this renders informed consumer choice meaningless and makes securing appropriate coverage a crap shoot. Older and disabled individuals, the predominant consumers of government subsidized prescription drug plans, should be offered drug coverage alternatives that do not force them to gamble with their health.

In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

A.The first is a fact that the candidate argues against; the second is the ultimate claim that the candidate supports.B.The first is an observation which the candidate acknowledges as true but to which he is ultimately opposed; the second is a claim that the candidate uses as evidence to support his ultimate position.C.The first is an observation that the candidate acknowledges as true but unfortunate; the second is an assertion that the candidate makes to support his ultimate position.D.The first is an observation that the candidate argues against; the second is an observation that the candidate supports.E.The first is an observation made by the candidate; the second is an assertion that the candidate ultimately opposes.

Q - 6. Studies have shown that people who keep daily diet records are far more successful at losing weight than people who don’t keep track of what they eat. Researchers believe that many weight-loss efforts fail because people eat more calories than they intend to consume. One study followed a group of patients who reported that they could not lose weight when consuming only 1,200 calories a day. The study found that the group consumed, on average, 47% more than it claimed and exercised 51% less. In contrast, when dieters record what they eat, their actual consumption more closely matches their reported consumption.

The two boldface portions in the argument above are best described by which of the following statements?

(A.) The first is a conclusion reached by researchers; the second is evidence that that conclusion is correct.(B) The first is an explanation of why a certain theory is thought to be true; the second is an example of research results that support this theory.(C) The first is an example illustrating the truth of a certain theory; the second is a competing theory.(D) The first is a premise upon which the researchers base their opinion; the second illustrates that their opinion is correct.(E) The first introduces a theory that the researchers have disproved; the second is the basis for the researchers’ argument.

Q - 7. Sportswriter: Many fans have complained loudly about the goaltender when our beloved home team lost important games during the regular season these past five years. Clearly, though, the team's offense has also played a key part in these disappointing losses. Over the past five years, the number of goals scored by the home team has been well below the league average, and further analysis indicates that the average skill level of the team's opponents has remained the same.

The boldface portion of the sportswriter's argument has which of the following functions?

A)It is the main point of the argument.B)It is evidence that the author attempts to explain.C)It introduces an opinion the author opposes.D)It is an opinion that the author ultimately decides is appropriate.E)It introduces evidence for the author's main point.

Q - 8. Political Analyst: After the Soviet Union collapsed, some hoped that freedom would encourage Russians to multiply, but as a result of dislocation and insecurity, the Russian population continues to dwindle at the rate of 700,000 a year. The government proposes to address the problem with a wide range of financial incentives, along with investments in improved health care, road safety and the like. These are positive measures, but they have been tried before, to little avail. A better plan to reverse the population decline is to improve the country's governance in both the public and the private sphere. If a greater part of the population participated in important decisions and shared in the country's wealth, then larger families would result. In addition, if corruption and greed among the elite were curbed, public health would improve and average life expectancy would increase.

The two boldfaced statements serve what function in the argument above?

A) The first is the main point of the analyst's argument; the second is a premise that supports the the first.

B) The first is a premise that undermines an alternative to the analyst's proposal; the second is a premise that supports the analyst's main claim.

C) The first is a premise that contradicts the main point made by the analyst; the second is the main point of the argument.

D) The first is a premise that supports a proposal; the second is that proposal.

E) The first is a conclusion that the argument endorses; the second is a premise that opposes that conclusion.

Q - 9. Modern navigation systems, which are found in most of today’s commercial aircraft, are made with low-power circuitry, which is more susceptible to interference than the vacuum-tube circuitry found in older planes. During landing, navigation systems receive radio signals from the airport to guide the plane to the runway. Recently, one plane with low-power circuitry veered off course during landing, its dials dimming, when a passenger turned on a laptop computer. Clearly, modern aircraft navigation systems are being put at risk by the electronic devices that passengers carry on board, such as cassette players and laptop computers.The two portions in boldface play which of the following roles? (A) The first is a principle that the argument relies on and the second is a conclusion that can be drawn from the first. (B) The first is a fact that argument relies on and the second is a conclusion that must be drawn from this argument. (C) The first acknowledges a consideration that supports that main position; the second is that conclusion. (D) The first is an evidence that supports the conclusion, the second is that conclusion. (E) The first is a principle that is necessary for this argument, the second is a conclusion that could be drawn from this argument.

