GMAT Verbal Reasoning Practices

In this guide you will learn about GMAT Verbal Reasoning section, and find over 300 GMAT Verbal Reasoning practice questions. This page contains everything you need to know and the essential skills for a high GMAT Verbal Reasoning score.

The Introduction to the GMAT Verbal Reasoning Section
Practice Questions - Reading Comprehension
Practice Questions - Critical Reasoning

The Introduction to the GMAT Verbal Reasoning Section

The GMAT Verbal Reasoning (VR) section consists of 23 questions in 45 minutes. Each question consists of a reading passage or a paragraph followed by a multiple-choice question with 5 answer choices.

The GMAT Verbal Reasoning section is designed to assess a candidate's language and reading comprehension skills. It comprises two types of questions:

Reading Comprehension: These questions test your ability to read and understand complex passages on various topics. Each passage is followed by several questions that evaluate your ability to comprehend the content, infer meanings, and draw logical conclusions.
Critical Reasoning: These questions assess your ability to evaluate arguments and identify underlying assumptions. You'll encounter various types of critical reasoning questions that demand analytical thinking and the ability to spot weaknesses in an argument.

Both Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning have different question subtypes. Below, we will go over these two question types in detail and look athow frequently each question subtype is tested!

Verbal Reasoning - Reading Comprehension

In this question type, you will see a reading passage that is about 300-350 words long. The passages are typically taken from various fields, including social sciences, natural sciences, humanities, economics, and business-related topics. Then, you will need to choose a correct answer from 5 answer choices based on the reading passage. Keep in mind that, you will often see 2-3 consecutive questions with the same reading passage.

To excel in the Reading Comprehension question type, it's essential to be familiar with the 5 different question subtypes you may encounter:

Main Idea/Primary Purpose
Inference
Supporting Ideas
Organization and Function
Evaluation

Main Idea/Primary Purpose

These questions ask you to identify the purpose or main idea of the passage. Focus on the passage's overall message and how the author supports their argument.

Main Idea Sample Question Submit

The Maasai, a pastoralist ethnic group in East Africa, have captivated anthropologists for their remarkable cultural resilience and adaptability. For centuries, the Maasai have thrived in the arid savannas of Kenya and Tanzania, facing challenges like drought, political changes, and external influences. Despite these pressures, the Maasai have managed to preserve their core traditions while embracing select modifications to ensure survival in a rapidly changing world.

The Maasai's cultural persistence can be attributed to several factors, one being their strong emphasis on maintaining their distinct way of life. Their society revolves around age-grade systems, where individuals are grouped according to their life stages. These age sets participate in ceremonies, allowing the Maasai to uphold their age-old customs and ensure cultural continuity. Furthermore, the Maasai are known for their close-knit communities, which foster collective decision-making and mutual support during challenging times.

Geographical isolation has also played a significant role in preserving Maasai traditions. The vast grasslands and semi-nomadic lifestyle have provided a buffer from external influences, safeguarding their cultural identity. Although recent developments have brought them closer to urban centers, the Maasai's deep-rooted connection to their ancestral lands remains a pillar of their cultural strength. The Maasai's adaptability is equally impressive. They have seamlessly integrated aspects of modernity into their lives while retaining essential cultural practices. For instance, the traditional cattle herding, a central part of Maasai culture, has adapted to incorporate modern veterinary practices to ensure the well-being of their livestock. Additionally, the Maasai have embraced education, recognizing its value in navigating the contemporary world. Many Maasai children now attend schools, striking a balance between their pastoralist lifestyle and the advantages of formal education. This flexibility is emblematic of their pragmatic approach to change, where they carefully weigh the benefits of adaptation against the preservation of their unique identity.

The primary purpose of the passage is to

criticize the Maasai's adoption of modern practices having an impact on their traditional way of life.
explore the factors that have contributed to the Maasai's cultural resilience and adaptability.
highlight the Maasai's economic contributions to the region, including their role in local trade and markets.
argue for the preservation of the Maasai's traditional way of life by emphasizing the value and uniqueness of their customs.
compare the Maasai culture with other East African ethnic groups, illustrating the similarities and differences in their traditions and lifestyles.

Check Answer & Answer Explanation

Answer Explanation

Answer: (B) explore the factors that have contributed to the Maasai's cultural resilience and adaptability

The passage primarily outlines various factors, such as the age-grade systems, close-knit communities, geographical isolation, and adaptability to modernity, that have helped the Maasai preserve their culture and adapt to change.

(A) criticize the Maasai's adoption of modern practices having an impact on their traditional way of life: The passage doesn't criticize the Maasai. Instead, it presents their adoption of modern practices in a positive light, emphasizing how they've maintained their traditions while also integrating beneficial modern aspects. The tone is more informative and appreciative rather than critical.

(C) highlight the Maasai's economic contributions to the region, including their role in local trade and markets: While the passage does mention aspects like cattle herding and the adoption of modern veterinary practices, it doesn't focus on the Maasai's economic contributions to the broader region or their role in trade and markets. The primary emphasis is on cultural resilience and adaptability.

(D) argue for the preservation of the Maasai's traditional way of life by emphasizing the value and uniqueness of their customs: The passage does highlight the unique aspects of the Maasai culture and how they've preserved it. However, it doesn't specifically argue for its preservation. Instead, it describes how the Maasai have naturally managed to uphold their traditions while embracing certain modern changes.

(E) compare the Maasai culture with other East African ethnic groups, illustrating the similarities and differences in their traditions and lifestyles: The passage focuses solely on the Maasai and doesn't provide a comparative analysis with other East African ethnic groups. The emphasis is on understanding the Maasai's adaptability and cultural resilience, not on drawing contrasts or similarities with other cultures.

Inference

Inference questions require you to draw logical conclusions based on the information presented in the passage. They often test your ability to connect the dots and deduce implicit information.

Inference Sample Question Submit

Many business leaders operate under the misconception that employee satisfaction is solely a result of financial compensation. This belief propels the assumption that to increase morale and satisfaction, businesses need to simply increase wages. However, job satisfaction is multifaceted, encompassing not only salary but also aspects like workplace environment, flexibility, recognition, and growth opportunities. This mix-up between salary and overall satisfaction persists, in part, due to the tangible nature of financial benefits. Because salaries are quantifiable, business leaders can effortlessly contrast their company’s wage structure with rivals. Furthermore, adjusting pay scales might seem a straightforward way to address discontent compared to more complex solutions like workplace restructuring or company culture overhaul.

This misconception that pay is the sole determinant of job satisfaction is often magnified by media, which regularly celebrates companies offering top-dollar salaries while sometimes ignoring firms that offer stellar non-monetary benefits. Similarly, certain industry consultants, who specialize in compensation strategy, may inadvertently contribute to the perpetuation of this myth. Although recently, many have diversified their consultation areas, a primary part of their consultancy remains rooted in compensation strategies. Advising a company to adjust its organizational culture or offer more flexible hours might be accurate but goes against the grain of their conventional consultancy. As long as the emphasis remains on salary as the prime satisfaction determinant, these consultants will remain in demand, further cementing the myth.

It can be inferred from the passage that the author is most likely to agree with which of the following statements about job satisfaction?

Non-financial benefits, such as flexibility and growth opportunities, play no significant role in job satisfaction.
Companies that provide higher salaries will always have more satisfied employees than those offering non-monetary benefits.
It is easier for business leaders to adjust pay scales than to address more intricate factors affecting job satisfaction.
Media’s emphasis on high-paying companies indirectly suggests that other firms don't contribute to employee satisfaction.
Consultants mainly advise businesses on restructuring organizational culture as a primary solution to increase job satisfaction.

