Verbal Practice Exercise-04
Role of Boldfaced Portion:
It is believed that German discount store workers receive more training than American superstore workers. That is why they are more efficient.
1. Select the role that is played by the boldfaced portion in the argument above?
A. belief
B. Principle
C. Conclusion
D. Prediction
Author: Store workers in Germany get paid more because they work harder than those in US.
Analyst: I don’t agree. German Store workers work fewer hours, take longer breaks and get more holidays.
2. Select the role that is played by the boldfaced portion in the argument above?
A. evidence to refute author’s belief
B. alternate conclusion
C. proof of author’s claim
German superstore workers who receive more than 2 weeks of training will be more efficient than American workers who do not receive training.
3. Select the role that is played by the boldfaced portion?
A. prediction
B. theory
C. objection
German superstore workers who receive more than 2 weeks of training are more efficient than American workers who do not receive training.
4. Select the role that is played by the boldfaced portion? (Indicate all that apply)
I. prediction
II. fact or evidence
III. theory
IV. opinion or belief
A journalist has stated that the quality of rubber tires will reduce, stating that the low availability of natural rubber has led the tire manufacturers to use processed rubber. This claim is totally unjustified. Processed rubber is higher in quality than natural rubber, so the use of processed rubber will only increase the quality of tires.
5. In the above argument, the two boldface portions play which of the following role?
A. The first provides evidence to support the conclusion; The second is the main conclusion.
B. The first is the intermediate conclusion drawn to support the 2nd statement that is the main conclusion.
C. The second statement is the main conclusion that the first statement opposes.
D. The first statement is the main conclusion; the 2nd statement is an intermediate conclusion that is drawn to support the main conclusion.
E. The first and the second are both intermediate conclusions drawn to support the main conclusion of the argument.
Fisherman: Many people blame fishing alone for the decline in Steelhead Trout population in the past 20 years. But certainly, the logging and road constructions have also played an important role in the decline. They have destroyed the breeding grounds of the fish, reducing its population. They are also continually affecting the Steelhead’s habitats.
6. In the fisherman’s argument, the portion in boldface plays which of the following role?
A. it provides evidence in support of the main conclusion of the argument
B. It introduces a judgment that the argument opposes.
C. It is the main conclusion of the argument.
D. It is an explanation that the argument concludes is correct.
E. It is a belief that is supported by the argument.
It is often believed that companies that are in the business of commodities are technologically backward and pay low wages to their employees. The reality is just the opposite. Companies like ExxonMobil are at the forefront of mining and computing technologies. They own some of the world’s largest super computers and employ some of the world’s brightest minds who are paid exceptionally well.
7. In the above argument, the portion in bold face plays which of the following roles?
A. It is the main conclusion of the passage.
B. It is the contradiction that the author seeks to explain.
C. It provides evidence to support the synopsis of the argument.
D. It is an impression that the author seeks to dispute.
E. It is a belief for which the author provides further evidence.
Fast food chains constantly face the problem of low employee retention, to counter which the companies offer high salaries. The companies have come up with the solution of hiring retired people who have a very low attrition rate. However, their time taken to service an order is more and they require going through long training programs at regular intervals. Thus, for most fast food chains the gain in employee retention does not compensate for the increase in time taken to serve each customer. Nevertheless, since the customers continue to be more appreciative when served by retired people, their employment is likely to become an industry-wide feature.
8. In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?
A. The first is a consideration raised to support a conclusion, which is disputed in the argument; the second is a fact that goes against the intermediate conclusion of the argument.
B. The first is evidence used to support a conclusion that goes against the main conclusion of the argument; the second is a fact that the argument seeks to explain.
C. The first is an objection raised to a proposed solution; the second is evidence that casts doubt on the accuracy of that objection.
D. The first is a circumstance cited to support a conclusion; the second is a consideration that goes in favor of a position not supported by that conclusion.
