GMAT Section 3

GMAT Section 3 practice questions, page 20 of 31, with answer review and explanations.

Question 96

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 don't 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 97

In 1980, 18% of American families lived under the poverty line. In 1990, only 12% of families lived under the poverty line. But that doesn't 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 98

Kylie eats at Moe's Diner every Thursday, but last Thursday she ate at Joe's. On Friday, she was sick to her stomach. It must have been the food at Joe's. 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 99

Brianna's 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 Brianais's 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.

Question 100

Pop singer Clive Jones has been nominated for six Grammy Awards and his new album is enjoying its eighth consecutive week at number one on the charts. It is safe to say that Jones is today's best pop artist. Which of the following assumptions is most pivotal to this argument?

  1. Jones's previous albums were also chart-toppers.
  2. Jones's next album will outsell his current release.
  3. Grammy nominations and record sales are accurate measures of an artist's greatness.
  4. Jones will win several of the Grammy Awards for which he has been nominated.
  5. Jones is popular with both fans and music critics.