1) Reviewer: The Plain Truth, a biography of the philosopher Socrates, states that Socrates was both very wise and very poor. The book must be incorrect, because a man possessing such wisdom would surely find a way to avoid poverty.

Which of the following best shows the most significant flaw in the reviewer's argument?

A)Every individual who is wise desires to be a philosopher.B)Socrates would not have been executed by the city of Athens if he had not been influential.C)Conceptions of wealth vary over time, and what is now considered poor would have been very wealthy in Socrates' time.D)Many people who are considered wise are too preoccupied with pursuing wisdom to care about their economic status.E)Although Socrates was not wealthy, he had many wealthy friends who willingly took care of him.

2) Executive: Many critics argue that my company, Acme Widget Manufacturing Co., is a large polluter in this town, because we dump chemical by-products onto the land that surrounds our manufacturing plant. But these critics have never been to our plant, so how can they make an informed opinion as to the amount of waste we may be dumping? These critics are clearly wrong, because our plant has spent more money per acre in the past four years on government-mandated cleanup procedures than any other plant in the state.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously undermines the reasoning in the executive's argument?

A)In the executive's state, spending on chemical cleanup procedures has been increasing more slowly over the past four years than it has in several other states.B)The condition of the environment surrounding a manufacturing plant is generally of less importance to a corporation that owns the plant than is the amount of money they must spend on government-mandated procedures.C)Over the past four years, numerous manufacturing plants in the executive's state have relocated to other states, and there have been about as many that have relocated to the executive's state.D)In general, the amount of land a corporation must clean is determined by the size of the corporation.E)Only companies that have caused serious harm to their surrounding environment need to spend a large amount of money to clean up that environment.

3) Smith argued that recreational equipment owned in common by community members would always be used less carefully than would private recreational equipment. Each member would have an incentive to overuse the equipment and leave any damage unreported because the benefit would accrue to the individual, while the costs of maintaining, repairing, and replacing the equipment would be spread among all users.

But a study comparing 200 sailboats owned cooperatively by the Bayside Recreation League and 370 sailboats owned privately showed that the recreation league sailboats were in better condition.

Which of the following, if true and known by the Bayside members, would best help explain the results of the study?

A)With private sailboats, both the costs and the benefits of avoiding any repairs fall to the individual owner.B)For boats that are used by many different people, it is difficult to attribute the costs of maintenance and repair to the wear and tear caused by any individual user.C)Routine inspections and repairs of recreation league sailboats are conducted during the winter months, not during the May – September sailing season.D)If one Bayside member causes even minor damage to a sailboat without paying for the repair, other members will do so even more, and the costs to each user will outweigh the benefits.E)There are many more private sailboats than cooperatively-owned sailboats.

4) The highway from Ipswich to Rodway is currently overcrowded with traffic, which deters potential customers from visiting Rodway's stores. The congestion has gotten so bad that many of the stores in Rodway are struggling to survive. Meanwhile, in Ipswich, the stores are thriving since they widened the road to Martin. Thus, to alleviate congestion and save Rodway's stores, the road between Ipswich and Rodway should be widened.

Which of the following, if true, casts the most doubt on the argument above?

A)The construction necessary to widen the road will block an additional lane of traffic, temporarily adding to the congestion.B)The stores in Rodway are only profitable during the holiday shopping season.C)Martin is a thriving metropolis whose residents have several times the purchasing power of those of Ipswich.D)The owners of Rodway's stores are spending their revenue on advertising and marketing rather than on purchasing new merchandise.E)Martin's stores have only experienced a slight increase in profits since the road from Ipswich was widened.

5) After the Springfield Sluggers posted three losing seasons in a row over the past three seasons, the team's owners re-signed the team's manager, Hal Higgins, to a new five-year contract. This decision surprised many baseball fans because, ordinarily, when a team fails repeatedly to post a winning record, the team's manager is fired.

Which of the following, if true, provides the best indication that the Springfield Sluggers' owners' decision was logically well supported?

A)During his last stint as a manager for another team Higgins had a winning record, although another manager rumored to be interested in the position has won pennant titles.B)The Baseball Owners' Association is considering a new profit-sharing plan that will allow teams with smaller television audiences, such as the Springfield Sluggers, a greater share of television revenues.C)The Springfield Sluggers, an expansion team with no star players and a small team payroll, has shown consistently improved performance over the past three years, and finally posted a winning record in the second half of last season.D)Sports journalists and irate fans in Capitol City, home of the Capitol City Cougars, a rival team to the Springfield Sluggers, recently succeeded in their campaign to have the team's manager fired because of the team's lackluster record.E)Many players on the Springfield Sluggers have had to be replaced after they declared free agency and signed with other teams.

6) When cable TV consumers evade cable access fees by purchasing illegal "pirated" cable boxes, a vicious cycle results. The use of pirated cable boxes by consumers forces cable companies to raise rates, which, in turn, leads more consumers to purchase pirated cable boxes in order to receive free cable programming.

The cycle described above could not result unless which of the following were true?

A)An increase in cable TV rates causes some consumers to cancel their service or reduce the number of premium channels to which they subscribe.B)Some methods for detecting and disabling pirated cable boxes are effective at forcing pirated cable TV consumers to pay user fees or forgo cable TV programming, although the success rates vary considerably.C)When cable TV executives establish cable access fees in order to generate an acceptable level of profit, they do not adequately account for revenue that will be lost through pirated cable use.D)No one who routinely uses illegal pirated cable boxes can be induced by lower cable access fees to stop using pirated cable boxes unless fines for the use of such boxes are raised at the same time.E)Cable TV consumers do not differ with respect to the cable access fees that would cause them to consider purchasing illegal pirated cable boxes.

7) Consolidated Metals manufactures only ashtrays and umbrella stands. In 1983, ashtrays accounted for 40 percent of their production. In 1993 they produced more umbrella stands than in 1983, but the increase in the number of ashtrays they produced was even greater over the same ten year period.

If all the facts above are true, which of the following must also be true?