Check Answer & Answer Explanation

Answer Explanation

Answer: (C) It is easier for business leaders to adjust pay scales than to address more intricate factors affecting job satisfaction.

The passage mentions, "adjusting pay scales might seem a straightforward way to address discontent compared to more complex solutions like workplace restructuring or company culture overhaul." This suggests that business leaders may view financial adjustments as a simpler solution compared to addressing other facets of job satisfaction.

(A) Non-financial benefits, such as flexibility and growth opportunities, play no significant role in job satisfaction: The passage contradicts this by suggesting that job satisfaction encompasses aspects like workplace environment, flexibility, recognition, and growth opportunities.

(B) Companies that provide higher salaries will always have more satisfied employees than those offering non-monetary benefits: The passage challenges this assumption by emphasizing the multifaceted nature of job satisfaction.

(D) Media’s emphasis on high-paying companies indirectly suggests that other firms don't contribute to employee satisfaction: This choice might seem tempting because of the mention of media magnifying the pay-as-satisfaction perspective, but the passage doesn't state that the media suggests other companies don't contribute to satisfaction.

(E) Consultants mainly advise businesses on restructuring organizational culture as a primary solution to increase job satisfaction: The passage indicates the opposite, suggesting that consultants often focus on compensation strategies.

Supporting Ideas

Here, you need to identify the supporting ideas in a passage and differentiate them from the main idea. Questions may ask you to recall specific details or facts mentioned in the passage or determine the meanings of individual sentences and paragraphs that contribute to the meaning of the passage as a whole.

Supporting Ideas Sample Question Submit

The author of the passage mentions the Maasai's traditional cattle herding in order to

highlight the significance of age-grade systems in Maasai society.
underscore the importance of collective decision-making in Maasai communities.
emphasize the role of geographical isolation in preserving Maasai cultural identity.
illustrate how the Maasai integrate modern practices while preserving their cultural heritage.
demonstrate the impact of political changes on the Maasai pastoralist lifestyle.

Check Answer & Answer Explanation

Answer Explanation

Answer: (D) illustrate how the Maasai integrate modern practices while preserving their cultural heritage.

To answer the question, let's review the relevant section of the passage:

"They have seamlessly integrated aspects of modernity into their lives while retaining essential cultural practices. For instance, the traditional cattle herding, a central part of Maasai culture, has adapted to incorporate modern veterinary practices to ensure the well-being of their livestock."

Based on the context in which the Maasai's traditional cattle herding is mentioned, it's clear that the author is using it as an example to show how the Maasai have managed to integrate modern practices (like veterinary care) into their traditional ways of life without losing the essence of their culture. Therefore, the answer is (D).

(A) highlight the significance of age-grade systems in Maasai society: The mention of cattle herding is not directly related to the age-grade systems.

(B) underscore the importance of collective decision-making in Maasai communities: While the passage does discuss collective decision-making, the mention of cattle herding is not used to emphasize this point.

(C) emphasize the role of geographical isolation in preserving Maasai cultural identity: The reference to cattle herding is not used to emphasize the geographical isolation of the Maasai.

(E) demonstrate the impact of political changes on the Maasai pastoralist lifestyle: The passage doesn't use cattle herding to illustrate the impact of political changes.

Organization and Function

An Organization and Function question may ask you to:

Describe a hypothetical situation and ask you to deduce the author's opinion of that situation based on the passage.
Ask you to identify a situation or concept similar to the one mentioned in the passage.
Require you to apply a principle stated or suggested in the passage to a different scenario.
Ask you to recognize the potential implications of new, hypothetical information on the reasoning presented in the passage.

Organization and Function Sample Question Submit

Emiko Tanaka's research regarding the early Chinese immigrants to Oregon's Willamette Valley sheds light on the evolution of fishing communities from 1880 to 1930. The first-generation immigrants (Yisei) were brought to the Willamette Valley primarily to fish for salmon. Just as Yisei workers in urban areas, Chinese men in rural settings procured work through the “contractor” system. This model had three primary components: immigrant wage earners; Yisei hostels where workers resided; and job brokers, responsible for assembling workers for specific tasks and then brokering an agreement between workers and their employers. This system was initially used by Filipino laborers who had come before the Chinese. A parallel institution was the “employment guild”, which offered employment details and brokered work contracts, and other legal dealings like land lease agreements for Yisei who opted in and provided an annual membership fee to the cooperative.

When the salmon stocks began to deplete in 1908, the Yisei started to lease land from the valley's apple orchard owners. The Chinese offered labor, and the yield was shared between the laborers and the landowners. The Yisei thus transitioned swiftly from wage labor to a profit-sharing model. A modicum of economic advancement was seen as some Yisei had the means to directly lease or purchase orchards, while others collaborated to establish orchard consortiums. As the Yisei began managing orchards, they started to establish families, giving rise to a settled Chinese American community. Regrettably, the Yisei's ambitions to attain agricultural self-sufficiency were thwarted by restrictive government legislations, like the Foreign Soil Act of 1910. However, immigrants found loopholes in these laws by leasing or acquiring land in the names of their children born in America.

Tanaka's detailed analysis of one rural Chinese American community offers insightful data about the Yisei’s lives and experiences. Nonetheless, it's quite specific in its scope. This specificity arises from Tanaka’s method of employing oral narratives, which can't replace a more expansive theoretical or comparative standpoint. Subsequent studies could explore two pertinent topics hinted by her research: were the Yisei of the Willamette Valley analogous to Yisei in cityscapes, and what discrepancies were evident between rural Chinese American communities?

Question 1
Question 2

Which of the following best describes an “employment guild,” as defined in the passage?

An obligation for every Yisei if they wished to find work in Willamette Valley.
A union with members comprising job brokers and influential landowners.
An orchard consortium initiated by long-residing Yisei in the Willamette Valley.
A membership-based association for Yisei workers who paid fees.
A communal organization for Chinese laborers and their kin.

Check Answer & Answer Explanation

Answer Explanation

Answer: (D) A membership-based association for Yisei workers who paid fees.

The passage defines the “employment guild” as a parallel institution to the “contractor” system, offering employment details, brokering work contracts, and handling other legal matters. Yisei who opted to be a part of it provided an annual membership fee. This directly aligns with the option that describes it as a membership-based association for those who paid fees. The other options either add information not present in the passage or inaccurately reflect the guild's purpose and membership.

Several Yisei families collaborate to lease an apple orchard and the required farming tools. This scenario best mirrors which of the described situations in the passage?

A standard profit-sharing model.
An orchard consortium.
An “employment guild.”
The “contractor” system.
Bypassing the Foreign Soil Act.

Check Answer & Answer Explanation

Answer Explanation

Answer: (B) An orchard consortium.

The passage states that some Yisei collaborated to establish orchard consortiums as a method of economic advancement. This suggests that they were collectively managing or leasing orchards. The described scenario in the question where several Yisei families come together to lease an apple orchard matches this description. The other options, such as the “employment guild” or the “contractor” system, don't specifically deal with multiple families managing land or orchards, making the correct answer "an orchard consortium."

Evaluation

Evaluation questions ask you to evaluate a passage’s organization and logic. They may ask you

how a passage is constructed
what strategies authors use to convince readers to accept their assertions.
what the authors’ assumption is
the strengths and weaknesses of their arguments.

Evaluation Sample Question Submit

Botanical research, a discipline long overshadowed by zoological and human-centric studies, has come to the forefront in recent years, reshaping our understanding of the green world around us. Historically, plants were relegated to the background of scientific investigation, perceived as largely static and reactive entities. Their interactions with their environment were thought to be simple responses to external stimuli, such as light, water, and soil nutrients.