E. The first is a judgment that supports the main conclusion drawn by the author; the second is a claim that supports the intermediate conclusion.
The city government should invest surplus funds in improving the city’s transportation network. Most of the network was put in place at a time when the city was much smaller in both area and population. The subway system is outdated and understaffed. The buses rarely run on schedule and their routes are inconvenient. If the city does not make changes soon to the network, it will see many of its prized industries relocate to more convenient cities and, as a result, the city’s financial health will be jeopardized.
9. In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?
(A) The first is an explanation of a current state of affairs; the second is a prediction based on that state of affairs.
(B) The first is a statement of fact in opposition to the author’s conclusion; the second is that conclusion.
(C) The first emphasizes an existing problem; the second offers a proposal to solve that problem.
(D) The first is information the author suggests has been overlooked in the situation at hand; the second describes that situation.
(E) The first is a justification of an impending problem; the second describes the consequences of that problem.
Although measuring the productivity of outside consultants is a complex endeavor, Company K, which relies heavily on consultants for long-term projects, must find ways to assess the performance of these workers. The risks to a company that does not review the productivity of its human resources are simply too great. Last year, Company L was forced into receivership after its productivity declined for the third straight quarter.
10. The bold phrases play which of the following roles in the argument above?
A. The first phrase states the author’s conclusion, and the second phrase refutes that conclusion.
B. The first phrase states an assumption of the argument, and the second phrase provides evidence to undermine that position.
C. The first phrase states one of the author’s premises, and the second phrase provides the argument’s conclusion.
D. The first phrase states a position, and the second phrase refutes that position.
E. The first phrase states the conclusion, and the second phrase supports the conclusion with an analogy
Weight loss programs that guarantee results mislead their customers. No program can ensure that someone who follows it will lose weight. These programs prey upon unhappy and insecure people who are often driven more by emotion than by reason. Moreover, many people who lose weight while on a program eventually regain the weight within a year. So while the programs’ claims may be true for a short period, customers will be disappointed in the long run.
11. The two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?
A) The first is a generalization; the second is a consequence of that generalization.
b) The first is the author’s position; the second is a consideration in support of that position.
c) The first is an opinion under examination; the second is evidence weighing against that opinion.
d) The first is an assertion that the author questions; the second is evidence in support of that assertion.
e) The first is evidence in support of the author’s main point; the second is the author’s main point.
Real Estate Agent: Next year, the occupancy rate for residential rental properties in Riverton will increase despite projections of decreasing population in the city. Generally, when a city’s population decreases, so does the occupancy rate for residential rental properties. However, in the continuing climate of increasing interest rates on home mortgages, an unusually large number of Riverton residents who would typically buy homes will opt to rent instead.
12. The boldfaced statements in the argument above play which of the following roles?
A) The first is a conclusion drawn by the agent; the second is evidence that weighs against the agent’s conclusion.
b) The first is a consideration that weighs against the agent’s prediction; the second is that prediction.
c) The first describes a pattern of cause and effect; the second describes a situation for which this pattern will not hold.
d) The first is the agent’s prediction; the second is reasoning offered in support of this prediction.
e) The first is an undisputed statement of fact; the second is a position that is supported by this fact.
Last year a record number of new manufacturing jobs were created. Will this year bring another record? Well, a new manufacturing job is created either within an existing company or by the start-up of a new company. Within existing firms, new jobs have been created this year at well below last year’s record pace. At the same time, there is considerable evidence that the number of new companies starting up will be no higher this year than it was last year and there is no reason to think that new companies starting up this year will create more jobs per company than did last year’s start-ups. Clearly, it can be concluded that the number of new jobs created this year will fall short of last year’s record.
13. In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?
A) The first provides evidence in support of the main conclusion of the argument; the second is a claim that the argument challenges.
B) The first is a generalization that the argument seeks to establish; the second is a conclusion that the argument draws in order to support that generalization.