A. In 1993, the percentage of Consolidated Metal's production devoted to ashtrays was greater than that in 1983.

B. In 1993, Consolidated Metals produced fewer ashtrays than umbrella stands.C. In 1993, ashtrays were more cost-efficient to produce than they were in 1983D. The production of umbrella stands required more labor in 1993 than did ashtrays in 1983.E. In 1993, Consolidated Metals produced more ashtrays than umbrella stands.

8) Firms adopting "profit-related-pay"(PRP) contracts pay wages at level that vary with the firm's profits. In the metalworking industry last year, firms with PRP contract in place showed productivity per worker on average 13 percent higher than that of their competitors who used more traditional contracts.

If, on the basis of the evidence above, it is argued tha PRP contracts increase worker productivity, which of the following, if true, would most seriously weaken the argument?

a) Results similar to those cited for the metalworking industry have been found in other industries where PRP contracts are used

b) Under PRP contracts costs other than labor costs, such as plant, machinery, and energy, make up an increased proportion of the total cost of each unit of output.

c) Becasue introducing PRP contracts greatly changes individual workers' relationships to the firm, negotiating the introduction of PRP contracts is complex and time-consuming.

d) Many firms in the metalworking industry have modernized production equipment in the last five years, and most of these introduction PRP contracts at the same time.

e) In firms in the metalworking industry where PRP contracts are in place, the average take-home pay is 15 percent higher than it is in those firms where workers have more traditional contracts.

9) The growing popularity of computer-based activities was widely predicted to result in a corresonding decline in television viewing. Recent studies have found that, in the United States, people who own computers watch, on average, significantly less television than people who do not own computers. In itself, however, this finding does very little to show that computer use tends to reduce television viewing time, since_______.

(A) many people who watch little or no television do not own a computer.(B) even though most computer owners in the United States watch significantly less television than the national average, some computer owners watch far more television than the national average.(C) computer owners in the United States predominately belong to a demographic group that have long been known to spend less time watching television than the population as a whole does.(D) many computer owners in the United States have enough leisure time that spending significant amounts of time on the computer still leaves ample time for watching television.

(E) many people use their computers primarily for tasks such as correspondence that can be done more rapidly on the computer, and doing so leaves more leisure time for watching television.

10)Numerous studies of chemotherapy patients over the last ten years have shown that patients who had regularly attended support groups or received counseling experienced significantly fewer side effects and shorter recovery times from chemotherapy than did patients who had not. Clearly, although the mainstream scientific community has been slow to acknowledge it, psychological support has an effect on the body's ability to heal.

Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the argument above?

A)The survival rates for chemotherapy patients in the study were virtually identical regardless of whether or not they received support.B)The patients who did not attend support groups chose not to do so, even though they were healthy enough to attend.C)Many medical doctors believe that the mind plays a role in the causation and prevention of illness.D)The majority of chemotherapy patients must undergo more than one round of treatment.E)Some hospitals do not conduct support groups on their premises for chemotherapy patients and their families.

11) Researchers have noticed that people whose blood shows abnormally low levels of calcium usually have laryngeal polyps, which can permanently damage vocal cords and result in partial or even total loss of voice. In order to reduce the risk of polyps, the researchers recommend a diet high in calcium-rich foods such as dairy and green, leafy vegetables.

Which of the following, if true, most strongly suggests that following the researchers' recommendation would NOT be effective?

a)Dairy contains compounds that are difficult for many people to digest.

b)Laryngeal polyps sometimes disappear without treatment.

c)Laryngeal polyps cause a change in body chemistry that blocks the absorption of calcium.

d)Fresh vegetables are not always available in all seasons.

e)Low levels of calcium can sometimes be remedied with vitamin pills.

12) Journalist: The FDA's new requirements for drug approval, which took effect for drugs submitted for approval this year, have already had a marked effect on the public health. The number of new drugs introduced into the market this year has decreased by sixty percent from last year. Clearly, important and necessary treatments, including a newly discovered cancer treatment, are being withheld from the sick this year.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously undermines the journalist's argument?

A)The time required for a drug to gain FDA approval under the old FDA standards was a minimum of three years.B)The majority of drugs introduced last year were intended for use in the treatment of non-fatal illnesses.C)Many legislators cite the expense of the FDA approval process as the most serious barrier to affordable health care in this country.D)Many researchers tout the newly discovered cancer treatment as a possible cure for cancer.E)Most drugs developed in the United States are approved for sale in Europe years before they receive approval by the FDA.

13) A ten-year comparison between Brazilian and Canadian crops showed that Brazilian yields are 68% of Canadian yields when compared on the basis of per planted acre. However, Brazilian yields are 115% of Canadian yields when measured per agricultural acre.

Based on this information, which of the following can most reliably be inferred about Brazilian and Canadian agriculture over this time period?

A)A greater percentage of Canadian agricultural acreage was unplanted than of Brazilian agricultural acreage.B)A majority of Canadian acreage is unplanted.C)More total acres were unplanted in Canada than in Brazil.D)Brazil had more acres planted than unplanted while Canada has more acres unplanted than planted.E)Brazil produced more total crops than Canada.

14) In the Business program at a university, all candidates for the MBA in International Business who entered the program after 1990 took a seminar on Microeconomics, and all candidates for the MBA in International Business who entered the program after 1994 took a seminar on Applied Economics.

If a student in the Business program described above took a seminar on Microeconomics but did not take a seminar on Applied Economics, which of the following must be true?

The student entered the Business program prior to 1995.The student entered the Business program after 1990 and prior to 1995.If the student was a candidate for the MBA in International Business, then the student

entered the program prior to 1994.If the student was a candidate for the MBA in International Business, then the student entered the program prior to 1991.If the student was a candidate for the MBA in International Business, then the student entered the program after 1990 and prior to 1995.

15) Opening a plant in war-torn Country X is not inadvisable, despite what critics of the plan may say. Ten years ago we opened our plant in Country Y in the middle of a revolution; that plant has been generating substantial profits ever since.

Which of the following is the author of the argument above most reasonably intending the reader to conclude?

A. Wars are profitable for the author's particular business.B. Country X is a more politically stable nation than is Country Y.C. Critics of the proposed plant in Country X are likely to be biased.D. The proposed plant in Country X will generate profits despite the war.E. The proposed plant in Country X will be more successful than the plant in Country Y.