However, pioneering research over the last few decades has painted a different picture, positioning plants as proactive communicators within their ecosystems. These findings have debunked the long-held notion that plants lead a solitary existence. Instead, they participate in complex communication through intricate chemical signaling pathways. Within a single plant, these signals manage growth, repair, and defense. But perhaps even more astonishing is the realization that plants "talk" to their neighbors. One of the most groundbreaking discoveries in this area revolves around a plant's defensive mechanisms. When a plant is besieged by pests or herbivores, it doesn't suffer in silence. It releases specific volatile chemicals into the air, serving as a distress signal. Neighboring plants, upon detecting these airborne chemicals, don't merely act as passive bystanders. They initiate their own preemptive defensive measures, altering their chemical makeup to become less palatable or even toxic to the approaching threats.

In the mid-1990s, botanist Dr. Laura Bradfield brought forth a radical idea that further challenged our understanding of plant life. She posited that plants might have a type of "consciousness". While it's distinct from the consciousness seen in animals, it could be equally intricate, albeit manifested differently. Instead of a centralized organ like a brain, plants, she proposed, distribute processing and response mechanisms throughout their entire structure — from roots to leaves. This decentralized approach to processing ensures survival even when parts of the plant are damaged. However, every groundbreaking theory faces skepticism. Dr. Marco Fernandes, another renowned botanist, countered Dr. Bradfield's hypothesis. He contended that what we interpret as "communication" or "consciousness" in plants is merely a set of evolved chemical reactions, fine-tuned over millennia. For him, these reactions are mere responses to environmental stimuli and do not point to any semblance of consciousness.

Which of the following, if true, would most seriously undermine Dr. Bradfield's theory about plant "consciousness"?

Plants lack the neural pathways that are present in animals.
The chemical signaling in plants is highly sophisticated and involves multiple pathways
Some plants have been observed to "remember" environmental changes and respond to them even after a long duration.
Many plant reactions to stimuli are automatic and don't require intricate processing.
Plants can communicate with animals using specific chemical signals.

Check Answer & Answer Explanation

Answer Explanation

Answer: (D) Many plant reactions to stimuli are automatic and don't require intricate processing.

This statement directly undermines Dr. Bradfield's theory. If many plant reactions are automatic and don't require intricate processing, it implies that they might not have a form of consciousness as Dr. Bradfield suggests. Instead, they might simply be responding mechanically or chemically to stimuli without any decentralized processing, aligning more with Dr. Fernandes' view.

(A) Plants lack the neural pathways that are present in animals: While it is true that plants lack neural pathways present in animals, Dr. Bradfield's theory explicitly posits that plants might have a type of consciousness distinct from animals. She does not equate plant consciousness with animal consciousness. Therefore, this answer does not directly challenge her theory.

(B) The chemical signaling in plants is highly sophisticated and involves multiple pathways: This statement supports, rather than challenges, the idea of plant consciousness, as Dr. Bradfield believes that plants might have intricate consciousness, albeit manifested differently. A sophisticated chemical signaling process might be evidence for such intricacy.

(C) Some plants have been observed to "remember" environmental changes and respond to them even after a long duration: This evidence also supports Dr. Bradfield's theory. If plants can "remember" and respond after a duration, it suggests a more advanced processing ability in plants, potentially indicative of a form of consciousness.

(E) Plants can communicate with animals using specific chemical signals: The passage focuses on plant consciousness, and while this statement highlights an interesting aspect of plant behavior, it neither supports nor refutes Dr. Bradfield's theory about consciousness. The ability to communicate via chemical signals does not directly address the nature of plant consciousness itself.

Verbal Reasoning - Critical Reasoning

Each Critical Reasoning (CR) question includes an argument or a plan, typically under 100 words, followed by a question prompt and five answer choices. We can categorize all GMAT Critical Reasoning questions into three categories: Argument Construction, Argument Evaluation, and Formulating and Evaluating a Plan. Each category can be further organized into different question types as follows:

Category	Question Type	Test Frequency
Argument Evaluation	1. Strengthening the argument	High
	2. Weakening the argument	High
	3. Identifying the flaw of the argument	Medium
	4. Evaluating the argument	Medium
Argument Construction	5. Identifying the assumption of the argument	High
	6. Identifying the function of boldfaced statements	Medium
	7. Explaining the situation or paradox	Medium
	8. Drawing the inference or conclusion from the argument	Medium
	9. Logically completing the passage	Medium
	10. Finding parallels between structurally similar arguments	Low
	11. Identifying how a speaker supports or opposes’ another view	Low
Formulating and Evaluating a Plan	12. Drawing the inference or conclusion from the plan	Low
	13. Identifying the assumption of the plan	Low
	14. Identifying the flaw or factors strengthening or weakening the plan	Medium
	15. Evaluating the plan	Medium

Familiarizing with these 15 question types can help you approach GMAT Critical Reasoning questions more effectively and increase your chances of answering them correctly.

Now, let’s look at each question type one by one.

Strengthening the argument

These questions ask you to find a statement that brings in new information which supports the conclusion of an argument. In other words, we are looking for a statement that helps us believe even more that the conclusion of a given argument is logically correct.

Sample Question Submit

In the island realm of Veridian, a recent fossil discovery has unveiled a stunning connection between a present-day indigenous reptile species and its ancient ancestors that once thrived on these islands millions of years ago. The finding has sent ripples of surprise throughout the scientific community, challenging the prevailing belief that the ancestral reptiles became extinct when Veridian succumbed to a monumental rise in sea levels twenty-five million years ago. As a result of this groundbreaking revelation, numerous scientists have concluded that the sea-level rise must have left at least a portion of Veridian unsubmerged.

Which of the following would, if true, provide the most additional support for the scientists’ conclusion?

Reptiles in Veridian have displayed remarkable adaptability in response to various environmental changes following the sea-level rise.
Approximately eighty million years ago, Veridian underwent a separation from a significantly larger landmass.
There is a lack of discovered fossils establishing the connection between the present-day species and their ancestral counterparts outside of Veridian.
The current reptile population exhibits exceptional viability on the minuscule islands of Veridian.
It is unlikely that the ancestral reptiles had the capability to endure extended periods at sea.

Check Answer & Answer Explanation

Answer Explanation:

Answer: (E)

The scientists' conclusion is based on the assumption that the rise in sea level must have left some part of Veridian unsubmerged. This is because the current indigenous reptile species is connected to its ancestral reptiles that were believed to have gone extinct due to the sea-level rise.

Let's evaluate the options:

(A) Reptiles in Veridian have displayed remarkable adaptability in response to various environmental changes following the sea-level rise - This choice suggests that the reptiles in Veridian could adapt to changes. However, this doesn't necessarily provide the support that part of Veridian remained unsubmerged during the sea-level rise.(Incorrect)

(B) Approximately eighty million years ago, Veridian underwent a separation from a significantly larger landmass - While this provides historical context about Veridian's past, it doesn't directly support the conclusion regarding the sea-level rise and the survival of the ancestral reptiles. (Incorrect)

(C) There is a lack of discovered fossils establishing the connection between the present-day species and their ancestral counterparts outside of Veridian - This option strengthens the idea that the reptiles' lineage is specific to Veridian, but it doesn't directly support the conclusion that a part of Veridian remained unsubmerged. (Incorrect)

(D) The current reptile population exhibits exceptional viability on the minuscule islands of Veridian - While this suggests that current reptiles can thrive in Veridian's conditions, it doesn't provide evidence about the situation millions of years ago when the sea levels rose. (Incorrect)

(E) It is unlikely that the ancestral reptiles had the capability to endure extended periods at sea - If the ancestral reptiles couldn't endure long periods at sea, then they couldn't have survived a total submersion of Veridian. This implies that a portion of Veridian must have remained above sea level to allow these reptiles to survive. (Correct)

Based on the above analysis, option (E) most directly supports the scientists’ conclusion that a part of Veridian remained unsubmerged during the sea-level rise.

