GMAT Verbal Reasoning Exams — GMAT Exam Changes 2025 Verbal Reasoning March 2025
Answer: C
Portmund residents who would ordinarily drive tend to prefer transportation by taxi during heavy snowstorms.
This statement indicates that during heavy snowstorms, residents are more likely to rely on taxis instead of driving themselves. This increased demand for taxis during adverse weather conditions strengthens the researcher's explanation about the discrepancy between high demand and low taxi availability, as it highlights the demand factor even more.
A) A majority of Portmund businesses shut down during heavy snowstorms.
This option does not directly relate to the behavior of taxi drivers or the demand for taxi services. While it may suggest reduced overall activity in the city, it does not address why taxi drivers might choose not to work during inclement weather, thus failing to strengthen the researcher's explanation.
B) Most Portmund taxi drivers own their vehicles.
While ownership may influence a driver's commitment to working, this statement does not explain why taxi drivers would not operate during hazardous weather conditions. It does not provide insight into the relationship between demand and driver participation, making it irrelevant to the researcher's explanation.
C) Portmund residents who would ordinarily drive tend to prefer transportation by taxi during heavy snowstorms.
This option directly supports the researcher's explanation by indicating that there is a shift in transportation preference during adverse weather. It suggests that even with high demand for taxi services, the low number of available taxis may stem from drivers opting out of work due to hazardous conditions, thus reinforcing the researcher's argument.
D) Portmund's average annual number of rainy and snowy days is higher than the national average.
While this statement provides context about the frequency of inclement weather in Portmund, it does not explain how this affects taxi driver participation. Knowing that there are more bad weather days does not clarify the specific reasons drivers might choose not to work during those times, thus failing to strengthen the explanation.
E) At most ×, the most common destination for Portmund taxi passengers is the local airport.
This option does not relate to the explanation regarding driver availability during hazardous weather. While it provides information about passenger behavior, it does not address the reasons why drivers may opt not to work, making it irrelevant to the researcher's explanation.
Conclusion
The correct answer, C, effectively links the increased demand for taxi services during heavy snowstorms to the behavior of taxi drivers, thereby strengthening the researcher's explanation about why the number of taxis in service is low despite high demand. Other options either fail to connect the demand with driver behavior or do not address the context of hazardous weather conditions, making them less relevant to the argument presented.
2. The passage suggests that a hybrid approach to product development
Answer: C
A hybrid approach to product development provides greater flexibility than either of the two methodologies alone.
The passage emphasizes that a hybrid approach merges the structured predictability of Waterfall with the adaptability of Agile, resulting in enhanced flexibility for product development. This combination allows teams to adjust and adapt during the development process, which is a significant advantage over using either methodology in isolation.
A) is the most successful approach for all companies and projects
This option is incorrect because the passage does not claim that a hybrid approach is universally the best for all companies and projects. It only suggests that combining Agile and Waterfall can be beneficial for many companies, indicating that success may vary depending on specific project needs and contexts.
B) reduces the amount of documentation required to begin the project
This statement misinterprets the essence of the hybrid approach. While the passage notes that Agile values working software over extensive documentation, it does not state that a hybrid approach specifically reduces documentation requirements. Instead, it focuses on blending the two methodologies without eliminating the structured documentation that Waterfall entails.
C) provides greater flexibility than either of the two methodologies alone
This option is accurate as the passage clearly articulates that the hybrid approach combines the strengths of both Agile and Waterfall methodologies, thereby offering greater flexibility. The ability to adapt while maintaining some structure is a key advantage highlighted in the text.
D) can help reduce documentation and paperwork required for project planning
While the hybrid approach may streamline some processes, the passage does not explicitly confirm that it reduces documentation or paperwork. It rather suggests that it balances the structured planning of Waterfall with the flexibility of Agile, which does not inherently imply a reduction in documentation.
E) allows companies to deliver high-quality products in a timely and efficient manner
While this option may be a potential outcome of a hybrid approach, the passage does not specifically state that it ensures high-quality products or efficiency. Instead, it emphasizes the balance between flexibility and structure, which indirectly could lead to better outcomes but is not explicitly stated.
