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 argument introduces the economists' belief (first boldface) as a position it will challenge. The 'however' signals the counterevidence. The second boldface is the conclusion the argument draws from that counterevidence.

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 boldface is stated as true (accepted premise). The second boldface uses 'however' to challenge the recommendation — it is a counterclaim undermining the health-based recommendation.

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 conclusion (non-boldface) is that 'companies should provide fitness facilities.' Both boldface statements are premises supporting that recommendation: job satisfaction data + mental health benefits.

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

Both arguments follow the same pattern: an observed outcome follows an intervention, therefore the intervention caused the outcome (post hoc reasoning / temporal correlation implies causation).

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 boldface is specific empirical evidence (60% decline). The second boldface is the broader conclusion drawn from that evidence (economic incentives change behavior). The final sentence then applies this conclusion.

GMAT Practice Test

GMAT Practice Test

GMAT Verbal: Boldface and Method of Reasoning