GRE General TestAnalytical WritingMedium
A prominent economist argues that increased government spending on infrastructure projects will inevitably lead to significant job growth and a robust economic recovery. The economist cites historical data from a period after a major recession, during which similar spending policies were implemented, followed by a rapid rebound in employment. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the economist's argument?
- AThe historical period cited also saw a rapid increase in private sector investment, independent of government spending.
- BOther nations that implemented similar infrastructure spending during the same historical period did not experience comparable economic growth.
- CMany of the jobs created by infrastructure projects are temporary and require specialized skills not widely available.
- DInfrastructure projects tend to be more labor-intensive than other forms of government expenditure.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Infrastructure projects tend to be more labor-intensive than other forms of government expenditure.
The economist argues that spending leads to job growth. If infrastructure projects are inherently more labor-intensive, it directly supports the idea that this specific type of spending would lead to more jobs, thus strengthening the argument.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This option introduces an alternative cause for job growth (private investment), which would weaken or at least not strengthen the argument that government spending was the sole cause.
- B. This option suggests that similar policies elsewhere did not work, which would weaken the general applicability of the economist's argument.
- C. This option suggests limitations or issues with the job growth, potentially weakening or qualifying the argument, not strengthening it.
Strengthening an Argument
To strengthen an argument means to provide additional information that makes the conclusion more likely to be true, often by supporting an assumption or ruling out alternative explanations.
- Reinforces the logical connection between premises and conclusion.
- Can provide new evidence or confirm an underlying assumption.
- Makes the conclusion more probable, but doesn't necessarily prove it.
Memory trick: To strengthen, build more bridges, or ensure the existing ones are solid.