16) Most of the whole blood donated for transfusion is type O, which is compatible with all blood types. Type O is especially important in emergencies which don't allow time for typing the victim's blood, but for this reason it is usually in short supply.Given the above, which of the following must be true?

A) Most of the population has type O blood.

B) Transfusions of any but type O blood necessitates prior typing of the recipients blood.

C) Only type O blood requires too much time for typing in emergencies.

D) Type O blood is especially useful because it is the same type as most people's blood.

E) Supplies of type O blood are always too low to meet emergencies.

17) During the Great Depression, Roosevelt’s New Deal expanded federal authority by creating several new government agencies designed to provide and administer relief to the country, which had been devastated by the 1929 stock market crash. Many agencies created under the New Deal were discontinued in subsequent decades, however, when policymakers grew uncomfortable with the amount of power wielded by the federal government. Additionally, a large number of economists at the time felt the market had recovered to the point that federal regulation had become more a hindrance to than a provider of economic stability.

The economists’ support of the discontinuation of New Deal programs rests on which of the following assumptions about the role of the federal government in the market?

A) Interference by federal government in the market can never create economic stability.B) Federal regulation of the market is an emergency measure and, as such, should be temporary.C) Agencies created under the New Deal routinely exercised control beyond what was stated in their charters.D) Policymakers who discontinued New Deal programs were not the same policymakers who originally implemented them.E) New Deal programs designed to provide economic relief actually perpetuated market instability.

18) A football team recently finished its fall season of 12 games. The team scored an average of 10 more points per game in the 6 games it played in its home stadium than it did in those games played in opponents' stadiums. Clearly, the support of the team's fans provided the team with a psychological lift, leading to better score performance. Which of the following, if true, casts the most doubt upon the argument above? A. The team's fans were unhappy at times with the team's performance and occasionally booed the team. B. The team's running back, its top scorer, scored more points in the opponents' stadiums than he did in the team's own stadium. C. The field at the team's home stadium is unique in that the middle of the field is raised and the edges lowered, suiting the team's offensive system. D. The team's head coach implored fans to support the team, stating that fan support helped the team perform well. E. The team scored an average of only 24 points per game in its own stadium, ranking in the bottom quartile of scores for all teams

19) Scientists analyzing air bubbles that had been trapped in Antarctic ice during the Earth’s last ice age found that the ice-age atmosphere had contained unusually large amounts of ferrous material and surprisingly small amounts of carbon dioxide. One scientist noted that algae absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The scientist hypothesized that the ferrous material, which was contained in atmospheric dust, had promoted a great increase in the population of Antarctica algae such as diatoms.

Which one of the following, if true, would most seriously undermine the scientist’s hypothesis?

A) Diatoms are a microscopic form of algae that has remained largely unchanged since the last ice age.

(B) Computer models suggest that a large increase in ferrous material today could greatly promote the growth of oceanic algae.

(C) The dust found in the air bubbles trapped in Antarctica ice contained other minerals in addition to the ferrous material.

(D) Sediment from the ocean floor near Antarctica reflects no increase, during the last ice age, in the rate at which the shells that diatoms leave when they die accumulated.

(E) Algae that currently grow in the oceans near Antarctica do not appear to be harmed by even a large increase in exposure to ferrous material.

20) The average age and racing experience of the drivers at the Indianapolis 500 automobile race increased each year between 1965 and 1980. The reason for the increase is that high-speed racing drivers were living longer than their predecessors. Race-car safety features that reduced the severity of crashes of the kind that formerly took drivers' lives were primarily responsible for the increase in the average age of the Indianapolis 500 competitor.

Which of the following, if true, would be most likely to be part of the evidence used to show that safety features on the cars that protected drivers in major crashes were responsible for the increase in the average age of drivers at the Indianapolis race?

(A) Younger drivers at high-speed racetracks were involves in major accidents at a slightly higher rate than were older drivers between 1965 and 1980.(B) Major accidents on high-speed racetracks occurred at about the same frequency in the years after 1965 as in the years before 1965.(C) The average age of drivers attempting to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 decreased slightly between 1965 and 1980.(D) Accidents on highways in the United States occurred at about the same frequency in the years after 1965 and 1980.(E) Other safety features, involving the condition of the racetrack and the uniforms worn by the drivers while driving, were adopted at Indianapolis between 1965 nd 1980.

21) An international study recently examined the effects of second hand smoke on health. surprisingly, although the dosages of harmful chemicals form second hand smoke are so small that their effect should be negligible, the study found that nonsmoking spouses of smokers displayed an incidence of heart disease that was significantly greater than that of nonsmokers who were not as regularly exposed to second hand smoke.

Each of the following if true could contribute to an explanation of the unexpectedly high incidence of heart disease in smoker's spouses EXCEPT:

A. A disproportionately high number of people married to smokers are among the older segment of the married population, a group that inherently has a higher than average risk of heart disease

B. on average, more alcohol and coffee both of which have been linked to heart disease, are consumed in the homes of smokers than in the homes of nonsmokers.

C. A disproportionately high number of smokers are married to other smokers and the risk of heart disease increases in proportion to the number of smokers living in a

household.

D. Smokers generally tend to live in higher stress environments than do non smokers and stress is a factor associated with above average incidence of heart disease.

E.A disproportionately high number of smokers live in areas with a high level of industrial pollutants, which have been shown to be a factor in increased risk of heart disease

22) The World Automobile Association (WAA) publishes a list of the “Best and Worst Drivers of the World,” ranking the drivers of every nation according to the number of traffic deaths per mile driven in that country. Each of the following, if true, would by itself provide a logical objection to using the WAA’s ranking as a representation of the quality of drivers in each nation EXCEPT:

(A) The roads in some countries are in bad repair and are therefore more dangerousthan roads in other countries.(B) The average driver in industrialized countries can afford to maintain his or hercar in better condition than can the average driver in less developed countries.(C) Some countries contain hundreds of thousands of miles of road while othercountries contain relatively few miles of road.(D) Minor accidents that would cause little injury in many countries are often fatalwhen they occur in extremely mountainous countries.(E) Because of differences in national economies, the average car in somecountries contains many more passengers than does the average car in othercountries.