Conclusion
The correct answer, C, highlights the hybrid approach's ability to provide greater flexibility by integrating both Agile and Waterfall methodologies. Other options either misinterpret the details provided in the passage or lack clear support from the text, demonstrating that the hybrid approach is specifically advantageous for adapting to changing project requirements while still maintaining necessary structure.
3. In the context of the passage, the first paragraph serves primarily to
Answer: B
The first paragraph serves primarily to highlight significant differences between two theories of justice in terms of their relevance for addressing certain inequities.
The first paragraph emphasizes the contrasting theories of justice proposed by John Rawls and Martha Nussbaum, specifically how each theorist approaches the evaluation of social position and the distribution of benefits and burdens.
A) outline in brief the passage author's argument regarding certain inequities and theories of justice
While the paragraph does mention inequities and theories of justice, it does not merely outline the author's argument. Instead, it focuses specifically on the differences between Rawls and Nussbaum's theories, which goes beyond a simple outline of the argument.
B) highlight significant differences between two theories of justice in terms of their relevance for addressing certain inequities
This option is correct because the paragraph explicitly contrasts Rawls' focus on primary goods with Nussbaum's emphasis on capabilities. It underscores how these differing perspectives on justice are pertinent to understanding and addressing the inequities that arise from economic and ecological interactions.
C) anticipate challenges to the conclusion reached at the end of the second paragraph
The first paragraph does not discuss or anticipate any challenges to conclusions found later in the passage. It strictly presents the foundational ideas of two theorists without engaging in a critique or anticipation of counterarguments.
D) raise questions about how effectively an existing theory of justice has addressed certain inequities
The paragraph does not raise questions regarding the effectiveness of either theory in addressing inequities. Instead, it serves to delineate the key differences between the theories rather than questioning their efficacy.
E) respond to opposing views that call into question the passage author's main conclusion
There are no opposing views presented in the first paragraph, nor does it serve as a response to any critiques. It focuses solely on the theoretical differences between Rawls and Nussbaum without addressing counterarguments.
Conclusion
Option B is definitively correct as it accurately captures the essence of the first paragraph, which revolves around contrasting two theories of justice and their implications for addressing inequities. Other options either misinterpret the content or fail to align with the primary focus of the paragraph, which is the comparison of Rawls' and Nussbaum's approaches to justice.
4. According to the passage, part of the evidence that scrub jays can bind information is that they
Answer: D
Scrub jays remembered what kind of food was stored in a particular location.
The evidence that scrub jays can bind information is demonstrated by their ability to remember the type of food stored in specific locations, which is a key aspect of episodic memory. This ability shows that they can integrate multiple components of an event, including what food they stored and where.
A) showed by their behavior that they were reexperiencing the past
This option is incorrect because the passage states that Clayton's experiments do not reveal if the scrub jays were reexperiencing the past when retrieving information. Instead, they focus on the jays' memory of what, where, and when without confirming any reexperiencing of past events.
B) used information acquired through past experiences
While this statement is true in a general sense, it does not specifically demonstrate the binding of information. The passage emphasizes that episodic memory involves recalling specific events and integrating details, rather than merely using past experiences, making this option insufficient.
C) assessed the freshness of food that had been stored by other jays
This option is incorrect because the evidence in the passage relates to the jays' memory of food they stored themselves, not food stored by other jays. The experiment focused on how the jays remembered their own food storage details, thus this option does not align with the evidence presented.
D) remembered what kind of food was stored in a particular location
This option is correct as it directly reflects the findings of Clayton's experiment. The jays' ability to recall the type of food stored in specific locations is a clear demonstration of their capacity to bind multiple elements of a single event, illustrating episodic-like memory.
E) recollected single bits of information about sources of food
This option is misleading because it implies a fragmented recall rather than a cohesive memory of an event. The passage highlights the jays' ability to remember integrated details about what, where, and when, rather than isolated pieces of information.