Weakening the argument

These questions require you to find the answer choice statement that weakens or undermines the conclusion of an argument. In other words, we are looking for a statement that makes us believe less that the conclusion is logically correct.

Sample Question Submit

Anthropologist: Explorers conducting a dig in an ancient settlement in Mesopotamia stumbled upon a remarkable revelation. In close proximity to the excavation site, they unearthed the remains of a feline skeleton alongside a human skeleton. Both interred at the same depth and exhibiting comparable levels of preservation, these findings suggest that approximately 7,000 years ago, humans and felines were ceremoniously buried together. This discovery offers compelling evidence of feline domestication during the dawn of agricultural civilization, as felines would have played a vital role in protecting valuable harvests from rodent pests.

Which of the following, if true, would most seriously weaken the Anthropologist’s argument?

Prior to the domestication of felines, early farmers lacked an efficient method to safeguard grain stores from mice.
The burial site in Cyprus predates any other known site where both feline and human skeletons were found buried together.
Depictions found near the burial site depict felines as domestic companions rather than showing them hunting mice.
Numerous burial sites in Cyprus dating back approximately 9,500 years reveal the presence of wild animal remains alongside human remains.
No evidence of grain stores has been discovered in close proximity to the burial site.

Check Answer & Answer Explanation

Answer Explanation:

Answer: (D)

To determine which option weakens the anthropologist’s argument, we need to identify the main claim made by the anthropologist. The primary argument is that the co-burial of a human and a feline suggests that the felines were domesticated, largely to protect valuable harvests from rodent pests during the dawn of agricultural civilization.The argument is structured around the idea that where there's agriculture, there are grains; where there are grains, there are rodents; and where there are rodents, there's a need for cats.

Now let’s evaluate the choices:

(A) Prior to the domestication of felines, early farmers lacked an efficient method to safeguard grain stores from mice - This option supports the anthropologist's argument rather than weakening it, suggesting there was a need for feline domestication.(Incorrect)

(B) The burial site in Cyprus predates any other known site where both feline and human skeletons were found buried together - While this fact may show that Cyprus has the earliest evidence of felines being buried with humans, it doesn’t directly weaken the primary argument regarding why felines were domesticated. (Incorrect)

(C) Depictions found near the burial site depict felines as domestic companions rather than showing them hunting mice - This choice could be seen as neither weakening nor strengthening the argument decisively. While depictions of felines as companions do suggest domestication, it doesn’t address the specific reason for the domestication given by the anthropologist (protecting grain from rodents). (Incorrect)

(D) Numerous burial sites in Cyprus dating back approximately 9,500 years reveal the presence of wild animal remains alongside human remains - If wild animals were also buried with humans in other sites, it could suggest that the co-burial of felines and humans might not necessarily indicate domestication, but rather a broader tradition of burying humans with animals. This weakens the idea that feline burial is a unique indicator of their domestication. (Correct)

(E) No evidence of grain stores has been discovered in close proximity to the burial site - While option (E) indicates there's no direct evidence of grain stores near the burial site, it doesn't necessarily negate the anthropologist's argument for a couple of reasons. First of all, the absence of grain stores "in close proximity to the burial site" doesn't mean there were no grain stores in the broader region or settlement. The burial site might not have been located right next to the granaries or storage areas. Secondly, just because grain stores weren't found nearby doesn't mean they didn't exist at a different time in that location. The evidence might have been lost, decayed, or not yet discovered. In conclusion, while (E) raises an eyebrow and might slightly challenge one aspect of the anthropologist's reasoning, it doesn't directly counter the broader argument about feline domestication. (Incorrect)

In conclusion, while (E) introduces some doubt, (D) poses a more direct challenge to the anthropologist's conclusion, making (D) the stronger choice.

Identifying the flaw of the argument

These questions ask you to identify the logical flaw or error in the argument's reasoning. In other words, we are looking for a statement that highlights a logical flaw in an argument’s reasoning.

Sample Question Submit

The no-win, no-fee arrangement in the litigation world, commonly termed the "conditional fee agreement," does not lead to a surge in patent infringement lawsuits against tech companies. In this arrangement, attorneys receive payment only if their client's case is victorious. Due to the exhaustive research and resources required in patent litigation, attorneys prefer cases that have clear evidence of infringement. As a consequence, lawyers frequently turn down potential clients if their claim appears baseless or if there's a lack of substantial evidence of infringement.

The argument above is most vulnerable to criticism on the grounds that it fails to:

define the standards attorneys use to evaluate clear evidence of patent infringement.
contemplate whether, without the no-win, no-fee option, inventors with legitimate claims might hesitate to sue tech companies for fear of steep legal bills.
mention whether the average compensation in victorious patent lawsuits, after deducting legal expenses, is less under conditional fee agreements than in other arrangements.
consider the impact of the no-win, no-fee system on lawsuits related to other types of intellectual property claims, like copyrights or trademarks.
acknowledge the increasing expenses tech companies bear to fight patent infringement lawsuits.

Check Answer & Answer Explanation

Answer Explanation:

Answer: (B)

The core of the argument suggests that the no-win, no-fee system doesn't increase the number of patent infringement lawsuits because lawyers want strong, clear evidence of infringement due to the costs they must bear.

Given this, let's evaluate the options:

(A) Define the standards attorneys use to evaluate clear evidence of patent infringement - While understanding how attorneys evaluate patent infringement evidence is important, it doesn't present the main vulnerability in the argument.(Incorrect)

(B) contemplate whether, without the no-win, no-fee option, inventors with legitimate claims might hesitate to sue tech companies for fear of steep legal bills - This choice highlights a potential external factor: that without the no-win, no-fee system, inventors with valid claims might avoid legal action because of the potential financial burden. This implies that the no-win, no-fee arrangement could actually increase accessibility to litigation for those with legitimate claims. (Correct)

(C) mention whether the average compensation in victorious patent lawsuits, after deducting legal expenses, is less under conditional fee agreements than in other arrangements - The amount compensated in victorious lawsuits, after expenses, isn't the central issue. The main focus is on the number of lawsuits. (Incorrect)

(D) consider the impact of the no-win, no-fee system on lawsuits related to other types of intellectual property claims, like copyrights or trademarks - This argument pertains specifically to patent infringement lawsuits. Therefore, the system's effect on other intellectual property lawsuits is irrelevant in this context. (Incorrect)

(E) acknowledge the increasing expenses tech companies bear to fight patent infringement lawsuits - The cost tech companies bear to defend against patent infringement is tangential to the central logic about the number of lawsuits. (Incorrect)

Based on this assessment, option (B) emerges as the best choice. It underscores a possible flaw in the argument: the no-win, no-fee system might attract those with genuine claims who would have otherwise been dissuaded by potential legal fees.

More Practice Questions (Available in January, 2024)

Mock Test 1 Mock Test 2 Mock Test 3 Mock Test 4 Mock Test 5 Mock Test 6 Mock Test 7 Mock Test 8 Mock Test 9 Mock Test 10 Mock Test 11 Mock Test 12 Mock Test 13 Mock Test 14 Mock Test 15 Mock Test 16 Mock Test 17 Mock Test 18 Mock Test 19 Mock Test 20 Mock Test 21 Mock Test 22 Mock Test 23 Mock Test 24 Mock Test 25

Evaluating the argument

These questions ask you to identify, from among the answer choices, what will best help in evaluating whether the conclusion of the argument is valid. In other words, we are looking for a statement that if it is true, the conclusion of the argument is valid, and if it is not true, the conclusion of the argument is invalid.

