GMAT Verbal: Boldface and Method of Reasoning

Question 1

The following argument contains two portions in boldface:

'**Many economists believe that raising the minimum wage significantly increases unemployment among low-wage workers.** However, recent studies of regions that enacted large minimum wage increases found no significant rise in unemployment. **Therefore, the concern about minimum wage increases causing unemployment is overstated.**'

The boldface portions play which roles in the argument?

Accepted Answer

The first is a position the argument ultimately disputes; the second is the argument's main conclusion

Answer

The first is a conclusion the argument defends; the second is evidence offered in support of that conclusion

Answer

The first is evidence the argument accepts as true; the second is a secondary conclusion

Answer

The first and second are both intermediate conclusions supporting a broader claim

Question 2

The following argument contains two boldface portions:

'**Organic produce contains lower pesticide residues than conventionally grown food.** Some health advocates therefore recommend organic diets. **However, the scientific evidence that current pesticide exposure levels from conventional produce cause harm to human health is weak.**'

The boldface portions play which roles?

Accepted Answer

The first is a premise the argument accepts; the second is a counterpoint that undermines the recommendation

Answer

The first is the argument's main conclusion; the second is evidence supporting that conclusion

Answer

The first and second are both conclusions that the argument endorses

Answer

The first is a concession; the second introduces a new premise the argument plans to rebut

Question 3

Argument:
'**Studies show that workers who exercise regularly report higher job satisfaction.** Companies should therefore provide on-site fitness facilities. **Regular exercise has well-documented mental health benefits.**'

The two boldface portions function as:

Accepted Answer

Both are premises supporting the conclusion that companies should provide fitness facilities

Answer

The first is the conclusion; the second is additional support for that conclusion

Answer

The first is a premise; the second is a conclusion drawn from the premise

Answer

The first is evidence; the second is a counterargument the author will address

Question 4

An argument uses the following method of reasoning:

'Violent crime rates in Cityville dropped 25% in the year after the new police chief implemented community policing. Therefore, community policing reduces violent crime.'

Which of the following uses the same method of reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Study participants who took Supplement Z showed higher energy levels. Therefore, Supplement Z increases energy.

Answer

Since all cities that adopted community policing saw crime fall, Cityville's approach must be similarly effective.

Answer

If violent crime dropped because of community policing, then officer satisfaction scores should have improved.

Answer

Cityville's crime fell 25%, which is greater than the national average decline, proving the policy worked.

Question 5

Argument:
'**Since the city introduced a plastic bag fee, the number of plastic bags used has declined 60%.** This is evidence that **economic incentives are effective tools for changing consumer behavior.** The city should expand the fee to other single-use plastics.'

The boldface portions play which roles?

Accepted Answer

The first is specific evidence; the second is a generalized conclusion drawn from that evidence

Answer

The first is the main conclusion; the second is supporting evidence

Answer

Both boldface portions are conclusions of equal weight

Answer

The first is a premise and the second is a counterargument the author will rebut

Question 6

Method of reasoning question:

'Every high-performing team in the study had a clear project lead. Team Delta is a high-performing team. Therefore, Team Delta has a clear project lead.'

This argument uses which method of reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Deductive reasoning: drawing a specific conclusion from general principles

Answer

Analogy: applying findings from similar cases

Answer

Inductive reasoning: generalizing from specific instances to a broad rule

Answer

Statistical inference: projecting population characteristics from sample data

Question 7

Boldface question:

'**The merger between TechCorp and DataInc is expected to create the largest data analytics company in the industry.** Critics argue this will harm competition. **Historically, large merged entities in tech have frequently encountered regulatory scrutiny and been required to divest certain assets.**'

The two boldface statements function as:

Accepted Answer

The first is background context; the second is evidence supporting the critics' position

Answer

The first is the main conclusion; the second is the author's counterargument to critics

Answer

The first is a premise; the second is a counterpoint the author will rebut

Answer

The first is the main conclusion; the second is the argument's primary evidence base

Question 8

Method of reasoning:

'The novel by Author X received negative reviews from three major literary critics. Therefore, the novel is not worth reading.'

The argument proceeds by:

Accepted Answer

Using the judgment of expert authorities to support a conclusion about quality

Answer

Appealing to the consensus of a majority of readers

Answer

Showing that the novel fails to meet an established literary standard

Answer

Providing specific examples of the novel's weaknesses

Question 9

Boldface question:

'Some argue that social media algorithms cause political polarization by exposing users only to content matching their existing views. **Research, however, shows that most users encounter a diverse range of political content in their feeds.** **Yet exposure to diverse content does not necessarily lead to more moderate views;** heavy users may become more entrenched in their positions after encountering challenging perspectives.'

The boldface portions play which roles?

Accepted Answer

The first contradicts the polarization argument; the second limits the significance of the first's finding

Answer

The first supports a conclusion the argument endorses; the second is a premise that supports the same conclusion

Answer

The first is the main conclusion; the second is a supporting premise

Answer

Both boldface portions support the argument that algorithms cause polarization

Question 10

Method of reasoning:

'Cities A, B, and C all implemented congestion pricing and saw a reduction in downtown traffic. Therefore, congestion pricing is an effective tool for reducing urban traffic.'

This argument proceeds by:

Accepted Answer

Inductive generalization from specific cases to a broad conclusion

Answer

Deductive logic from a universal law about urban economics

Answer

Analogy between city infrastructure and pricing mechanisms

Answer

Counter-example to challenge existing urban planning models