Conclusion
The correct answer, D, effectively captures the essence of the evidence presented regarding scrub jays’ memory capabilities. Unlike the other options, it highlights their ability to integrate critical components of their experiences, reinforcing the concept of episodic memory. The other options either misinterpret the findings or do not adequately demonstrate the binding of information necessary for episodic memory.
Answer: D
Traces of hearths on the mound showing sustained use for baking around a thousand years ago
Finding traces of hearths would indicate that the mound was used regularly for activities such as cooking, which supports the conclusion that it was part of a permanent village. This evidence would demonstrate sustained habitation and utilization of the site by the ancient society.
A) Residues of human food at the top of the mound
While residues of human food could suggest some level of activity on the mound, they do not definitively indicate regular or permanent use. Such residues could be remnants of occasional visits rather than evidence of a continuous settlement.
B) Evidence that the copper bells were originally attached to clothing items
This evidence could provide insights into the cultural practices of the society, but it does not directly indicate whether the mound was a permanent village or a site for intermittent rituals. The presence of bells alone does not confirm the extent of habitation.
C) Fragments of several large and strong baskets dating from around a thousand years ago
Although baskets may suggest some form of storage or transport, they do not confirm sustained use of the mound itself. The presence of basket fragments alone could relate to transient activities rather than indicate a permanent settlement.
D) Traces of hearths on the mound showing sustained use for baking around a thousand years ago
This option provides clear evidence of regular, long-term use of the mound for daily activities such as cooking. Such traces would strongly support the conclusion that the mound was utilized as part of a permanent village, aligning with the findings at other nearby sites.
E) One-thousand-year-old trails connecting the mound to sites several kilometers away known to have been permanent villages
While trails could indicate connections to other settlements, they do not, by themselves, confirm that the mound was a site of regular habitation. Trails may have been used for various purposes, including seasonal or ritual visits.
Conclusion
Traces of hearths on the mound provide definitive evidence of continuous use, directly supporting the conclusion that the mound was part of a permanent village. The other options either suggest transient or occasional use or do not provide sufficient evidence to determine the nature of the site's utilization. Therefore, option D is the most compelling choice in establishing the mound’s significance to the ancient society.
6. The passage is primarily concerned with
Answer: D
The passage is primarily concerned with explaining certain implications of a practice.
The text focuses on the implications of using recycled materials, specifically highlighting the challenges and costs associated with processing these materials at materials recovery facilities (MRFs). It discusses how contamination has affected the economics of recycling and suggests that stricter regulations could help improve the situation.
A) countering a criticism
This option is incorrect as the passage does not directly address or refute a specific criticism. Instead, it provides an overview of the issues related to recycling, particularly the costs and challenges faced by the recycling industry, without engaging in a debate over criticisms.
B) discussing a distinction
This option is not accurate because the passage does not make a clear distinction between two different concepts or practices. The focus is on the implications of the current recycling practices rather than on differentiating between various ideas or policies.
C) questioning an underlying assumption of a policy
While the passage does touch on the need for government regulations, it does not primarily question the assumptions of existing policies. Instead, it outlines the existing situation and its consequences, making this option less fitting.
D) explaining certain implications of a practice
This is the correct choice as the passage thoroughly examines the implications of recycling practices, including the financial challenges faced by MRFs and the potential benefits of stricter regulations. It illustrates how these practices affect the recycling industry and the overall effectiveness of recycling efforts.
E) advocating that a certain regulation be rescinded
This choice is incorrect because the passage does not advocate for the removal of any regulations. In fact, it suggests that stricter regulations could improve the recycling situation, indicating a need for more supportive policies rather than rescinding existing ones.
Conclusion
The correct answer, D, is supported by the passage's detailed exploration of the implications associated with recycling practices and the economic challenges faced by MRFs. All other options fail to capture the primary focus of the text, which is to explain the consequences of current recycling methods and the potential for regulatory improvements.
7. Which of the following would, if true, most help to justify the executive's prediction?
Answer: A
Most people who claim to be interested in serious analyses of public policy avoid taking convenient opportunities to read, listen to, or view such analyses.