Q - 10.

Q - 11. I have problem with this kind of question, too long time.

following is my work order.

- read the argument, ignore details, find the main conclusion quickly.- find the bundle of complex evidence- create simple diagram quickly- go to the answer choices, eliminate the choice which shows the incorrect role of the first phrase. - when there are 2 remaining choices, eliminate the choice which show the incorrect role of the second phrase.

by following the above steps, I improve time and accuracy . However, the time is still 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Normally, I am stuck betwen 2 remaining choices because the choices are abstract.

Q - 12. Seemingly inconsequential changes in sea temperature due to global warming eventuallyresult in declines in fish and seabird populations. A rise of just two degrees prevents thevertical mixing of seawater from different strata. This restricts the availability of upwellingnutrients to phytoplankton. Since zooplankton, which feed upon phytoplankton, feed therest of the food chain, the declines are inevitable. The boldface portion plays which one ofthe following roles in the argument?A) It is a hypothesis supported by the fact that phytoplankton feed on upwelling nutrients.

b) It is intended to provide an example of the ways in which the vertical mixing of seawateraffects feeding habits.c) It helps show how global temperature changes affect larger sea animals directly.d) It is offered as one reason that global warming must be curtailed.e) It is offered in support of the idea that global warming poses a threat to all organisms.

Q - 13. In retail chains where store policy includes an allowance for merchandise returns based on dissatisfaction with the products, customers are twice as likely to report that they are dissatisfied with products as they are in retail chains that do not have such a policy. Although there is no objective test for customer satisfaction -- no way to determine whether a customer is telling the truth -- it is not logical to conclude, as some have done, that half of all these claims of dissatisfaction are false, because in retail chains lacking a satisfaction policy for returns, there is often no incentive for customers to report real dissatisfaction in the first place.In the argument above, the two boldfaced portions do which of the following?

A. The first is an inference disputed by the argument; the second is a conclusion from that inference.B The first is a claim whose accuracy is disputed later; the second is evidence that the claim is in fact accurate.C The first is the basis of a claim disputed in the argument; the second is a reason that the claim might not be accurate.D The first is evidence for a conclusion supported by other evidence later in the passage; the second is part of the main argument's conclusion.E The first is evidence used to make a statement the argument accepts; the second is part of the conclusion accepting that argument.

Q - 14. A product that represents a clear technological advance over competing products can generally command a high price. Because technological advances tend to be quickly surpassed and companies want to make large profits while they still can, many companies charge the greatest price the market will bear when they have such a product. But large profits on the new product will give competitors a strong incentive to quickly match the mew product’s capabilities. Consequently, the strategy to maximize overall profit from a new product is to charge less than the greatest possible price.

In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

A. The first is an assumption that forms the basis for a course of action that the argument criticizes; the second presents the course of action endorsed by the argument.B. The first is a consideration raised to explain the appeal of a certain strategy; the second is a

consideration raised to call into question the wisdom of adopting that strategy.C. The first is an assumption that has been used to justify a certain strategy; the second is a consideration that is used to cast doubt on that assumption.D. The first is a consideration raised in support of a strategy the argument endorses; the second presents grounds in support of that consideration.E. The first is a consideration raised to show that adopting a certain strategy is unlikely to achieve the intended effect; the second is presented to explain the appeal of that strategy.

Q - 15. 11. Although it’s a common perception that philosophy has no practical application to the real world, history suggests otherwise. In fact, the word “philosophy” itself derives from the Greek roots philos, meaning “love”, and sophos, which means “wisdom”. Taken together, the word “philosophy” literally means “love of wisdom.”

The bolded phrases play which of the following roles in the argument above?

The first phrase states the conclusion and the second phrase offers support for that conclusion.The first phrase introduces evidence supporting a conclusion, and the second phrase contains that evidence.The first phrase contains an objection to a common perception, and the second phrase offers support for that objection.The first phrase states a premise on which the conclusion is based, and the second phrase offers a supporting definition.The first phrase defines a word crucial to the argument, and the second phrase states the conclusion.