23) A recent university study indicates that students who receive full scholarships tend to maintain higher grade point averages than do students who must take out loans or work to finance school. The survey concluded that scholarships enable students to achieve high grade point averages by alleviating the stress related to financial concerns and freeing up students' time to study more.

The study's conclusion depends on which of the following assumptions?

A) Students who take out loans maintain higher grade point averages than those who work to finance school.B) Finance – related stress affects student performance in a manner similar to that of restricted study time.C) Students who must work to pay for their studies cannot maintain high grade point averages.D) High grade point averages were not the primary criterion upon which the scholarship awards were based.E) Controlling stress levels is less important to student performance than is intensive studying.

24) Brothers Inc, a construction company, spends significant time and money to dismantle older houses piece by piece in order to reuse the wood. Although the company does earn a net profit despite these expenditures, the company could earn even more by adopting a new policy. Brothers’ new land contains hundreds of trees that are already slated to be razed; the company should use those trees for wood instead of the old housesWhich of the following, if true, most strongly supports Brothers’ policy to reuse wood?

1) It is a waste of resources for a company that needs wood to chop down hundreds of trees but not use the wood. 2) There is virtually no difference in quality between wood reclaimed from older houses and wood processed from newly-chopped trees. 3) Sawmills can reshape previously used wood much more quickly and cost-effectively than it can shape whole trees. 4) It would cost the company less to use the trees it already owns than to pay to dismantle homes for previously used wood. 5) The number of older houses available for dismantling is growing steadily

25) Which of the following best completes the passage below?

The 1906 San Francisco Earthquake destroyed over half the city and changed the development of the California economy, but much of the damage was actually caused by fire. It has been estimated that as much as 90% of the total destruction was a result of fire damage rather than movement of the earth. This figure is likely exaggerated, however, because the nearly universal practice of insuring San Francisco properties against fire but not earthquake damage all but guaranteed that ………..

A) most damage to the city was blamed on fireB) the city would eventually be rebuiltC) insurance companies were forced to offer earthquake coverageD) residents subsequently moved to other cities where earthquake coverage was availableE) buildings not damaged by fire were never repaired

26) The “suicide wave” that followed the United States stock market crash of October 1929 is more legend than fact. Careful examination of the monthly figures on the causes of death in 1929 shows that the number of suicides in October and in November was comparatively low. In only three other months were the monthly figures lower. During the summer months, when the stock market was flourishing, the number of suicides was substantially higher.Which one of the following, if true, would best challenge the conclusion of the passage?

(A) The suicide rate is influenced by many psychological, interpersonal, and societal factors during any given historical period.(B) October and November have almost always had relatively high suicide rates, even during the 1920s and 1930s.(C) The suicide rate in October and November of 1929 was considerably higher than the average for those months during several preceding and following years.

(D) During the years surrounding the stock market crash, suicide rates were typically lower at the beginning of any calendar year than toward the end of that year.(E) Because of seasonal differences, the number of suicides in October and November of 1929 would not be expected to be the same as those for other months.

27) It is an historical fact that only in conditions of profound societal instability are great works of literature produced. During the first century B.C., Rome experienced almost constant civil war accompanied by social upheaval. It wasn't until the ascension of Nerva to the throne in 96 A.D. that the situation stabilized. Throughout the second century A.D., Rome experienced a century of uninterrupted peace and stability.

If all of the statements in the passage are true, then which of the following must also be true?

a. During the first century B.C., great works of literature were produced in Rome. b. Roman art of the first century B.C. was superior to Roman art of the second century A.D. c. During the second century A.D., no great works of literature were produced in Rome. d. Historically, great works of literature can stir emotions that find their expression in political action. e. The first century A.D. was a time of decreased literary production in Rome.

28) A recent newspaper feature story listed several factors as 'predictors' of the likelihood of premature death. Two of these factors were a sedentary lifestyle without regular physical exercise, and sleeping more than 12 hours daily.If a person, who is trying to avoid premature death, were to respond to this news by both joining an exercise club and buying an alarm clock, that person would probably be:

A) mistaking an explanation for an argument.

B) mistaking an argument for an explanation.

C) mistaking a premise for a conclusion.

D) mistaking a cause for an indicator.

E) mistaking an indicator for a cause.

29) Company Spokesperson: This year, more than 70% of the guests who stayed with us over the past summer are planning to return to our resorts for a summer vacation. Therefore, I believe that we are well-positioned for another strong and profitable quarter.

Industry Analyst: This is not necessarily true. Nearly three quarters of the company’s profits come from the attendance of its theme parks located at its major resorts, and it is not certain how this segment will perform this summer.

Which of the following statements, if true, would support the criticism of the Industry Analyst?

a. The company’s management possesses more accurate financial information than is accessible to industry analysts. b. The industry analyst represents an independent investment firm, which is not affiliated with the company. c. The company’s revenues and profits have more than doubled over the past 3 years. d. Because of the seasonality in the vacation travel and theme park attendance, summer is the most important season for the firm’s operations, accounting for over half of the firm's annual profits. e. The vast majority of guests who visit the company’s resorts attend its theme parks only once, usually during their first week of stay.

30) A product that represents a clear technological advance over competing products can generally command a high price. Because technological advances tend to be quickly surpassed and companies want to make large profits while they still can, many companies charge the greatest price the market will bear when they have such a product. But large profits on the new product will give competitors a strong incentive to quickly match the new product’s capabilities. Consequently, the strategy to maximize overall profit from a new product is to charge less than the greatest possible price.

In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

A. The first is an assumption that forms the basis for a course of action that the argument criticizes; the second presents the course of action endorsed by the argument.B. The first is a consideration raised to explain the appeal of a certain strategy; the second is a consideration raised to call into question the wisdom of adopting that strategy.C. The first is an assumption that has been used to justify a certain strategy; the second is a consideration that is used to cast doubt on that assumption.D. The first is a consideration raised in support of a strategy the argument endorses; the second presents grounds in support of that consideration.E. The first is a consideration raised to show that adopting a certain strategy is unlikely to achieve the intended effect; the second is presented to explain the appeal of that strategy.

