GMAT Section 3 Verbal Ability

GMAT Section 3 Verbal Ability practice questions, page 18 of 30, with answer review and explanations.

Question 86

Two small-business owners, Jensen and Ling, could not be more different. Jensen is easy going, easy to talk to, good at delegating responsibility, and quick to acknowledge the contributions of others. Ling, however, is often high strung, generally unfriendly, and unable to give up any authority; she is determined to be involved in every decision. This explains why Jensens business is successful while Lings business has failed. The conclusion of this argument is based upon all of the following assumptions EXCEPT

  1. the personality of a business owner is the main factor in the success of the business.
  2. a business leader with Jensen’s type of personality is more effective than one with Ling’s personality.
  3. Jensen and Ling were in direct competition with each other.
  4. Jensen and Ling had similar educational backgrounds and a comparable level of business experience.
  5. Jensen and Ling had comparable businesses operating under comparable circumstances.

Question 87

Although no conclusive scientific evidence proves that angels exist, many highly intelligent and respectable people believe they exist and have even claimed to have spoken with angels. It is therefore reasonable to assume that angels do exist, but we just dont have the means to prove their existence. All of the following, if true, are valid objections to this argument EXCEPT

  1. even people who are usually honest lie on occasion.
  2. well-respected people often have deep religious beliefs, so they are likely to believe in angels, even if evidence suggests angels do not exist.
  3. respectable people often want to be seen as highly moral people, and contact with angels would make them seem "chosen."
  4. many people believe that angels are messengers of God, and a belief in angels therefore provides evidence of their belief in God.
  5. people who claim to see angels provide very similar descriptions of the angels.

Question 88

In 1980, 18% of American families lived under the poverty line. In 1990, only 12% of families lived under the poverty line. But that doesnt mean fewer families were living in poverty. Indeed, the statistics hide the fact that more families were actually living in destitution. The difference in percentages appears because the poverty line was redefined and the income level was reduced. Thus, many families were above the poverty line even though they did not earn any more income. Which of the following statements, if true, would most strengthen this argument?

  1. This kind of statistical manipulation is appalling.
  2. A nationwide recession occurred in 1980 and an economic boom occurred in the 1990s.
  3. Republicans were in power in 1980, whereas Democrats were in power in 1990.
  4. The poverty line is regularly adjusted (income level raised) to account for inflation.
  5. The number of welfare recipients in 1990 was 11% higher than in 1980.

Question 89

Kylie eats at Moes Diner every Thursday, but last Thursday she ate at Joes. On Friday, she was sick to her stomach. It must have been the food at Joes. Which of the following is the best criticism of this argument?

  1. It does not take into consideration other possible causes.
  2. It confuses cause and effect.
  3. It assumes that she would not have gotten sick eating the same food at Moe’s.
  4. It does not identify the specific type of illness.
  5. It does not describe how long the illness lasted.

Question 90

Briannas has been feeling jittery over the last three weeks. She has also been putting in extra hours at work, sometimes pulling double shifts. To stay alert, she has been drinking six or seven cups of coffee a day rather than her usual two or three cups. The jitters are interfering with her ability to do her work, so she has decided to stop drinking coffee altogether to eliminate the jitters. All of the following are valid criticisms of Brianaiss plan of action EXCEPT

  1. the jitters may be due to lack of sleep, not excessive caffeine.
  2. the jitters may be worsened by her total withdrawal from caffeine.
  3. Brianais has never had the jitters before.
  4. Brianais only gets the jitters when she drinks too much coffee.
  5. the jitters may be caused by anxiety due to personal problems or stress at work.