Q - 16. Museums that house Renaissance oil paintings typically store them in envbironments that are carefully kept within narrow margins of temperature and humidity to inhibit any deterioration. Laboratory tests have shown that the kind of oil paint used in these paintings actually adjusts to climatic changes quite well. If, as some museum directors believe, paint is the most sensitive substance in these works, then by relaxing the standards for temperature and humidity control, museums can reduce energy costs without risking damage to these paintings. Museums would be rash to relax those standards, however, since results of preliminary tests indicate that gesso, a compound routinely used by Renaissance artists to help paint adhere to the canvas, is unable to withstand significant variations in humidity.

In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

A. The first is an objection that has been raised against the position taken by the argument; the second is the position taken by the argument.B. The first is the position taken by the argument; the second is the position that the argument calls into question.C. The first is a judgment that has been offered in support of the position that the argument calls

into question; the second is a circumstance on which that judgment is, in part based.D. The first is a judgment that has been offered in support of the position that the argument calls into question; the second is that positon.E. The first is a claim that the argument calls into question; the second is the position taken by the argument.

Q - 17. Op-Ed letter: (Town councils are usually unable to make the right decisions when the town is privy to every vote they cast.) Many citizens are unhappy when the council votes to do things like raise taxes, and many of those unhappy citizens give council-members who vote for tax hikes a difficult time outside of the town meeting. Though (anonymity in voting could give council members the autonomy to vote for legislation that negatively impacts community members), not giving them anonymity makes it impossible for them to vote for legislation that the community really needs.

What roles do the two boldface portions play in the letter-writers argument?

(A) The first is a reason to favor the writers conclusion; the second presents that conclusion.(B) The first is a pattern of cause and effect the writer thinks is false in this case; the second offer reasons in favor of her prediction.(C) The first suggests a generalization that the writer thinks is true in this case; the second offers a consideration that weighs against her conclusion.(D) The first offers a reason in favor of the writers conclusion; the second offers a generalization that she believes holds true in this instance.(E) The first is a pattern of cause and effect the writer agrees with; the second is the conclusion.

Q - 18. A prominent investor who holds a large stake in the Burton Tool company has recently claimed that the company is mismanaged, citing as evidence the company's failure to slow production in response to a recent rise in its inventory of finished products. It is doubtful whether an investor's sniping at management can ever be anything other than counterproductive, but in this case it is clearly not justified. It is true that an increased inventory of finished products often indicates that production is outstripping demand, but in Burton's case it indicates no such thing. Rather, the increase in inventory is entirely attributable to products that have already been assigned to orders received from customers.

In the argument given, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

A. The first provides evidence to support the conclusion of the argument as a whole; the second states the conclusion.

B.The 1st states the conclusion of the argument as a whole; the second states an intermediate conclusion that is drawn in order to support that conclusion

C.The 1st is the position that the argument as a whole opposes;the second provides evidence against the position being opposed.

D.The first states an intermediate conclusion that is drawn in order to support the conclusion of the argument as a whole; the 2nd states the conclusion of the argument as a whole

E. The 1st & the 2nd both state intermediate conclusions that are drawn in order to support jointly the conclusions of the argument as a whole.

Q - 19. Historian: Newton developed mathematical concepts and techniques that are fundamental to modern calculus. Leibniz developed closely analogous concepts and techniques. It has traditionally been thought that these discoveries were independent. Researchers have, however, recently discovered notes of Leibniz’ that discuss one of Newton’s books on mathematics. Several scholars have argued that since the book includes a presentation of Newton’s calculus concepts and techniques, and since the notes were written before Leibniz’ own development of calculus concepts and techniques, it is virtually certain that the traditional view is false. A more cautious conclusion than this is called for, however. Leibniz’ notes are limited to early sections of Newton’s book, sections that precede the ones in which Newton’s calculus concepts and techniques are presented. In the historian’s reasoning, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

A. The first provides evidence in support of the overall position that the historian defends; the second is evidence that has been used to support an opposing position.

B. The first provides evidence in support of the overall position that the historian defends; the second is that position.

C. The first provides evidence in support of an intermediate conclusion that is drawn to provide support for the overall position that the historian defends; the second provides evidence against that intermediate conclusion.

D. The first is evidence that has been used to support a conclusion that the historian criticizes; the second is evidence offered in support of the historian’s own position.

E. The first is evidence that has been used to support a conclusion that the historian criticizes; the second is further information that substantiates that evidence.

Q - 20.