31) Many New Yorkers falsely believe that extreme temperatures in winter will be followed by extreme temperatures in the following summer. The three New York winters with the lowest average temperature were followed by summers in which the average temperature was extremely high, yet the two hottest New York winters were also followed by summers whose average temperatures were extremely high.

Which of the following describes the greatest flaw in the author's reasoning?

A)New York winters and summers are not necessarily representative of winters and summers in other locations.B)The author appeals to a previous argument that contains circular reasoning.C)The evidence presented is insufficient to decide the matter with full certainty.D)A causal relationship is being assumed without being proven.E)The evidence presented supports the claim it is intended to refute.

32) Between 1960 and 1966, the State University system had 92 percent of its capacity filled by students. During this time the system admitted 31 students each year for every 100 available spots in the system; the remaining 61 spots were filled by upperclassmen. From 1967 to 1975, the State University system filled 99 percent of its capacity with students; however the system also lowered its admission rate to 23 students for every 100 available spots each year.

If the statements above are true, which of the following conclusions can be most properly drawn?

A. As a university system's admission rate falls, it is generally true that the percent of capacity filled increases.B. The number of available spots in the State University system declined between the two time periods.C. The proportion of young people applying to college increased between the two time periods.D. The number of people dropping out before finishing their degrees declined between the two periods.E. The average length of time that a student stayed in the State University system increased between the two time periods.

33) Recent moves to lower the tariff on Spring lamb imported into the United States have met with protests from sheep ranchers in the United States. These ranchers complain that the United States' market would be flooded with cheap frozen Spring lamb imported from Argentina and New Zealand, and that they would be forced out of business.

Which of the following, if true, would be most damaging to the United States sheep ranchers' position?

A)Many economists believe that tariffs actually damage the industry which they are intended to protect.B)There is a subtle difference in the tastes of frozen Spring lamb and fresh Spring lamb.C)Sales of Spring lamb within the United States have been falling for many years as consumers look for lighter, less fatty meat.D)The quality of Spring lamb produced by ranchers in the United States is as high as any in the world.E)Almost all of the Spring lamb produced by ranchers in the United States is exported.

34) Doctor: Research shows that adolescents who play video games on a regular basis are three times as likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome as are adolescents who do not play video games. Federal legislation that prohibits the sale of video games to minors would help curb this painful wrist condition among adolescents.

The doctor’s conclusion depends on which of the following assumptions?

A)The majority of federal legislators would vote for a bill that prohibits the sale of video games to minors.B)Not all adolescents who play video games on a regular basis suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome.C)Playing video games is the only way an adolescent can develop carpal tunnel syndrome. D)Most parents would refuse to purchase video games for their adolescent children.E)The regular playing of video games by adolescents does not produce such beneficial effects as better hand-eye coordination and improved reaction time

35) Some philosophers of science claim that no serious scientific theory can be tested experimentally without taking for granted some other body of scientific beliefs for we can not interpret any experimental results without relying on such beliefs.

If this is true, then which of the following conclusions seems most likely?

A. Any particular scientific theory can be consistently retained, even in the face of apparently incompatible evidence, if we are willing to give up certain other scientific beliefs.B. Experimental evidence is really irrelevant to scientific theorizing.C. Experimental evidence is more relevant to the testing of scientific theories than to their initial formulations.D. Experimental evidence is more relevant to the initial formulations of scientific theories than to their testing.E. The best scientific theories are those which are formulated in such a way as to be subject to conclusive experimental refutation.

36) Zelda: Dr. Ladlow, a research psychologist, has convincingly demonstrated that his theory about the determinants of rat behavior generates consistently accurate predictions about how rats will perform in a maze. On the basis of this evidence, Dr. Ladlow has claimed that his theory is irrefutably correct.

Anson: Then Dr. Ladlow is not responsible psychologist. Dr. Ladlow’s evidence does not conclusively prove that his theory is correct. Responsible psychologists always accept the possibility that new evidence will show that their theories are incorrect.

Which one of the following can be properly inferred from Anson’s argument?(A) Dr. Ladlow’s evidence that his theory generates consistently accurate predictions about how rates will perform in a maze is inaccurate.(B) Psychologists who can derive consistently accurate predictions about how rats will perform in a maze from their theories cannot responsibly conclude that those theories cannot be disproved.(C) No matter how responsible psychologists are, they can never develop correct theoretical explanations.(D) Responsible psychologists do not make predictions about how rats will perform in a maze.(E) Psychologists who accept the possibility that new evidence will show that their theories are incorrect are responsible psychologists.

37) When military spending increased in Country X ten years ago, citizens started spending a smaller percentage of their disposable income on luxury items. When military spending recently decreased, spending on luxury items increased back to its initial level. The perceived threat of war, therefore, persuades consumers to spend less on luxuries than they otherwise would.

The argument above depends on which of the following assumptions?

A. The perceived threat of war has increased over the years.B. Most citizens supported the decrease in military spending.C. Citizen's perceptions of the threat of war depend on the amount of military spending by Country X.D. The people who spent the most money on luxury items when military spending was low were the ones who supported low levels of military spending.E. There are fewer luxury goods available when military spending increases.

38) To improve the long-term savings rate of the citizens of Levaska, the country's legislature decided to implement a plan that allows investors to save up to $1,000 per year in special accounts without paying taxes on the interest earned unless withdrawals are made before the investor reaches age sixty-five. Withdrawals from these accounts prior to age sixty-five would result in the investor's having to pay taxes on all the accumulated interest at the time of withdrawal.

Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports the prediction that the legislature's plan will have its intended effect?

A. The money saved in the tax-free savings accounts will be deposited primarily in those banks and financial institutions that supported the legislation instituting the plan.B. The majority of people choosing to take advantage of the tax-free savings accounts will withdraw their money prior to age sixty-five.C. A significant number of the citizens of Levaska will invest in the tax-free savings

accounts well before they reach the age of sixty-five.D. During the ten years prior to implementation of the plan, Levaskans deposited an increasingly smaller percentage of their annual income in long-term savings accounts.E. People who are not citizens of Levaska are not eligible to invest in the tax-free savings accounts, even if their income is taxable in Levaska.

