GRE General TestAnalytical WritingMedium
A city council is considering a proposal to invest heavily in public transportation, specifically expanding bus routes and increasing frequency. A council member argues, 'Our city's traffic congestion has reached unbearable levels, causing significant economic losses due to lost productivity and increased fuel consumption. Enhancing public transport will alleviate this congestion, making our city more efficient and environmentally friendly.' Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the council member's argument?
- AThe proposed expansion would require a substantial increase in local taxes, which is unpopular with many constituents.
- BA recent study shows that a majority of city residents prefer driving their personal vehicles over using public transportation.
- CCities with similar population densities and traffic issues that invested in public transportation experienced a measurable decrease in private vehicle usage.
- DThe current public transportation system is underutilized due to inconvenient routes and infrequent service.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Cities with similar population densities and traffic issues that invested in public transportation experienced a measurable decrease in private vehicle usage.
The council member argues that enhancing public transport will alleviate congestion. If similar cities saw a measurable decrease in private vehicle usage after investing in public transport, it provides strong evidence that the proposed solution is effective, thus strengthening the argument.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The cost and public opinion are irrelevant to whether the proposed solution will actually alleviate congestion.
- B. This weakens the argument by suggesting public transport won't be used, thus not alleviating congestion.
- D. While this explains why the current system is underutilized, it doesn't directly strengthen the claim that *expanding* it will alleviate congestion, as residents might still prefer driving.
Strengthening an Argument
To strengthen an argument, one must provide additional information that makes the conclusion more likely to be true, often by reinforcing a premise, an assumption, or the link between them.
- Adds supportive evidence.
- Makes the conclusion more probable.
- Reinforces the argument's underlying logic.
Memory trick: Uplift the argument, add more might.