Sample Question Submit

In an attempt to address the issue of illegal firearm possession, the government has implemented stringent laws to crack down on firearm dealers. However, this approach is unlikely to yield the desired results. Targeting firearm dealers will result in a scarcity of firearms. Simultaneously, since no measures are being taken to reduce the demand for firearms, they will be sold at inflated prices, incentivizing more individuals to engage in the lucrative business of illegal firearm dealing. Therefore, to effectively address the problem of illegal firearm possession, the government must focus on prosecuting firearm users rather than dealers.

Which of the following is the most relevant information in evaluating the credibility of the argument?

Whether any other country has implemented successful measures to regulate firearm users.
Whether the potential financial gain from selling firearms outweighs the potential punishment.
Whether firearms will continue to be sold at inflated prices when dealers reenter the market.
Whether a significant majority of firearm users are willing to pay a premium to maintain access to firearms.
Whether the government possesses the ability to monitor and track new dealers as they enter the market.

Check Answer & Answer Explanation

Answer Explanation:

Answer: (D)

The main point of the argument is that by targeting firearm dealers and creating a scarcity, prices will inflate. This will then incentivize more people to enter the business of illegal firearm dealing. The crux of this argument lies in the assumption that there will still be a strong demand for firearms, even if they are sold at inflated prices.

Let's go through each of the choices:

(A) Whether any other country has implemented successful measures to regulate firearm users - This option isn't directly related to the core of the argument. While other countries' experiences can offer insights, the argument specifically revolves around the relationship between firearm scarcity, price inflation, and the entry of new illegal dealers. Other countries' regulations may or may not consider this dynamic, making this option not directly relevant. (Incorrect)

(B) Whether the potential financial gain from selling firearms outweighs the potential punishment - At first glance, this option seems very relevant because it focuses on the incentive to enter illegal firearm dealing. However, it doesn't directly address the issue of demand, which is crucial to the argument. Even if selling firearms could be profitable, if there's no demand at inflated prices, there won't be any incentive. While this option touches upon a relevant concern, it doesn't hit the heart of the argument as well as option (D) does. (Incorrect)

(C) Whether firearms will continue to be sold at inflated prices when dealers reenter the market - This option focuses on the long-term implications of dealers reentering the market. While an interesting point, the primary concern of the argument is about the immediate effect of a crackdown on dealers and the resulting inflated prices, not the long-term sustainability of those prices. (Incorrect)

(D) Whether a significant majority of firearm users are willing to pay a premium to maintain access to firearms - If most firearm users are willing to pay more money to continue using firearms, it supports the argument's claim that targeting users would be effective. However, if the majority of users are NOT willing to pay more or find other ways to get firearms, it weakens the argument's assumption that targeting users would reduce illegal firearm possession. In summary, by considering how willing firearm users are to pay more, we can assess if targeting users is a credible solution to the problem. (Correct)

(E) Whether the government possesses the ability to monitor and track new dealers as they enter the market - This option is about the government's monitoring capabilities. However, the argument mainly focuses on the effects of targeting dealers on the supply-demand dynamic, not on how effectively the government can track new entrants. (Incorrect)

More Practice Questions (Available in January, 2024)

Identifying the assumption of the argument

In these questions, you are asked to identify an assumption upon which the argument relies. In other words, we are looking for an assumption that if it is not true, the conclusion of the argument is not valid anymore.

Sample Question Submit

Ylivar has developed an advanced electric vehicle that boasts a 40 percent longer range than the electric vehicle produced by its main competitor, Xellis, currently dominating the market in German. Ylivar's electric vehicle is particularly suitable for the growing demand among German's urban commuters, despite having a higher price tag compared to Xellis. The government of German has proposed implementing stricter emission standards within the next three years, requiring electric vehicles to surpass the current emissions threshold by at least 50 percent. Unfortunately, Xellis may struggle to upgrade its electric vehicle to meet these new standards. Therefore, if the proposed regulations are enacted, Ylivar's electric vehicle is expected to experience robust sales in German thereafter.

The government of German will successfully implement the proposed stricter emission standards within the next three years.
Ylivar's electric vehicle is the only electric vehicle in Elterra that can meet the proposed emission standards.
The demand for electric vehicles among German's urban commuters will continue to grow in the coming years.
Xellis will not be able to modify its electric vehicle to meet the new emission standards set by the government of Elterra.
The higher price of Ylivar's electric vehicle compared to Xellis will not deter customers in Elterra from choosing the longer-range and more environmentally friendly option.

Check Answer & Answer Explanation

Answer Explanation:

Answer: (B)

Let's evaluate all options.

(A) The government of German will successfully implement the proposed stricter emission standards within the next three years - This answer choice assumes the successful implementation of the proposed standards, but it does not directly relate to Ylivar's electric vehicle being the best option in the market to meet those standards. It is an assumption, but it doesn't address the core of the argument. (Incorrect)

(B) Ylivar's electric vehicle is the only electric vehicle in Elterra that can meet the proposed emission standards - In the given argument, it is stated that Ylivar's electric vehicle has a 40 percent longer range than Xellis' electric vehicle and is particularly suitable for the growing demand among German's urban commuters. Additionally, the government of German has proposed implementing stricter emission standards, which require electric vehicles to surpass the current emissions threshold by at least 50 percent. Due to this, Xellis may struggle to upgrade its electric vehicle to meet the new standards.

To support the conclusion that Ylivar's electric vehicle is expected to experience robust sales in Germany, there must be an assumption made. The assumption is the missing link that ensures the conclusion follows logically from the premises. (Correct)

(C) The demand for electric vehicles among German urban commuters will continue to grow in the coming years -This answer choice talks about the demand for electric vehicles, but it does not directly impact whether Ylivar's electric vehicle will experience robust sales due to the new standards. It is not a critical assumption for the argument. (Incorrect)

(D) Xellis will not be able to modify its electric vehicle to meet the new emission standards set by the government of Elterra - This answer choice comes close to being a relevant assumption, but it focuses on Xellis' ability to modify its vehicle rather than whether Ylivar's electric vehicle can meet the standards. The argument's main concern is whether Ylivar's electric vehicle is the only one capable of meeting the new emission standards. (Incorrect)

(E) The higher price of Ylivar's electric vehicle compared to Xellis will not deter customers in Elterra from choosing the longer-range and more environmentally friendly option - While the price difference may be a concern, the argument is specifically centered around Ylivar's electric vehicle being able to meet the proposed emission standards. The assumption must address the vehicle's capability to meet those standards, not customer preferences based on price and features. (Incorrect)

Identifying the function of boldfaced statements

In this question type, we are given an argument (premises + main conclusion). Two of the statements in the argument are highlighted in bold. We are asked to identify the functions played by the two bold-faced statements in the argument.

Sample Question Submit

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. Some commentators have argued, correctly, that since there is presently no objective test for whiplash, spurious reports of whiplash injuries cannot be readily identified. These commentators are, however, wrong to draw the further conclusion 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 agreement given, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

The first is evidence that has been used to support a conclusion that the argument criticizes; the second is that conclusion.
The first is evidence that has been used to support a conclusion that the argument criticizes; the second is the position that the argument defends.
The first is a claim that has been used to support a conclusion that the argument accepts; the second is the position that the argument defends
The first is an intermediate conclusion that has been used to support a conclusion that the argument defends; the second is the position that the argument opposes.
The first presents a claim that is disputed in the argument; the second is the conclusion that has been drawn on the basis of that claim.