39) A few decades ago it was popular to link dramatic increases in urban antisocial behavior with high population density, and to support this with studies of laboratory rats, which exhibit randomly violent behavior under conditions of extreme overcrowding. It has since become obvious that the analogy between rats and humans is simplistic at best, and leaves out considerations like human adaptability and cultural factors that are of key importance in determining human behavior.

Which of the following, if true, best supports the conclusion the author presents in the passage above?

A)Testing new products on laboratory rats has sometimes led to unnecessary alarm about their adverse effects on human health.B)Rats thrive in the crowded conditions of human urban society.C)Rats also exhibit unnatural behavior in conditions of extreme isolation.D)Although rat behavior does change in crowded conditions, what results is not random violence but a new, radically different social order.E)In some extremely crowded cities there is relatively little antisocial behavior, whereas some sparsely – populated rural communities have very high rates of such behavior.

40) Country X complains that country Y's high tariffs on imported goods have artificially inflated the cost of cars imported from country X into country Y, and that this is the reason that few of country X's cars are sold in country Y. On the other hand, country X's very low tariffs allow country Y to sell many cars there at relatively low prices. Country X says that if country Y would lower its tariffs, then country X's cars would be able to compete in country Y and an equitable balance of trade would be achieved.

Which of the following, if true, would most undermine the validity of country X's explanation for the poor sales of its cars in country Y?

A)In places where the tariffs on goods from both countries are equal, country Y's cars far outsell cars from country X.B)Cars imported from country Z sell poorly in country Y.C)In countries where tariffs on imported goods are higher than in country Y, country X sells more cars than does country Y.D)Other goods from country X sell poorly in country Y.E)Sales of country Y's cars are high even in countries that have higher tariffs on imported goods than does country X.

41) If backstage passes after concerts are restricted to members of the press and those individuals who personally know members of the band or the band's crew, most of the

people who usually flock backstage after shows will be forced to wait outside until the band leaves the theater. As a result, there will be less crowding backstage after concerts, which will reduce the risk of fights and injuries occurring after the shows.

The conclusion drawn in the first sentence depends on which of the following assumptions?

A)Waiting outside for the band will be as acceptable as going backstage for most fans.B)It would not be necessary for representatives of local radio stations to wait outside for bands after a concert.C)Most individuals who obtain backstage passes after concerts do not personally know members of the band or the band's crew.D)Backstage fights involve acquaintances of the band or crew more often than they involve members of the press.E)Favorable reviews of concerts are likely to increase if there are fewer backstage fights and injuries after shows.

42) If Elvira Johnson agrees to testify against the defendant and the prosecution is able to get a prestigious firm to take their case, then the defendant's chances will be greatly weakened, and he will most likely be given a lengthy sentence. But Charles Chase, a powerful witness for the defense, will only cooperate if Elvira Johnson testifies and a prestigious law firm takes the prosecution's case.

Under these circumstances, if the defendant's chances are NOT greatly weakened, then which of the following must be false?

A)Elvira Johnson testifies against the defendant.B)The defendant will get a lengthy sentence.C)A prestigious firm will take the prosecution's case.D)Charles Chase will cooperate with the defense.E)Elvira Johnson might testify against the defendant.

43) All of John’s friends say they know someone who has smoked 40 cigarettes a day for the past 40 years and yet who is really fit and well. John does not know anyone like that and it is quite certain that he is not unique among his friends in this respect.If the statements in the passage are true, then which one of the following must also be true?(A) Smokers often lie about how much they smoke.(B) People often knowingly exaggerate without intending to lie.(C) All John’s friends know the same lifelong heavy smoker.(D) Most of John’s friends are not telling the truth.(E) Some of John’s friends are not telling the truth.

44) Between 1977 and 1989, the percentage of income paid to Federal taxes by the richest one percent of Americans decreased, from 40 percent to 25 percent. By the end of that same period, however, the richest one percent of Americans were paying a larger

proportion of all Federal tax revenues, from 12.7 percent in 1977 to 16.2 percent in 1989.

Which of the following, if true, contributes most to an explanation of the discrepancy described above?

A)Between 1977 and 1989, the Internal Revenue Service increased the percentage of its staff members responsible for audits and tax collection.B)Between 1977 and 1989, the before-tax income of the richest one percent of Americans increased by over 75 percent when adjusted for inflation.C)Between 1977 and 1989, many of the richest one percent of Americans shifted their investments from untaxable to taxable assets.D)Between 1977 and 1989, the top tax rate was reduced from 70 percent to 31 percent and several tax loopholes were eliminated.E)Between 1977 and 1989, the amount of Federal taxes paid by the richest one percent of Americans increased by $45 billion, while the amount paid by all Americans rose by $50 billion.

45) State tax officials, having had considerable success in persuading delinquent individuals to pay their back taxes through the incentive of reduced penalties, plan to adopt a similar approach in order to collect past due taxes from corporations.

The state tax plan outlined above assumes that

A)federal tax officials will not attempt to collect back taxes in the same mannerB)stiff fines are not the only way to collect past due corporate taxesC)corporations tend to be delinquent in their taxes for the same length of time that individual taxpayers areD)past due taxes cannot be collected without a reduction in penaltiesE)penalties for delinquent corporations will have to be reduced by the same percentage as were penalties for delinquent individuals

46) If we are forced to have local drug rehabilitation centers-and society has determined that we are-then society ought to pay for them.Which of the following, if true, would weaken the above argument?

A) Drug rehabilitation centers are too expensive to be locally funded.

B) Many neighborhood groups support rehabilitation centers.

C) Drug rehabilitation centers are expensive to maintain.

D) Drug addicts may be unwilling to receive treatment.

E) A government committee has convinced many groups that local rehabilitation centers are ineffective.