A team of Swedish scientists recently concluded a fifteen year study on the relationship between fatty or lean fish consumption and the risk of kidney cancer; the study revealed that those who ate on average more than one serving per week of fatty fish had 44 percent less risk for developing renal cell carcinoma, the most common form of kidney cancer. Though all previous

studies on the relationship between fatty fish and the prevalence of kidney cancer have been inconclusive, the Swedish scientists attribute the lower rate of kidney cancer to increased intake of omega 3 fatty acids. Lean fish is rarely rich in omega 3’s, and those in the study who ate lean fish had the same risk for developing renal cell carcinoma as those who ate no fish at all.

In the statement above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles? The first is an opinion that is supported by the argument; the second is one part of the information uncovered in the study. The first is a fact that goes against the argument that is being presented; the second is one element of a logical argument in support of the scientists’ claim. The first presents the quandary the scientists are attempting to solve; the second is the result of that quandary. The first is a claim in support of the argument; the second is a piece of evidence against the argument. The first is an explanation advocated by the argument; the second is a finding used to challenge that explanation.

Q - 21. Political Analyst: After the Soviet Union collapsed, some hoped that freedom would encourage Russians to multiply, but as a result of dislocation and insecurity, the Russian population continues to dwindle at the rate of 700,000 a year. The government proposes to address the problem with a wide range of financial incentives, along with investments in improved health care, road safety and the like. These are positive measures, but they have been tried before, to little avail. A better plan to reverse the population decline is to improve the country's governance in both the public and the private sphere. If a greater part of the population participated in important decisions and shared in the country's wealth, then larger families would result. In addition, if corruption and greed among the elite were curbed, public health would improve and average life expectancy would increase.

The two boldfaced statements serve what function in the argument above?The first is the main point of the analyst's argument; the second is a premise that supports the the first.The first is a premise that undermines an alternative to the analyst's proposal; the second is a premise that supports the analyst's main claim.The first is a premise that contradicts the main point made by the analyst; the second is the main point of the argument.The first is a premise that supports a proposal; the second is that proposal.The first is a conclusion that the argument endorses; the second is a premise that opposes that conclusion.

Q - 22. The president’s nominees to federal circuit courts have been judged conservative for their stands on hot-button issues. But a review of their financial disclosure forms and Senate questionnaires reveals that the nominees are more notable for their close ties to corporate and economic interests, especially the energy and mining industries. Some of them were paid lobbyists

for those same interests. Further, the nominees with industry ties were overwhelmingly appointed to circuit courts regarded as traditional battlegrounds over litigation affecting these industries. Independent observers who follow the federal bench believe that the extensive corporate involvement among so many of the nominees is unprecedented.

In the argument above, the two portions in boldface pay which of the following roles?

A) The first is a generalization that the author aims to attack; the second is that attack.

B) The first is a pattern that the author acknowledges as true; the second is the author’s conclusion based on that acknowledgment.

C) The first is a phenomenon that the author accepts as true; the second is evidence in support of the author’s conclusion.

D) The first is the author’s position based on the evidence cited; the second is a pattern presented in support of that position.

E) The first is an exception to a rule introduced in the argument; the second provides the reasoning behind the exception

Q - 23. 1. A cancer drug that shows positive results in early laboratory testscan generate a great deal of interest from cancer patients.Because of this interest, and the desire to make a profi …t early in the development cycle, many pharmaceuticalcompanies rush the new drug to market as quickly aspossible . But positive early results are often misleading,meaning that the effort to bring the drug to market was largelywasted. Consequently, the strategy to maximize long-term profi …t from a new cancer drug is to bring the drug to market only after its positive effects are morethoroughly tested and established.In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play whichof the following roles?(A) The fi…rst is a consideration that has been raised to arguethat a certain strategy is counterproductive; the secondpresents an alternative strategy.(B) The fi…rst is a consideration raised to support the strategythat the argument recommends; the second presents thatstrategy.(C) The fi…rst is a consideration raised to explain the appeal ofa certain strategy; the second presents an alternative

strategy.(D) The fi…rst is an assumption, rejected by the argument,that has been used to justify a course of action; thesecond presents that course of action.(E) The …first is a consideration that has been used to justifypursuing a goal that the argument rejects; the secondpresents a course of action that has been adopted inpursuit of that goal.

Q - 24. Deregulation of electricity markets in the United States has resulted in supply disruptions and in higher prices for consumers. Properly understood, however, this phenomenon does not cast doubt on the economic principle that free-market competition is generally more efficient than state planning. Certain particularities of electricity as a commodity - including the impossibility of storing electricity, the inelasticity of demand for electricity, and the high barriers to entry for new producers - are peculiar obstacles to the creation of competitive electricity markets.

