GRE Big Book Critical Reasoning Test 38

GRE Critical Reasoning
Directions

Critical Reasoning questions test the ability to understand, analyze, and evaluate arguments. Some of the abilities tested by specific questions include identifying the roles played by specific phrases or sentences in an argument, recognizing the point of an argument, recognizing assumptions on which an argument is based" drawing conclusions and forming hypotheses, identifying methods of argumentation, evaluating arguments and counter-arguments, and analyzing evidence.

Each of the Critical Reasoning questions is based on a short argument, a set of statements, or a plan of action. For each question, select the best answer of the choices given.

 

A judicial order of a few years ago was intended to foster competition in the telephone industry; it was thought that competition would lead to savings for consumers. Long-distance calls made during the day are now cheaper than they were before the order, but the average residential user’s charges for long- distance have risen by 25 percent.

#1
Which of the following, if true, would most directly explain the higher long-distance charges incurred by residential users?

A program of steady, moderate aerobic exercise coupled with a diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol has been associated with reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes. Therefore, no one who exercises regularly and eats only foods that are low in saturated fats and cholesterol will have a heart attack or stroke.

#2
Of the following, the best criticism of the argument above is that the argument does not

The number of boats sold in 1973 was greater than the number of boats sold in 1987. However, more money was spent buying boats in 1987 than was spent buying boats in 1973.

#3
Which of the following statements can be properly inferred from the statements above?

In the 1950’s sixty percent of treated cancer patients lived at least five years after detection of the disease. Now, sixty percent live at least seven years after detection. This fact demonstrates that, because of improved methods of treatment, cancer patients now live longer after they contract the disease than . cancer patients did in the 1950’s.

#4
The conclusion of the argument above depends on which of the following assumptions?

The large amQunts of carbon dioxide now being released into the atmosphere by the burning of fossil fuels will not, in fact, result in a greenhouse effect-an increase in average global temperatures. Since plants use carbon dioxide in larger quantities if the supply is increased, they are able to grow larger and multiply more vigorously, and atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations wiil eventually become stable.

#5
Which of the following, if true, would most seriously weaken the conclusion that a greenhouse effect will not result from the current release of large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere?

The number of people 85 or older in the United States started increasing dramatically during the last ten years. The good health care that these people enjoyed in the United States during their vulnerable childhood years is primarily responsible for this trend.

#6
Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the explanation above?

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