C) The first is a generalization that the argument seeks to establish; the second is a judgment that has been advanced in order to challenge that generalization.
D) The first is presented as obvious truth on which the argument is based; the second is a claim that has been advanced in support of a position that the argument opposes.
E) The first is presented as obvious truth on which the argument is based; the second is a judgment advanced in support of the main conclusion of the argument.
In research designed to investigate the possibility of animals developing friendship with other, unrelated, members of their species, a group of 29 chimpanzees were reared together for 15 years. At the end of that time the chimps were presented with two options for obtaining food: press a lever and feed themselves, or press another identical lever and feed themselves, and at the same time deliver food to the chimp next door. (The chimps were able to see each other). The researchers found that the chimps were no more likely to choose the lever that fed a neighbor. The researchers concluded that the chimps had no concept of friendship. However, one critic has suggested that the animals were in an artificial environment from which little can be concluded, and that, at the least, the test ought to have involved the animals being able to touch.
14. The two bold faced portion plays which of the following role?
A. The first is a position that the critic opposes. The second is a position that the critic supports.
B. The first is an observation that supports the researchers’s position. The second is an observation that opposes the researchers’s position.
C. The first is a finding on which the researchers base their conclusion. The second is a suggestion that might cast doubt on that finding.
D. The first is an observation that supports the critic’s conclusion. The second is the critic’s conclusion.
E. The first is part of the evidence that the critic disputes. The second is a suggestion that the researchers do not accept.
Traditionally, video game manufacturers have been most strongly influenced by serious video gamers. Because devoted gamers have historically purchased the majority of video games, companies react to the desires of this market segment. Normally, devoted gamers crave speed and action; thus, most manufacturers continue to produce games with faster chips and flashier graphics. Unfortunately, faster chips and flashier graphics are no longer in the industry’s best interest. The devoted gaming market is deeply stagnant, and it won’t soon expand. To infuse new life into the video game market, manufacturers must simplify the functionality of their games. By doing so, current non-gamers will be attracted to join the ranks of video game fans.
15. In the argument, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?
A) The first is a situation that the author believes to be true; the second offers evidence to explain this situation.
B) The first is a situation that the author argues should not continue; the second provides evidence that supports the author’s position.
C) The first is a statement of fact that contradicts the author’s position; the second is the author’s position.
D) The first is a statement of fact that supports the author’s position; the second is a consideration that weighs against the author’s position.
E) The first is a prediction that the author believes should not hold in this case; the second is an assumption that weighs against the author’s position.
Aid workers have worried that residents of the Eastern Gobi Refugee Camp might be at risk for beriberi, a severe deficiency of Thiamine, a B vitamin. Thiamine is found in high concentrations in cereal grains, and many of the residents have grain free diets because of allergies. Doctors and nutritionists assigned to investigate the situation have disagreed, noting that the residents grow sustenance amounts of potatoes, kale, and cauliflower on the surrounding farm lands, and these foods provide substantial sources of Thiamine as well. Because the residents of this refugee camp do not have any allergies to any of these latter foods, and crops have been good because of favorable weather conditions, their risk of beriberi is much lower than originally thought.
16. In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?
A) The first is evidence in support of the conclusion of the argument; the second is that conclusion.
B) The first is evidence that seems to contradict the conclusion of the argument; the second is that conclusion.
C) The first is the conclusion of the argument; the second calls the conclusion of the argument into question.
D) The first is the conclusion of the argument; the second calls is an alternate interpretation of this conclusion.
E) The first is evidence in support of the conclusion of the argument; the second is evidence that contradicts the conclusion of the argument.
There is not one good reason for granting men paternity leave from work, while there are several good reasons to deny. For one, it would be an additional expense to businesses. Businesses are already facing tough times all over the world, so adding additional overhead is not an option. If the father acts like a father, he and the child will bond. If the father doesn’t act like a father, he and the child will not bond, regardless of whether he is at home or at work.