In the above argument, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

A.The first is a historical claim that the author rejects; the second is the theoretical basis for his rejection of that claim. B.The first describes an apparent exception to a theory that the author accepts as true; the second is that theory. C.The first is the basis for the author's critique of conventional economics; the second is his summary of conventional economic thought. D.The first describes an event that the author believes to be unusual; the second is the author's explanation of why this unusual event occured. E.The first is a particular example of a broader trend; the second is that trend.

Q - 25. . Central armed constabulary hires only those who have a black belt in either karate or judo, and a high school diploma and no criminal record. Peter, who possesses black belts in both karate and judo, applied for a job at the Constabulary, but was not hired. This meant that he either failed to earn a high school diploma or has some form of criminal record. The sections in boldface above play what role in the sentence? A. The first part is background information relevant to the conclusion, and the second part is a conclusion that is logically valid.B. The first part is background information relevant to the conclusion, and the second part is a conclusion that is not necessarily valid. C. The first part is a premise necessary to draw the conclusion, and the second part is a premise unrelated to the first premise.D. The first part is a question, the second part is an answer to the question posed in the first part. E. The first part is a question, the second part is a conclusion that is not necessarily valid.

Q - 26. One of the limiting factors in human physical performance is the amount of oxygen that is absorbed by the muscles from the bloodstream. Accordingly, entrepreneurs have begun selling at gymnasiums and health clubs bottles of drinking water, labeled “SuperOXY,” that has extra oxygen dissolved in the water. Such water would be useless in improving physical performance, however, since the only way to get oxygen into the bloodstream so that it can be absorbed bye the muscles is through the lungs.Which of the following, if true, would serve the same function in the argument as the statement in boldface?A. the water lost in exercising can be replaced with ordinary tap waterB. the amount of oxygen in the blood of people who are exercising is already more than the muscle can absorbC. world-class athletes turn in record performance without such waterD. frequent physical exercise increases the body’s ability to take in and use oxygenE. lack of oxygen is not the only factor limiting human physical performance

Q - 27. United Energy recently invested in a series of large windmills which are able to produce renewable energy with minimal negative effect to the environment. The company has not drilled oil

wells in the same area, even though greater revenues and profits could be generated from oil wells. Because any drilling would disrupt the native habitat of certain marine species in the

area, some environmentalists assert that, by foregoing this drilling, United Energy has established that it places environmental impact over financial returns. However, United Energy may be acting in a manner consistent with its financial goals. Recent patterns of increasing annual hurricane activity have some experts questioning the long-term viability and profitability of oil wells in the area.

The two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

(A) The first supports the conclusion of the argument; the second calls that conclusion into question.

(B) The first states the conclusion of the argument; the second supports that conclusion. (C) The first supports the environmentalists’ conclusion; the second states that conclusion. (D) The first states the environmentalists’ conclusion; the second provides a consideration in support of that conclusion. (E) The first supports the conclusion of the argument; the second also supports the conclusion of the argument.

Q - 28. Astronomer: Observations of the Shoemaker-Levi comet on its collision course with Jupiter showed that the comet broke into fragments before entering Jupiter's atmosphere in 1994, but they did not show how big those fragments were. In hopes of gaining some indication of the fragments' size, astronomers studied spectrographic analyses of Jupiter's outer atmosphere. These analyses revealed unprecedented traces of sulfur after the fragments' entry. The fragments themselves almost certainly contained no sulfur, but many astronomers believe that the cloud layer below

Jupiter's outer atmosphere does contain sulfur. Since sulfur would have seeped into the outer atmosphere if comet fragments had penetrated this cloud layer, it is likely that some of the fragments were at least large enough to have passed through Jupiter's outer atmosphere without being burned up.

In the astronomer's argument, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?A. The first presents a circumstance for which the astronomer offers an explanation; the second is part of that explanation.B. The first acknowledges a consideration that weighs against the conclusion of the argument; the second is that conclusion.C. The first acknowledges a consideration that weighs against the conclusion of the argument; the second provides evidence in support of that conclusion.D. The first provides evidence in support of the conclusion of the argument; the second acknowledges a consideration that weighs against that conclusion.E. The first is a judgment advanced in support of the conclusion of the argument; the second is that conclusion

Q - 29. One of the limiting factors in human physical performance is the amount of oxygen that is absorbed by the muscles from the bloodstream. Accordingly, entrepreneurs have begun selling at gymnasiums and health clubs bottles of drinking water, labeled "SuperOXY," that has extra oxygen dissolved in the water. Such water would be useless in improving physical performance, however, since the amount of oxygen in the blood of people who are exercising is already more than the muscle can absorb.