47) A law passed in Rockville three years ago allows a 30% tax credit to consumers who purchase a newly constructed home. The tax credit was intended to stimulate the local economy by creating a higher demand for new houses and spurring the creation of jobs in construction and design. However, since the law was passed, the growth in sales of newly constructed homes has dropped each year, from 15% to 10% to 5%. Obviously, this law has had little or no effect on the sale of newly constructed homes.

Which of the following must be true if the above conclusion is to be properly drawn?

A)New house sales are directly tied to personal income.B)New house sales cannot increase by more than 6% next year.C)If the tax credit had been 50%, there would have been a larger increase in new house salesD)Without the tax credit, new house sales would not have been significantly lower.E)Tax credits for specific purchases are usually ineffective in influencing consumers to make those purchases.

48) The construction of Glenn Canyon Dam on the Colorado river has caused unforeseen environmental effects. By preventing annual floods, the dam prevents the river from stirring up sediments collected on the river bottom and from depositing them high on the banks of the river. These sediments are necessary for the creation and maintenance of sandbars, which form natural habitats for native fish. If water is released from the dam annually, the river would flood and thus recreate the sandbars normally found below the dam.

The prediction above relies on which of the following?

A)There are no other effects of the dam that would prevent the native fish of the river from using the new sandbars below the dam. B)The flood caused by releasing water from the dam would be like a natural flood in every major respect. C)The sandbars that would result from the artificial flooding of the river would be exactly the same size as the sandbars previously created by normal flooding. D)There are other dams upriver from the Glenn Canyon Dam that must also release water in order for the flood from the Glenn Canyon Dam to be successful. E)The dam does not prevent the flow of sediments from upriver needed to replenish the sediments that inevitably wash downstream over time.

49) Two paleontologists, Dr Tyson and Dr. Rees, disagree over the interpretation of certain footprints that were left among other footprints in hardened volcanic ash at site G. Dr. Tyson claims they are clearly early hominid footprints since they show human characteristics: a squarish heel and a big toe immediately adjacent to the next toe. However, since the footprints indicate that if hominids made those prints they would have

had to walk in an unexpected cross-stepping manner, by placing the left foot to the right of the right foot. Dr. Rees rejects Dr. Tyson’s conclusion.

The disagreement between the two paleontologists is over which one of the following?(A) the relative significance of various aspects of the evidence(B) the assumption that early hominid footprints are distinguishable from other footprints(C) the possibility of using the evidence of footprints to determine the gait of the creature that made those footprints(D) the assumption that evidence from one paleontologic site is enough to support a conclusion(E) the likelihood that early hominids would have walked upright on two feet

Which one of the following, if true, most seriously undermines Dr. Tyson’s conclusion?(A) The foot prints showing human characteristics were clearly those of at least two distinct individuals.(B) Certain species of bears had feet very like human feet, except that the outside toe on each foot was the biggest toe and the innermost toe was the smallest toe.(C) Footprints shaped like a human’s that do not show a cross-stepping pattern exist at site M, which is a mile away from site G, and the two sets of footprints are contemporaneous.(D) When the moist volcanic ash became sealed under additional layers of ash before hardening, some details of some of the footprints were erased.(E) Most of the other footprints at site G were of animals with hooves.

50) Although exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma, a slow-developing cancer, researches believe that infection by the SV40 virus is a contributing cause, since in the United States 60 percent of tissue samples from mesotheliomas, but none from healthy tissue, contain SV40. SV40 is a monkey virus; however, in 1960 some polio vaccine was contaminated with the virus. Reseaches hypothesize that this vaccine was the source of the virus found in mesotheliomas decades later.

Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports the researchers' hypothesis?

a) SV40 is widely used as a research tool in cancer laboratores.

b) Changes in the technique of manufacturing the vaccine now prevent contamination with SV40.

c) Recently discovered samples of the vaccine dating from 1960 still show traces of the virus.

d) In a small percentage of cases of mesothelioma, there is no history of exposure to asbestos.

e) In Finland, where the polio vaccine was never contaminated, samples from mesotheliomas do not contain SV40.

51) Student Advisor: One of our exchange students faced multiple arguments with her parents over the course of the past year. Not surprisingly, her grade point average (GPA)over the same period showed a steep decline. This is just one example of a general truth: problematic family relationships can cause significant academic difficulties for our students.

Which of the following is an assumption underlying the general truism claimed by the Student Advisor?(A) Last year, the exchange student reduced the amount of time spent on academic work, resulting in a lower GPA.(B) The decline in the GPA of the. exchange student was not the reason for the student's arguments with her parents.(C) School GPA is an accurate measure of a student's intellectual ability.(D) If proper measures are not taken, the decline in the student's academic performance may become irreversible.(E) Fluctuations in academic performance are typical for many students.

52) A prominent investor who holds a large stake in the Burton Tool company has recently claimed that the company is mismanaged, citing as evidence the company's failure to slow production in response to a recent rise in its inventory of finished products. It is doubtful whether an investor's sniping at management can ever be anything other than counterproductive, but in this case it is clearly not justified. It is true that an increased inventory of finished products often indicates that production is outstripping demand, but in Burton's case it indicates no such thing. Rather, the increase in inventory is entirely attributable to products that have already been assigned to orders received from customers.

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

A. The first provides evidence to support the conclusion of the argument as a whole; the second states the conclusion.

B.The 1st states the conclusion of the argument as a whole; the second states an intermediate conclusion that is drawn in order to support that conclusion

C.The 1st is the position that the argument as a whole opposes;the second provides evidence against the position being opposed.

D.The first states an intermediate conclusion that is drawn in order to support the conclusion of the argument as a whole; the 2nd states the conclusion of the argument as a whole

E. The 1st & the 2nd both state intermediate conclusions that are drawn in order to support jointly the conclusions of the argument as a whole.

53) All those who keep a journal will be heard by the next generation. Some of these journal writers are true artists, others humorous observers of the commonplace, and still others insufferable egotists who feel compelled to record their every thought.If the statements above are true, which one of the following must be true?

(A) Not all of those who are humorous observers of the commonplace will be heard by the next generation.(B) Everyone who will be heard by the next generation keeps a journal.(C) The next generation will hear both insufferable egotists and true artists.(D) Some of those who keep journals are not true artists, humorous observers of the commonplace, or insufferable egotists.(E) The next generation will bear some of those who are true artists but not all of them.