This statement supports the executive's prediction by indicating that even if a significant percentage of adults express interest in watching a public policy analysis program, their actual behavior suggests they may not engage with such content when available.
A) Most people who claim to be interested in serious analyses of public policy avoid taking convenient opportunities to read, listen to, or view such analyses.
This option is correct because it highlights a discrepancy between stated interest and actual viewing behavior. If individuals claim interest but do not engage with similar content, it suggests that the predicted audience for the new program may not materialize as expected.
B) The total number of adults responding to the survey was smaller than the audience for any of XYZ's current news shows.
This statement does not support the executive's prediction effectively. While it might indicate a smaller sample size, it does not address the essential issue of whether those surveyed would actually watch the new program or how their interest translates into viewership.
C) Many adults have expressed little or no interest in watching news programs featuring serious analyses of public policy.
This option contradicts the executive's prediction by emphasizing a lack of interest among many adults. If a significant number of people are not interested, it undermines the assumption that a new public policy analysis program would attract viewers.
D) Most people who might regularly watch a television show because of its content would stop watching it if they found it unappealing.
While this statement relates to viewer retention, it does not support the prediction regarding initial interest or the likelihood of viewing a new program. It focuses on the consequences of content quality rather than justifying the prediction based on expressed interest.
E) No television network competing with the XYZ network currently has much programming that features serious analyses of public policy.
Though this could imply an opportunity for XYZ to capture an audience, it does not directly justify the prediction that interest will convert into viewership. It fails to address the habits of those who claim interest in serious analyses, which is central to the executive's concern.
Conclusion
The correct answer, option A, effectively explains why the predicted viewership for the new program may not align with expressed interest. It points out a critical gap between what people say they want and what they actually engage with, thereby reinforcing the executive's caution. Other options either contradict the prediction or fail to provide relevant support, highlighting the importance of understanding actual viewer behavior in forecasting audience engagement.
8. Which of the following is an assumption the park manager's argument requires?
Answer: E
Sooner or later, the city will likely have to allocate funding to eradicate invasive plants in the newly acquired parks.
This assumption is crucial for the park manager's argument, as it suggests that a future need for funding will arise if the invasive plants are not dealt with promptly, thereby justifying the current expenditures.
A) If the invasive plants are not removed from the city's newly acquired parks, they will eventually invade many of the city's older parks.
While this option discusses a potential consequence of failing to eradicate invasive plants, it does not directly support the need for future funding specifically for the newly acquired parks. It focuses more on the impact on older parks rather than the necessity of funding.
B) The city council will not have any more funds next year for eradicating invasive plants in the newly acquired parks than it does this year.
This option addresses potential budget constraints but does not support the argument's premise about the future need for funding. Instead, it merely suggests a limitation rather than an assumption that funding will be necessary.
C) If the invasive plants are eradicated from the city's newly acquired parks this year, no new invasive plants will spread into those parks in future years.
This assumption implies a certainty about the outcome of eradication efforts, which is not a necessary condition for the argument. The argument relies on the likelihood of future funding needs, regardless of whether new plants invade.
D) The city council is obligated to allocate funding to a project only if doing so will help the city avoid larger expenses later.
This option speaks to the council's obligation regarding funding but does not directly address the future necessity of funding for the newly acquired parks. It suggests a condition rather than an assumption about future funding needs.
E) Sooner or later, the city will likely have to allocate funding to eradicate invasive plants in the newly acquired parks.
This statement directly captures the essence of the assumption required by the park manager's argument. It suggests an inevitability about funding needs related to the invasive plants, thus forming the foundation for the argument's rationale.
Conclusion
The correct answer, option E, is essential because it reinforces the idea that future funding will be necessary to address the invasive plant issue in the newly acquired parks. All other options either focus on different implications or do not adequately support the argument about the need for future funding, making E the only assumption that is directly aligned with the park manager's argument.
Answer: E
The symptoms of stroke are typically so subtle that they are rarely recognized as signs of a medical emergency.