Which of the following, if true, would serve the same function in the argument as the statement in boldface?

A. world-class athletes turn in record performance without such waterB. frequent physical exercise increases the body’s ability to take in and use oxygenC. the only way to get oxygen into the bloodstream so that it can be absorbed by the muscles is through the lungsD. lack of oxygen is not the only factor limiting human physical performanceE. the water lost in exercising can be replaced with ordinary tap water

Q - 30. Scientists typically do their most creative work before the age of forty. It is commonly thought that this happens because aging by itself brings about a loss of creative capacity. However, studies show that a disproportionately large number of the scientists who produce highly creative work beyond the age of forty entered their field at an older age than is usual. Since by the age of forty the large majority of scientists have been working in their field for at least fifteen years, the studies’ finding strongly suggests that the real reason why scientists over forty rarely produce highly creative work is not that they have simply aged but rather that they generally have spenttoo long in a given field.

In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?A. The first is the position that the argument as a whole opposes; the second is an objection that has been raised against a position defended in the argument.B. The first is a claim that has been advanced in support of a position that the argument opposes; the second is a finding that has been used in support of that position.C. The first is an explanation that the argument challenges; the second is a finding that has been used in support of that explanation.D. The first is an explanation that the argument challenges; the second is a finding on which that challenge is based.E. The first is an explanation that the argument defends; the second is a finding that has been used to challenge that explanation.

Q - 31. Studies have shown that people who keep daily diet records are far more successful at losing weight than people who don’t keep track of what they eat. Researchers believe that many weight-loss efforts fail because people eat more calories than they intend to consume. One study followed a group of patients who reported that they could not lose weight when consuming only 1,200 calories a day. The study found that the group consumed, on average, 47% more than it claimed and exercised 51% less. In contrast, when dieters record what they eat, their actual consumption more closely matches their reported consumption.

The two boldface portions in the argument above are best described by which of the following statements?

A. The first is a conclusion reached by researchers; the second is evidence that that conclusion is correct. B. The first is an explanation of why a certain theory is thought to be true; the second is an example of research results that support this theory. C. The first is an example illustrating the truth of a certain theory; the second is a competing theory. D. The first is a premise upon which the researchers base their opinion; the second illustrates that their opinion is correct. E. The first introduces a theory that the researchers have disproved; the second is the basis for the researchers’ argument.

Q - 32. A product that represents a clear technological advance over competing products can generally command a high price. Because technological advances tend to be quickly surpassed and companies want to make large profits while they still can, many companies charge the greatest price the market will bear when they have such a product. But large profits on the new product will give competitors a strong incentive to quickly match the new product’s capabilities. Consequently, the strategy to maximize overall profit from a new product is to charge less than the greatest possible price.

In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

A. The first is an assumption that forms the basis for a course of action that the argument criticizes; the second presents the course of action endorsed by the argument.B. The first is a consideration raised to explain the appeal of a certain strategy; the second is a consideration raised to call into question the wisdom of adopting that strategy.C. The first is an assumption that has been used to justify a certain strategy; the second is a consideration that is used to cast doubt on that assumption.D. The first is a consideration raised in support of a strategy the argument endorses; the second presents grounds in support of that consideration.E. The first is a consideration raised to show that adopting a certain strategy is unlikely to achieve the intended effect; the second is presented to explain the appeal of that strategy.

Q - 33. Few businesses will voluntarily implement environmental rotection measures that benefit the public if those measures reduce profitability. Even though such measures may cost less to implement than the total value of their benefits to society, the company making the decision bears all of the cost and receives little, if any, of the benefit. For example, XYZ Corporation has for the last 10 years refused to install smokestack filters to reduce the air pollution emitted by its factory, claiming that the cost would be prohibitive. Therefore, if such measures are to be implemented to protect the environment, they must be initiated by government regulation or intervention.The bolded portions of the argument above perform which of the following functions?