17. In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?
(A) The first is the primary conclusion of the argument and the second is a secondary conclusion.
(B) The first is the advocacy of the argument and the second raises doubts about this advocacy.
(C) The first provides evidence as to why a policy should not be adopted by businesses and the second further strengthens this evidence.
(D) The first is a conclusion that the argument disagrees with; the second provides the reasoning behind this disagreement.
(E) The first is the primary conclusion of the argument and the second provides reasoning supporting the primary conclusion.
Astronomer: Among recently-observed stars, LV-426 has been exhibiting signs of turbulent activity. Prior to this observation, scientists speculated over whether LV-426 could become a supernova, but dismissed the possibility since the star was dormant for a prolonged period of time. It now seems likely that LV-426 will explode into a supernova, since turbulent surges of activity have been observed in every star that has transformed into a supernova.
18. In the astronomer’s argument, which of the following roles do the boldfaced portions play?
A. The first provides evidence for a prediction defended by the argument; the second is that prediction.
B. The first describes a situation supporting a conclusion that is reevaluated by the argument; the second is a counterargument made by the author.
C. The first describes an occurrence that does not contradict the main conclusion of the argument; the second provides the reason for that conclusion.
D. The first gives information that supports an intermediate conclusion cited in the argument; the second states the reason for that conclusion.
E. The first provides evidence in support of an observation that is dismissed in the argument; the second provides information that counters that observation.
Researchers: Last year we observed a remarkable leap in the number of crocodiles in the Great Dismal Swamp region. The population of crocodiles is affected by the birth and death count of crocodiles. Due to unusually high temperatures in the Great Dismal Swamp region this year the number of eggs that hatch this year will be low. Also, since increased crocodile population means increased predation by adults on young ones, there will be an increase in the death rate of crocodiles this year. Clearly, we can conclude that there will be a decrease in the crocodile population this year.
19. In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following role?
A. The first statement is a claim that, if true, would provide strong support for the conclusion of the argument; the second statement is that conclusion.
B. The first statement is a claim that, if true, would provide strong support for the conclusion of the argument; the second is a conclusion drawn in order to support that main conclusion.
C. The first is an objection that rejects the second statement that is the main conclusion.
D. The first is an objection; the second is a conclusion drawn if the first is true.
E. The first is a conclusion that weakens the claims of the second.
Since GE reached their end of quarter goals for sales of new turbines, GE directors have stopped questioning the bold new design changes recently incorporated in the new turbine. Directors argue that the new turbine has been bought by all major engine manufacturers, so these design changes must be worth the incremental costs. However, major engine manufacturers always purchase any new engine design for evaluation. The mere initial purchase is not a guarantee that they will use the design in their products.
20. In the above argument, the two bold face portions play which of the following roles?
A. The first is evidence to support a conclusion; the second is a reason for questioning that support.
B. The first is evidence to support a conclusion; the second provides another conclusion which is the main conclusion for the passage.
C. The first is a position taken by GE directors; the second is a position taken by the author of the argument.
D. The first is the evidence used to support a conclusion; the second is the position taken by the author of the argument.
E. The first and second are opposing premises, both of which cannot be true simultaneously.
It is often believed that the capitalistic governance system where the investment decisions and ownership of production are done for profit is the best governance system for prosperous growth. China, however, with its highest per capita GDP growth over the last decade, has proven that socialist governance can be more effective. The reason is that socialist governance allows China to make investments that impact the largest strata of population and improve its total productive output.
21. In the above argument, the two bold face portions play which of the following roles?
A. The first and second both provide evidence that has been used to support an existing belief.
B. The first provides evidence to support an existing belief while the second provides an explanation that supports the conclusion.
C. The first provides evidence while the second provides reasoning in support of author’s main observation.
D. The first provides evidence that leads to a contradictory observation. The second is that observation.
E. The first provides evidence in support of the position that the argument seeks to establish. The second is that position.
