GRE General TestAnalytical WritingHard
A city planning committee proposes converting a downtown park into a commercial complex to generate tax revenue and revitalize the urban core. Opponents argue that the park is essential for residents' mental well-being and provides crucial green space in a dense area. The committee responds that the city has other, albeit smaller, green spaces available. Which of the following, if true, would most effectively undermine the committee's claim that the other green spaces adequately compensate for the loss of the downtown park?
- AThe proposed commercial complex is projected to create hundreds of new jobs.
- BThe other green spaces are primarily located on the outskirts of the city, requiring significant travel for most downtown residents.
- CThe downtown park is frequently used by a wide variety of community groups for events and recreation.
- DA recent study shows that access to green spaces significantly reduces stress levels in urban populations.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The other green spaces are primarily located on the outskirts of the city, requiring significant travel for most downtown residents.
The committee claims other green spaces compensate. If these other spaces are inconveniently located for the residents who use the downtown park, then they cannot adequately compensate for its loss, directly undermining the committee's claim about their adequacy.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This strengthens the committee's argument for the commercial complex, not the adequacy of other green spaces.
- C. This highlights the importance of the downtown park, but doesn't directly address the committee's claim about the adequacy of *other* green spaces.
- D. This strengthens the opponents' initial argument about the importance of green space, but does not directly address whether *other* available spaces are adequate substitutes.
Undermining Necessity Claims
To undermine a necessity claim means to introduce information that challenges the assertion that something is absolutely required or irreplaceable, often by demonstrating viable alternatives or showing the presumed necessity is not true.
- Focus on the claim that something is 'essential' or 'adequate compensation'.
- Provide evidence that the alternative is not truly viable or sufficient.
- Show that the presumed need is not as critical as stated.
Memory trick: ADEQUATE: Always Doubt Every Questionable Understatement About The Entirety.