Check Answer & Answer Explanation

Answer Explanation:

Answer: (A)

Passage breakdown	Aanalysis
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.	The argument starts with the observation that whiplash injuries are reported twice as often in countries where they are covered by automobile insurance compared to countries where they are not covered.
Some commentators have argued, correctly, that since there is presently no objective test for whiplash, spurious reports of whiplash injuries cannot be readily identified. These commentators are, however, wrong to draw the further conclusion that in the countries with the higher rates of reported whiplash injuries, half of the reported cases are spurious:	The argument presents a claim made by "some commentators": since there's no objective test for whiplash, it's impossible to identify false reports of such injuries. This is the first boldfaced portion. These commentators then draw a further conclusion based on the first claim: half of the reported cases in high-reporting countries are likely spurious. This is the second boldfaced portion.Their logic is based on the fact that currently there is no objective test for whiplash, making it impossible to readily identify false claims.
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.	The argument then counters this conclusion by stating that in countries without compensation for whiplash injuries, people might not report genuine cases because they have no financial incentive to do so.

Boldfaced Portions:

there is presently no objective test for whiplash - This is a piece of evidence that the commentators use to argue that many of the whiplash claims could be false.

in the countries with the higher rates of reported whiplash injuries, half of the reported cases are spurious - This is the conclusion drawn by the commentators based on the evidence mentioned above (i.e., the lack of an objective test).

Let's see why (A) is the correct answer.

(A) The first is evidence that has been used to support a conclusion that the argument criticizes; the second is that conclusion

The first boldfaced portion (that there's no objective test for whiplash) is indeed used as "evidence" or a premise by the commentators to draw their conclusion.
The conclusion they draw from this evidence is the second boldfaced portion (that half of the reported cases in high-reporting countries are spurious).
The main argument presented by the author criticizes or disputes this conclusion.

Given this breakdown, choice (A) accurately reflects the roles of the two boldfaced portions in the argument. The first portion is the evidence or premise leading to a conclusion, and the second portion is that conclusion — a conclusion the main argument opposes.

More Practice Questions (Available in January, 2024)

Explaining the situation or paradox

You will see two scenarios in these questions:

The question presents a contradictory situation and asks you to explain the paradox.
The question presents a situation and asks you to select a statement that best explains the situation.

Sample Question Submit

When the government introduced strict regulations requiring all pharmaceutical companies to disclose the potential side effects of their drugs, it was expected to enhance transparency and provide consumers with more accurate information. Additionally, it was assumed that medical practitioners would be better informed about potential risks. However, since the implementation of these regulations, the number of medical malpractice lawsuits related to drug side effects has not decreased.

Which of the following, if true, best explains the discrepancy outlined above?

The pharmaceutical companies interpret the regulations differently, leading to inconsistencies in the disclosure of drug side effects.
The abundance of information regarding drug side effects makes it challenging for medical practitioners to keep up with all the available data, potentially leading to oversight in certain cases.
The regulations mandate pharmaceutical companies to disclose drug side effects only after they have been approved for public use.
Even before the regulations were in place, most pharmaceutical companies voluntarily disclosed potential side effects of their drugs.
Medical practitioners rely on various sources of information, such as clinical trials and patient experiences, in addition to the disclosed side effects when prescribing medications.

Check Answer & Answer Explanation

Answer Explanation:

Answer: (B)

The discrepancy in the argument is that even after introducing strict regulations to disclose drug side effects (which was expected to reduce lawsuits), the number of medical malpractice lawsuits related to drug side effects has not decreased.

Let's evaluate each option to see which best explains this discrepancy:

(A) The pharmaceutical companies interpret the regulations differently, leading to inconsistencies in the disclosure of drug side effects - If pharmaceutical companies interpret regulations differently, leading to inconsistencies, then some companies might still not be giving complete or standardized information about side effects. However, this doesn't strongly account for why lawsuits haven't decreased if the main reason for the regulations was to increase transparency. (Incorrect)

(B) The abundance of information regarding drug side effects makes it challenging for medical practitioners to keep up with all the available data, potentially leading to oversight in certain cases - If there's so much information on drug side effects that it becomes challenging for medical practitioners to keep up, they could inadvertently overlook some side effects. This would lead to patients still experiencing unexpected side effects and potentially suing the doctors, explaining why lawsuits haven't decreased. This option seems plausible. (Correct)

(C) The regulations mandate pharmaceutical companies to disclose drug side effects only after they have been approved for public use - The timing of the disclosure (only after public approval) doesn't directly explain the discrepancy about why lawsuits haven't decreased after the regulation, especially if the drugs' side effects are being disclosed anyway. (Incorrect)

(D) Even before the regulations were in place, most pharmaceutical companies voluntarily disclosed potential side effects of their drugs - If most companies already voluntarily disclosed side effects before the regulations, the regulations might not have changed much in practice. However, the assumption is that lawsuits were a problem before the regulations. This choice doesn't explain why the lawsuits would continue at the same rate after the regulations if the behavior of the pharmaceutical companies remained consistent. (Incorrect)

(E) Medical practitioners rely on various sources of information, such as clinical trials and patient experiences, in addition to the disclosed side effects when prescribing medications - This option states that doctors use multiple sources of information. However, it doesn't explain why there hasn't been a decrease in lawsuits after the regulations. If anything, with more disclosed side effects, the doctors should have better information and make safer decisions. (Incorrect)

Given the above analysis, the best choice that explains the discrepancy is:

(B) The abundance of information regarding drug side effects makes it challenging for medical practitioners to keep up with all the available data, potentially leading to oversight in certain cases.

This option suggests that even though side effects are disclosed, the sheer volume of information might be overwhelming for doctors, leading them to miss crucial details and thereby not reducing the rate of lawsuits.

More Practice Questions (Available in January, 2024)

Drawing inference or conclusion from the argument

These questions require you to draw a conclusion or make a logical inference based on the information provided in the argument.

Sample Question Submit

Traditionally, students from outside the city of Greenwood, who pay three times as much tuition fees compared to local students, have consistently represented around three-quarters of the total student enrollment at Greenwood University. However, over the past 5 years , academic standards at the college have risen, the percentage of non-local students has declined to around 55% of the total enrollment.

Which one of the following reasonably be inferred from the statements above?

If the college's per capita revenue from tuition has remained constant, tuition fees have increased over the past 5 years.
The improvement in academic standards at the college over the past decade would not have been possible without the higher tuition paid by students from outside Greenwood.
Over the past 5 years, there has been an increase in the number of students from Greenwood and a decrease in the number of students from outside Greenwood.
Among colleges in Merryweather, Greenwood College has experienced a greater increase in academic standards over the past 5 years compared to any other college.
Without the rise in academic standards over the past 5 years, students who are not from Greenwood would still comprise at least 75% of the college's enrollment.

Check Answer & Answer Explanation
Answer Explanation:

Answer: (A)

The facts given are:
- Non-local students used to represent around three-quarters (75%) of the total student enrollment at Greenwood University.
- Non-local students pay three times as much tuition fees compared to local students.
- In the past 5 years, as academic standards rose, the percentage of non-local students declined to 55% of the total enrollment.
From this information, let's evaluate the answer choices:

(A) If the college's per capita revenue from tuition has remained constant, tuition fees have increased over the past 5 years - We know the percentage of non-local students (who pay more) has decreased.If there's a decline in higher-paying (non-local) students but the college's revenue per student ("per capita revenue") has remained the same, then it's likely that the college had to raise its tuition to make up for the loss in revenue from the decrease in non-local students.