54) Pasteurization of milk is a process by which milk is heated to a certain temperature and then rapidly cooled, killing pathogens and increasing the milk's shelf life. Recently pasteurization has come under fire because it has been found that during pasteurization many helpful digestive enzymes are destroyed, and many dangerous pathogens, including the MAP bacterial strain, which is linked to Crohn’s disease, are not. Because of this, some people have started drinking ‘raw milk’ milk, which is not pasteurized or otherwise processed. Proponents of pasteurization point out that that pasteurization is still necessary to reduce bacterial contamination, and that heating milk at home also kills beneficial digestive enzymes. Raw milk drinkers argue that this argument is beside the point, since most people who drink milk do not heat it first, or else misleading, since

Which of the following best completes the passage?

A) Many of the proponents of pasteurization are dairy farmers who rely on the increased shelf life of pasteurized milk to ship their product farther away. B) It is clear that killing pathogens that may be present in milk is not the only effect of pasteurization. C) Cooked milk is generally heated to a higher temperature than pasteurized milk is.D) If milk subject to both processes destroys more digestive enzymes than either process alone, the claim is misleading.E) Pasteurization serves to ensure a longer shelf life for milk, while heating milk is usually the final step in its preparation.

55) Advertisement: According to a recent research study, daily use of Fresh Start, a new toothpaste, reduces the risk of developing dental cavities by over 20 percent. In addition,as a result of a new formula, the use of Fresh Start results in whiter, healthier-looking teeth. Clearly, Fresh Start not only gives your teeth a beautiful look but also provides the most reliable protection against dental cavities.

Which of the following is an assumption in the argument above?

(A) No other toothpaste provides more reliable protection against dental cavities.(B) Fresh Start's formula does a better job of whitening teeth than do competitor's formulas.(C) People are just as interested in having beautiful teeth as they are in having healthy teeth.(D) Fresh Start also prevents other dental disorders, such as gingivitis.(E) Reliable protection against dental cavities, combined with excellent aesthetic properties, is likely to make Fresh Start a popular toothpaste on the market.

56) Hayes Diner's plan to expand its dining area is ill-conceived. Since the diner is not expanding its kitchen as well, the restaurant will not be able to handle the additional orders and will lose business due to its poor service.

Which of the following statements, if true, most weakens the prediction above?

A)The new dining area will only serve counter drinks and pre-cooked pastries.B)Currently, the kitchen at Hayes Diner is understaffed, requiring workers to work occasional double shifts.C)The new dining area will accommodate seven additional four-person tables.D)Two other diners have opened in the same neighborhood as Hayes Diner.E)The Hayes Diner has hired two new wait staff members to serve in the new dining area.

57) Some species of Arctic birds are threatened by recent sharp increases in the population of snow geese, which breed in the Arctic and are displacing birds of less vigorous species. Although snow geese are a popular quarry for hunters in the southern regions where they winter, the hunting season ends if and when hunting has reduced the population by five percent, according to official estimates. Clearly, dropping this restriction would allow the other species to recover.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously undermines the argument?

(A) Hunting limits for snow geese were imposed many years ago in response to a sharp decline in the population of snow geese.(B) It has been many years since the restriction led to the hunting season for snow geese being closed earlier than the scheduled date.(C) The number of snow geese taken by hunters each year has grown every year for several years.(D) As their population has increased, snow geese have recolonized wintering grounds that they had not used for several seasons.(E) In the snow goose’s winter habitats, the goose faces no significant natural predation.

58) Committee member: We should not vote to put at the top of the military’s chain of command an individual whose history of excessive drinking is such that that person would be barred from commanding a missile wing, a bomber squadron, or a contingent of fighter jets. Leadership must be established from the top down.

The committee member’s argument conforms most closely to which one of the following principles?

(A) No one who would be barred from important jobs in an organization should lead that organization.(B) Whoever leads an organization must have served at every level in the organization.(C) Whoever leads an organization must be qualified to hold each important job in the organization.(D) No one who drinks excessively should hold a leadership position any where along the military’s chain of command.(E) No one who cannot command a missile wing should be at the top of the military’s chain of command.

59) Students from outside the province of Markland, who in any given academic year pay twice as much tuition each as do students from Markland, had traditionally accounted for at least two-thirds of the enrollment at Central Markland College. Over the past 10 years academic standards at the college have risen and the proportion of students who are not Marklanders has dropped to around 40 percent.Which one of the following can be properly inferred from the statements above?

(A) If it had not been for the high tuition paid by students from outside Markland, the college could not have improved its academic standards over the past 10 years.(B) If academic standards had not risen over the past 10 years, students who are not Marklanders would still account for at least two-thirds of the college’s enrollment.(C) Over the past 10 year the number of students from Markland increased and the number of students from outside Markland decreased.(D) Over the past 10 years academic standards at Central Markland College have risen by more than academic standards at any other college in Markland.(E) If the college’s per capita revenue from tuition has remained the same, tuition fees have increased over the past 10 years.

60) A newly discovered painting on wooden panel by Michelangelo must have been completed after 1507 but before 1509. It cannot have been painted earlier than 1507 because one of its central figures carries a coin that was not minted until that year. It cannot have been painted after 1509 because it contains a pigment that Michelangelo is known to have abandoned when a cheaper alternative became available in that year.

Which of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends? A)No stocks of the abandoned pigment existed after 1509. B)Michelangelo did not work on the painting over the course of several years. C)The coin depicted in the painting was known to general public in 1507. D)The wooden panel on which the painting was executed cannot be tested accurately for age. E)Michelangelo's painting style did not change between 1507 and 1509.

Overall Answers

1 D2 E3 D4 E5 C6 C7 A8 D9 C10 B11 C12 A13 A14 C15 D16 B17 B18 C19 D20 B21 C22 C23 D24 C25 A26 C27 C28 E29 E30 B31 E32 E33 E34 D35 A36 B37 C38 C39 E40 A41 C42 D43 E44 B45 B46 E47 D48 E49 A,B50 E51 B52 B53 C54 D55 A56 A