1. The first phrase states the conclusion, and the second provides evidence, the truth of which supports the validity of the conclusion2. The first phrase states a premise supporting the conclusion, and the second provides evidence, the falsity of which would disprove the first phrase.3. The first phrase describes a general principle, and the second provides evidence countering that principle.4. The first phrase states a claim supporting the conclusion, but for which no evidence is given, and the second describes an example supporting the conclusion.5. The first phrase states a generalization supporting the conclusion, and the second cites an example supporting that generalization.

Q - 34. Historian: Newton developed mathematical concepts and techniques that are fundamental to modern calculus. Leibniz developed closely analogous concepts and techniques. It has traditionally been thought that these discoveries were independent. Researchers have, however, recently discovered notes of Leibniz’ that discuss one of Newton’s books on mathematics. Several scholars have argued that since the book includes a presentation of Newton’s calculus concepts and techniques, and since the notes were written before Leibniz’ own development of calculus concepts and techniques, it is virtually certain that the traditional view is false. A more cautious conclusion than this is called for, however. Leibniz’ notes are limited to early sections of Newton’s book, sections that precede the ones in which Newton’s calculus concepts and techniques are

presented.

In the historian’s reasoning, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

A. The first provides evidence in support of the overall position that the historian defends; the second is evidence that has been used to support an opposing position.B. The first provides evidence in support of the overall position that the historian defends; the second is that position.C. The first provides evidence in support of an intermediate conclusion that is drawn to provide support for the overall position that the historian defends; the second provides evidence against that intermediate conclusion.D. The first is evidence that has been used to support a conclusion that the historian criticizes; the second is evidence offered in support of the historian’s own position.E. The first is evidence that has been used to support a conclusion that the historian criticizes; the second is further information that substantiates that evidence.

Q - 35. The city government should invest surplus funds in improving the city's transportation network. Most of the network was put in place at a time when the city was much smaller in both area and population. The subway system is outdated and understaffed. The buses rarely run on schedule and their routes are inconvenient. If the city does not make changes soon to the network, it will see many of its prized industries relocate to more convenient cities and, as a result, the city's financial health will be jeopardized.

In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

A. The first provides context for a current state of affairs; the second is a prediction based on that state of affairs. B. The first is a statement of fact in opposition to the author's conclusion; the second is that conclusion. C. The first emphasizes an existing problem; the second offers a proposal to solve that problem. D. The first is information the author suggests has been overlooked in the situation at hand; the second describes that situation. E. The first is a justification of an impending problem; the second describes the consequences of that problem.

Q - 36. Since it has become known that several of a bank's top executives have been buying shares in their own bank, the bank's depositors, who had been worried by rumors that the bank faced impending financial collapse, have been greatly relieved. They reason that since top executives evidently have faith in the bank's financial soundness, those worrisome rumors must be false. They might well be overoptimistic, however since corporate executives have sometimes bought shares in their own company in a calculated attempt to dispel negative rumors about the company's health.

In the argument given, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

A. The first summarizes the evidence used in the reasoning called into question by the argument; the second states the counterevidence on which the argument relies.

B. The first summarizes the evidence used in the reasoning called into question by the argument; the second is an intermediate conclusion supported by the evidence.

C. The first is an intermediate conclusion that forms part of the reasoning called into question by the argument; the second is evidence that undermines the support for this intermediate conclusion.

D. The first is an intermediate conclusion that forms part of the reasoning called into question by the argument; the second is the main conclusion of the argument.

E. The first is an intermediate conclusion that forms part of the reasoning called into question by the argument; the second states a further conclusion supported by this intermediate conclusion.

Q - 37. One of the limiting factors in human physical performance is the amount of oxygen that is absorbed by the muscles from the bloodstream. Accordingly, entrepreneurs have begun selling at gymnasiums and health clubs bottles of drinking water, labeled "SuperOXY," that has extra oxygen dissolved in the water. Such water would be useless in improving physical performance, however, since the amount of oxygen in the blood of people who are exercising is already more than the muscle can absorb.Which of the following, if true, would serve the same function in the argument as the statement in boldface?A. world-class athletes turn in record performance without such waterB. frequent physical exercise increases the body’s ability to take in and use oxygen C. the only way to get oxygen into the bloodstream so that it can be absorbed by the muscles is through the lungsD. lack of oxygen is not the only factor limiting human physical performanceE. the water lost in exercising can be replaced with ordinary tap water