Given that there has been a significant reduction in non-local students, who pay three times more than local students, for the college's per capita revenue from tuition to remain constant, tuition fees must have increased. Thus, (A) is a correct inference from the provided information. (Correct)

(B) The improvement in academic standards at the college over the past decade would not have been possible without the higher tuition paid by students from outside Greenwood - We don't have enough information to determine whether the rise in academic standards was a direct result of the higher tuition paid by non-local students. (Incorrect)

(C) Over the past 5 years, there has been an increase in the number of students from Greenwood and a decrease in the number of students from outside Greenwood - This option might seem correct at the first sight. If the percentage of non-local students has decreased to 55%, then the percentage of local students has increased to 45% from the earlier (100% - 75% = 25%). However, the passage doesn't provide specific data about the actual number of students from either group or whether the total student enrollment at the university changed. For instance, let's consider a simple hypothetical scenario:

Suppose 5 years ago, the college had 100 students in total, with 75 of them being non-local. Today, the college have 200 students, with 110 being non-local.

In this case, although the percentage of non-local students decreased from 75% to 55%, their actual number increased from 75 to 110. Simultaneously, the number of local students increased from 25 to 90.

This example demonstrates that a decrease in the percentage of non-local students does not necessarily mean there was a decrease in their actual number. Similarly, the percentage of local students increased, but we don't know the actual numbers. Therefore, we cannot make definitive statements about the changes in the number of students from both categories, making (C) an incorrect choice based on the given information. (Incorrect)

(D) Among colleges in Merryweather, Greenwood College has experienced a greater increase in academic standards over the past 5 years compared to any other college - There's no comparison provided with other colleges in Merryweather, so we can't infer this. (Incorrect)

(E) Without the rise in academic standards over the past 5 years, students who are not from Greenwood would still comprise at least 75% of the college's enrollment - This is speculative. We can't say for certain that without the rise in academic standards, the percentage of non-local students would have remained at 75%. (Incorrect)

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Logically completing the passage

In these questions, the passage is incomplete with a blank. You are asked to fill in the blank with the correct answer choice. The blank you need to fill in with can be one of the followings :

What can be logically inferred from the given passage (See Sample Question 1)
an additional statement that supports the conclusion of the passage (See Sample Question 2)

Sample Question 1 Submit

When multiple airlines operate on the same route and offer similar flight schedules, classical economics predicts that price competition will drive airfares down to minimal levels, and all airlines' profits on that route will also be minimized. Therefore, if classical economics is true and considering airlines' aim to maximize profits, it should be expected that ____________.

(A) in a competitive aviation market, airlines will maintain widely varying ticket prices for flights that have similar schedules and services.
as fewer airlines serve a particular route due to some carriers exiting the market, the profits of the remaining airlines on that route will tend to decrease.
Each airline will strive to provide routes that are substantially distinct from those offered by their competitors.
when consumers are unable to differentiate between airlines offering similar schedules and services, they will perceive the higher-priced tickets as indications of better quality.
airlines in competitive markets will have more incentive to lower ticket prices, thereby increasing ticket sales, than to invest in innovations that distinguish their services from those of their competitors.

Check Answer & Answer Explanation

Answer Explanation:

Answer: (C)

Given that the scenario suggests that if there is significant competition in terms of schedule and services between airlines, it will lead to minimal profits, let's analyze the best completion for the blank:

(A) in a competitive aviation market, airlines will maintain widely varying ticket prices for flights that have similar schedules and services - This seems contradictory to the premise because if classical economics were true, and the competition was fierce, there shouldn't be widely varying ticket prices for similar services. (Incorrect)

(B) as fewer airlines serve a particular route due to some carriers exiting the market, the profits of the remaining airlines on that route will tend to decrease - This is opposite to the expected outcome. If fewer airlines serve a route (reduced competition), the remaining airlines should theoretically have more leeway to increase profits. (Incorrect)

(C) Each airline will strive to provide routes that are substantially distinct from those offered by their competitors - This aligns with the premise. If airlines aim to maximize profits, and competition on similar routes causes minimal profits, then airlines will try to provide routes that are different from their competitors. This option suggests airlines would want to avoid the fierce competition that would minimize their profits. (Correct)

(D) when consumers are unable to differentiate between airlines offering similar schedules and services, they will perceive the higher-priced tickets as indications of better quality - This statement speaks more to consumer psychology than the airlines' strategies to maximize profits. (Incorrect)

(E) airlines in competitive markets will have more incentive to lower ticket prices, thereby increasing ticket sales, than to invest in innovations that distinguish their services from those of their competitors - This suggests that the airlines would lower ticket prices to increase sales, but the premise suggests that too much competition (which leads to price drops) results in minimal profits. Furthermore, the second part of this option does align with the premise. (Incorrect)

Sample Question 2 Submit

Unemployment rates have been a significant concern in the country of Xylon in recent years. Studies have shown that regions with higher investment in vocational training programs tend to have lower unemployment rates compared to regions with limited or no access to such programs. Therefore, the government of Xylon should allocate more funds to expand vocational training programs, especially since ________________________.

the current vocational training programs suffer from outdated curriculum and a lack of skilled instructors.
many companies in Xylon are hesitant to hire individuals who have completed vocational training, preferring those with traditional university degrees.
the majority of young individuals in Xylon are not interested in pursuing vocational training due to societal stigmas surrounding such career paths.
vocational training has proven to be ineffective in equipping individuals with the necessary skills demanded by the job market.
the regions with the lowest unemployment rates in Xylon are also the ones with the highest investment in vocational training programs.

Check Answer & Answer Explanation

Answer Explanation:

Answer (E)

Given the situation presented, we are looking for a completion that further strengthens the case for the government of Xylon to invest more in vocational training programs to reduce unemployment.

(A) the current vocational training programs suffer from outdated curriculum and a lack of skilled instructors - This speaks to the need for improvement in the quality of vocational programs, but doesn't necessarily make a direct case for the expansion of the programs. (Incorrect)

(B) many companies in Xylon are hesitant to hire individuals who have completed vocational training, preferring those with traditional university degrees - This weakens the argument for investing in vocational training programs because if companies are hesitant to hire vocational training graduates, then expanding these programs may not help in reducing unemployment. (Incorrect)

(C) the majority of young individuals in Xylon are not interested in pursuing vocational training due to societal stigmas surrounding such career paths - This option also weakens the argument. If most young individuals are not interested in vocational training due to societal stigmas, then simply expanding the programs might not address the unemployment issue. (Incorrect)

(D) vocational training has proven to be ineffective in equipping individuals with the necessary skills demanded by the job market - This directly contradicts the premise, stating that vocational training is ineffective. (Incorrect)

(E) the regions with the lowest unemployment rates in Xylon are also the ones with the highest investment in vocational training programs - This strongly supports the main premise. If the regions with the lowest unemployment rates are the ones with the highest investment in vocational training, it indicates a correlation between investment in vocational training and decreased unemployment. This is a clear reason for the government to allocate more funds for these programs. (Correct)

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Finding parallels between structurally similar arguments

In this question, an argument is presented, and the question asks you to select an answer choice that applies a similar method of reasoning in a completely different scenario.

Note: This question type rarely appears in the GMAT Verbal Reasoning section.

Identifying how a speaker supports or opposes’ another view

In this question, you will not see a passage instead, you will see a conversation between two or more individuals. Each

Individual presents their own argument. The question will ask you how one of the speakers supports or counters another’s view.

Sample Question Submit

Lucas: The city of Rymark is increasing the toll fee for the central city bridge. Even after the hike, Rymark's toll charges will be moderate, meaning vehicular traffic on the bridge will likely remain consistent. As a result, city revenue from the toll will see a growth.

Nina: I agree that traffic may not reduce immediately because Rymark's toll charges, even after the hike, won't be exorbitant. However, since they will no longer be the cheapest in the area, there might be a rise in vehicles using alternate routes to avoid the toll.

Nina responds to Lucas’s argument by doing which of the following?

