GMAT Focus Diagnostic

Page 4 of 5

Question 7

"A recent study observed that people who drink at least three cups of green tea a day have a 25% lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease than those who do not drink green tea. The authors of the study conclude that the unique antioxidants found in green tea actively prevent the buildup of arterial plaque, thereby directly reducing cardiovascular risk."

The reasoning in the argument is most vulnerable to criticism on the grounds that the argument:

A) takes for granted that the only health benefit of green tea is the prevention of cardiovascular disease. B) fails to consider that people who regularly drink green tea might also share other lifestyle habits that promote cardiovascular health. C) ignores the possibility that arterial plaque can be effectively reduced through medical interventions or prescription drugs. D) presumes, without providing justification, that green tea contains a higher concentration of antioxidants than any other beverage.

Question 8

"Urban planner: The city's proposal to relieve traffic congestion by constructing a massive new multi-lane highway is fundamentally flawed. Studies from similar municipalities demonstrate that building new highways temporarily alleviates traffic, but ultimately induces new demand, leading to the exact same level of congestion within five years. Therefore, the city should instead invest the allocated funds in expanding the electric light rail system."

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

A) The first is a claim that the argument sets out to refute; the second is the main conclusion of the argument. B) The first is an intermediate conclusion that supports the main conclusion; the second is the main conclusion of the argument. C) The first provides evidence against a proposed plan; the second states a premise that supports the alternative plan. D) The first is the main conclusion of the argument; the second provides evidence to support that conclusion.

GMAT Expert Tip: Correlation vs. Causation

One of the most frequently tested logical flaws on the GMAT is assuming that because two things happen together (correlation), one must cause the other (causation). In Question 7, the author assumes green tea *causes* better heart health, ignoring the "Third Variable" flaw: people who drink green tea might also exercise more or eat healthier diets, which is the true cause.

Next Page: Final Questions 9 & 10

GMAT Focus Diagnostic

The reasoning in the argument is most vulnerable to criticism on the grounds that the argument:

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

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