GRE General TestAnalytical WritingMedium
A city council is debating a proposal to implement a city-wide composting program, arguing it will significantly reduce landfill waste and produce nutrient-rich soil. Opponents express concern that the program will be unhygienic, attracting pests and creating unpleasant odors, ultimately leading to low resident participation. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the opponents' concern about hygiene and odors?
- ASeveral neighboring cities successfully implemented similar composting programs without significant complaints.
- BThe proposed program includes providing residents with sealed, pest-resistant composting bins.
- CThe city's climate is characterized by high humidity and warm temperatures for most of the year.
- DA recent survey indicates that most residents are willing to separate their organic waste if provided with clear instructions.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The city's climate is characterized by high humidity and warm temperatures for most of the year.
The opponents' concern is about hygiene, pests, and odors. High humidity and warm temperatures are environmental conditions that accelerate decomposition and increase the likelihood of odors and pest activity, directly strengthening this concern.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This weakens the opponents' concern by showing successful implementation elsewhere, not strengthening it.
- B. This mitigates the concern about pests and odors, thus weakening the opponents' argument, not strengthening it.
- D. This strengthens the proponents' argument for participation, not the opponents' concern about hygiene and odors.
Exacerbating a Negative Outcome
To exacerbate a negative outcome is to present information that makes a predicted problem more severe or more likely to occur.
- Identify the specific negative outcome being predicted.
- Look for factors that would intensify or accelerate that outcome.
- Environmental conditions or inherent system flaws can be exacerbating factors.
Memory trick: Adding fuel to the fire of a predicted problem.