Even though the new drug can significantly enhance recovery chances for stroke victims when administered promptly, the increase in recovery rates will be hindered because strokes often present with subtle symptoms that may not prompt immediate medical attention.
A) government and private insurance policies will not reimburse patients for drugs that have not been approved for widespread use among its intended beneficiaries
This option is incorrect because it addresses financial aspects of drug approval rather than the recognition and timely treatment of strokes. The argument is focused on why a dramatic increase in recovery rates may not occur, which is not related to reimbursement policies.
B) the drug has been approved already for use on people who have suffered heart attacks
This option is also incorrect as it does not relate to the specific context of stroke recovery rates. The approval of the drug for heart attack victims does not impact the likelihood of recognizing stroke symptoms or the timing of treatment.
C) in coming years growing numbers of people will be of an age at which the likelihood of suffering a stroke is greatest
While this option discusses demographics, it does not address the immediate issue of recognizing stroke symptoms. The argument revolves around the urgency and awareness of stroke signs rather than an increase in the population at risk.
D) another drug being tested for treatment of strokes appears to be effective when given as late as twenty-four hours after the stroke's onset
This option is incorrect because it introduces a competing treatment but does not explain why the recovery rate will not increase immediately. The effectiveness of another drug does not mitigate the issue of recognizing strokes in time to administer any treatment.
E) the symptoms of stroke are typically so subtle that they are rarely recognized as signs of a medical emergency
This option accurately completes the argument by highlighting that the subtlety of stroke symptoms can lead to delays in treatment. As a result, even with an effective drug available, many patients may not receive it in the critical time frame needed for maximum benefit.
Conclusion
The correct answer is E because it directly addresses the crux of the argument regarding the recognition of stroke symptoms and the impact on timely treatment. All other options fail to connect to the reason why recovery rates may not improve significantly despite the availability of an effective drug. The subtlety of stroke symptoms poses a significant barrier to timely intervention, thereby limiting the potential impact of the newly developed medication.
10. Which of the following is an assumption on which the investigators' conclusion relies?
Answer: C
Kittens born to the shorter, slightly heavier mothers in the colony are not less likely than average to survive to adulthood.
The investigators' conclusion about the future physical characteristics of female cats relies on the assumption that kittens born to these mothers will survive at rates comparable to the average. If the survival rates were significantly lower, the increase in the number of kittens would not lead to a sustainable population over time.
A) Birth and death rates in the colony will not change significantly over the next two hundred years.
This option addresses population dynamics but does not directly relate to the specific trend being analyzed. While stable birth and death rates may be a factor, the conclusion primarily hinges on the survival of the kittens rather than overall population stability.
B) Female cats in the colony that are shorter than average also tend to be slightly heavier than average.
This statement may describe a correlation, but it does not serve as a necessary assumption for the investigators' conclusion about future averages. The conclusion focuses on the relationship between existing physical characteristics and the survival of kittens, not on this specific correlation.
C) Kittens born to the shorter, slightly heavier mothers in the colony are not less likely than average to survive to adulthood.
This assumption is critical because it ensures that the increase in the number of kittens from the shorter, heavier mothers contributes to the population's future. If these kittens have lower survival rates, the predicted changes in the female cats' physical characteristics would not hold true.
D) Average length and weight of male cats in the colony will not change over the next two hundred years.
While the characteristics of male cats may influence the overall population dynamics, they do not directly affect the conclusion drawn about female cats. The focus of the conclusion is on female reproductive success and kitten survival, making this option irrelevant.
E) In the colony, female cats that have more kittens than average also live longer than average.
This statement does not directly support or contradict the investigators' conclusion about future averages of female cats. It may provide additional context regarding female longevity but is not essential for the assumption concerning kitten survival rates.
Conclusion
The assumption that kittens born to the shorter, slightly heavier mothers will not be less likely to survive to adulthood is vital for the investigators' conclusion regarding the future characteristics of the female cat population. Without this assumption, the predicted increase in kitten numbers would not be sustainable, undermining the conclusion that female cats will become shorter and heavier over time. Other options either address unrelated factors or do not provide necessary support for the conclusion.