Insurance plans that provide 100% employer based coverage including free coverage for day to day illnesses such as headaches, common cold, and fever report four times as many visits for such illnesses as do plans that require a small co-payment. At the same time, the number of sick days taken by employees in either plan is about the same. Since plans that provide 100% employer based coverage cost 50% more, US corporations can save money by switching to co-payment based plans.
22. In the above argument, the two bold face portions play which of the following roles?
A. The first and the second are data points that are used to draw the conclusion of the passage.
B. The first is a claim that is used to support the conclusion that the argument accepts; the second is that conclusion.
C. The first is a contradiction to a known statistic; the second further accentuates that contradiction.
D. The first is a finding whose implications are at issue in the argument; the second is a claim presented in order to argue against deriving certain implications from that finding.
E. The first is a finding that is evaluated in the argument; the second is evidence presented to establish whether the finding is accurate.
Already, technology is beginning to blur boundaries between certain surgical specialties whose boundaries are created around parts of the body. Going forward, technology will undoubtedly change the nature of training required to perform surgery, obscuring the line between surgeons and non-surgeons. As an example, in the past, most hysterectomies were done by gynecologists. Now intervention radiologists, using ablation techniques to treat urine fibroid, are more and more obviating the need to perform total hysterectomies.
23. In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?
A. The first describes a generic phenomenon that is taking place and the second provides an example of the phenomenon.
B. The first describes a principle while the second describes a situation in which the principle is followed.
C. The first describes a principle while the second describes the conditions under which the principle is followed.
D. The first describes a breakthrough while the second describes the impact of that breakthrough.
E. The first is a new process that promises to change the world of medicine. The second is an example of that change.
Even though the government is treating the present recession as another economic crisis, the disparity in income distribution between rich and poor indicates that the present economic crisis is very similar to the Great Depression. A period of extreme prosperity preceded the Great Depression during which the rich pocketed a disproportionate share of wealth to the extent that the richest one percent of the country took home thirty percent of nation’s total wealth.
24. In the above argument, the two bold face portions play which of the following roles?
A. The first is the populist view that the argument opposes; the second is evidence in support of that opposition.
B. The first is the position that the argument seeks to establish; the second is evidence in support of that position.
C. The first is the present reality that the argument seeks to embark upon; the second is a history that author would like to change.
D. The first and second each provide evidence in support of the position that the argument seeks to establish.
E. The first is the position that the argument supports; the second is evidence cited to oppose that position.
In countries where automobile insurance includes compensation for whiplash injuries sustained in automobile accidents, reports of having suffered such injuries are twice as frequent as they are in countries where whiplash is not covered. Presently, no objective test for whiplash exists, so it is true that spurious reports of whiplash injuries cannot be readily identified. Nevertheless, these facts do not warrant the conclusion drawn by some commentators that in the countries with the higher rates of reported whiplash injuries, half of the reported cases are spurious. Clearly, in countries where automobile insurance does not include compensation for whiplash, people often have little incentive to report whiplash injuries that they actually have suffered.
25. In the argument given, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?
A. The first is a claim that the argument disputes; the second is a conclusion that has been based on that claim.
B. The first is a claim that has been used to support a conclusion that the argument accepts; the second is that conclusion.
C. The first is evidence that has been used to support a conclusion for which the argument provides further evidence; the second is the main conclusion of the argument.
D. The first is a finding whose implications are at issue in the argument; the second is a claim presented in order to argue against deriving certain implications from that finding.
E. The first is a finding whose accuracy is evaluated in the argument; the second is evidence presented to establish that the finding is accurate.
Answer Sheet:
1. A
2. A
3. A
4. II & III
5. D
6. B
7. D
8. D
9. A
10. E
11. B
12. D
13. E
14. C
15. B
16. B
17. E
18. C
19. A
20. A
21. C
22. A
23. A
24. B
25. D