Pointing out a flaw in Lucas's logic by noting that consistency doesn't necessarily mean no reduction in bridge usage.
Highlighting a potential consequence of the toll fee hike that Lucas hasn't considered, which might impact the projected revenue growth.
Suggesting that Lucas's argument would be stronger if he could provide historical data to back up his claims.
Demonstrating that Lucas's assumed outcome of increased revenue is dependent on several other factors beyond the toll hike.
Indicating that Lucas's solution is not aggressive enough to generate the revenue he is predicting.

Check Answer & Answer Explanation

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Identifying the flaw or factors strengthening or weakening the plan

Sample Question Submit

AudioTunes is a chain of American stores selling music albums, electronic gadgets, and concert tickets. In America, music album prices are determined by record labels, and the retailer’s share of an album's price is 20 percent. Given that AudioTunes’s profit margin on electronic gadgets is considerably higher, the chain’s management is considering allocating more of its store space to electronic gadgets and decreasing the variety of music albums that its stores offer.

Which of the following, if true, most strongly argues that the plan, if implemented, will not boost AudioTunes’s profits?

In recent times, record labels, in an attempt to capture more of the market, have been aggressively reducing the prices of some of the most popular music albums.
Market research surveys reveal that few customers associate AudioTunes with electronic gadgets, but many appreciate and frequently visit for its extensive music album collection.
The record label’s portion of a music album's sale price is 60 percent, and the label also collects all of the album's streaming revenue.
Customers who join a music streaming service usually spend less annually than they would if they purchased individual albums from a retail outlet like AudioTunes.
Some of AudioTunes’s outlets are in metropolitan areas where there are multiple competitors for electronic gadgets, but very few dedicated music album stores.

Check Answer & Answer Explanation

Answer Explanation:

Answer (B)

(A) In recent times, record labels, in an attempt to capture more of the market, have been aggressively reducing the prices of some of the most popular music albums - This implies that music albums are getting cheaper. However, since the retailer’s share is a percentage (20%), a drop in album prices would also decrease the retailer’s share, making albums less profitable for the store. (Incorrect)

(B) Market research surveys reveal that few customers associate AudioTunes with electronic gadgets, but many appreciate and frequently visit for its extensive music album collection - This point is pivotal. It suggests that AudioTunes's brand identity is predominantly linked to its music album collection. Reducing the variety of music albums could deter a significant part of its customer base. This could directly affect store traffic and sales, potentially resulting in diminished profits. (Correct)

(C) The record label’s portion of a music album's sale price is 60 percent, and the label also collects all of the album's streaming revenue - This speaks about the record label's profits and doesn't directly impact AudioTunes's profitability. The streaming revenue is also unrelated to AudioTunes's profits as it goes entirely to the record labels. (Incorrect)

(D) Customers who join a music streaming service usually spend less annually than they would if they purchased individual albums from a retail outlet like AudioTunes - While this implies a potential shift towards streaming, it doesn't directly argue against the plan of reducing music album varieties and increasing electronic gadgets. (Incorrect)

(E) Some of AudioTunes’s outlets are in metropolitan areas where there are multiple competitors for electronic gadgets, but very few dedicated music album stores - This statement suggests that in some locations, AudioTunes would face stiff competition in the electronic gadget market, while its music album collection offers a unique selling proposition. This can be a strong argument against reducing music album variety. (Incorrect)

Out of the options, option (B) most convincingly argues against the plan. If customers primarily recognize AudioTunes for its extensive music album collection, reducing its variety might harm the store's reputation, potentially leading to decreased profits.

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Evaluating the plan

Sample Question Submit

In our tech company, while there's a digital manual available on the intranet detailing software usage protocols, it seems that few employees reference this manual, leading to multiple mistakes and inefficiencies. One-on-one training sessions for these mistakes have not only been time-consuming but have also made some employees defensive. As a solution, we propose to send monthly email digests summarizing the crucial software usage protocols.

Which of the following would it be most beneficial to ascertain about the employees in the company to evaluate the potential success of the proposed plan?

Whether most employees who make software usage mistakes find one-on-one sessions helpful in preventing repeated errors.
Whether the majority of errors made by employees stem from unfamiliarity with software protocols or from software malfunctions.
Whether most employees are already aware of the most critical software usage protocols but fail to implement them.
Whether the majority of employees routinely check and read company emails, especially those that are informational in nature.
Whether employees generally prefer digital manuals over other forms of instructional material for software protocols.

Check Answer & Answer Explanation

Answer Explanation:

Answer: (D)

The proposed solution is to send monthly email digests about the software protocols, aiming to reduce mistakes due to protocol unfamiliarity. Understanding the effectiveness of this communication method is key.

(A) Whether most employees who make software usage mistakes find one-on-one sessions helpful in preventing repeated errors - This choice gives information on the effectiveness of one-on-one sessions but doesn't provide insight into the success of email digests. (Incorrect)

(B) Whether the majority of errors made by employees stem from unfamiliarity with software protocols or from software malfunctions - While this provides insight into the root cause of mistakes, it doesn't tell us about the efficacy of the email solution. (Incorrect)

(C) Whether most employees are already aware of the most critical software usage protocols but fail to implement them - This would indicate if awareness correlates with correct software usage. However, it doesn't shed light on whether email digests would be read or effective.(Incorrect)

(D) Whether the majority of employees routinely check and read company emails, especially those that are informational in nature - This option directly tackles the proposal's strategy. If employees typically ignore or skim through informational company emails, the proposed solution might not be effective. On the other hand, if they do read these emails, the plan stands a better chance of success. (Correct)

(E) Whether employees generally prefer digital manuals over other forms of instructional material for software protocols - While this provides insight into employees' preferences, it doesn't address the effectiveness of the email digest approach specifically. (Incorrect)

Given the choices, it would be most beneficial to ascertain whether the majority of employees routinely check and read company emails, especially those that are informational in nature to evaluate the potential success of the proposed plan.

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Drawing the inference or conclusion from the plan

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Identifying the assumption of the plan

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GMAT Verbal Reasoning Test Guide - Prepare with over 300 GMAT Verbal Reasoning questions to Get a High GMAT Verbal Reasoning Score.

Table Of Contents

The Introduction to the GMAT Verbal Reasoning Section

Verbal Reasoning - Reading Comprehension

Main Idea/Primary Purpose

Inference

Supporting Ideas

Organization and Function

Evaluation

Verbal Reasoning - Critical Reasoning

Strengthening the argument

Weakening the argument

Identifying the flaw of the argument

Evaluating the argument

Identifying the assumption of the argument

Identifying the function of boldfaced statements

Explaining the situation or paradox

Drawing inference or conclusion from the argument

Logically completing the passage

Finding parallels between structurally similar arguments

Identifying how a speaker supports or opposes’ another view

Identifying the flaw or factors strengthening or weakening the plan

Evaluating the plan

Drawing the inference or conclusion from the plan

Identifying the assumption of the plan

GMAT Practice Guides

GMAT Verbal Reasoning Test Guide - Prepare with over 300 GMAT Verbal Reasoning questions to Get a High GMAT Verbal Reasoning Score.

Table Of Contents

The Introduction to the GMAT Verbal Reasoning Section

Verbal Reasoning - Reading Comprehension

Main Idea/Primary Purpose

Inference

Supporting Ideas

Organization and Function

Evaluation

Verbal Reasoning - Critical Reasoning

Strengthening the argument

Weakening the argument

Identifying the flaw of the argument

Evaluating the argument

Identifying the assumption of the argument

Identifying the function of boldfaced statements

Explaining the situation or paradox

Drawing inference or conclusion from the argument

Logically completing the passage

Finding parallels between structurally similar arguments

Identifying how a speaker supports or opposes’ another view

Identifying the flaw or factors strengthening or weakening the plan

Evaluating the plan

Drawing the inference or conclusion from the plan

Identifying the assumption of the plan

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