GRE General TestAnalytical WritingHard
A city planning committee proposes converting a downtown park into a commercial complex to generate tax revenue and create jobs. They argue this conversion is necessary to revitalize the struggling downtown economy. Opponents argue that the park provides essential green space and recreational opportunities, and its loss would detrimentally affect residents' quality of life. Which of the following, if true, would most undermine the committee's claim that the conversion is necessary to revitalize the downtown economy?
- AThe proposed commercial complex would primarily house businesses that already exist in other areas of the city.
- BPublic surveys indicate that a majority of downtown residents rarely use the park for recreation.
- CA recent study shows that cities with ample green spaces tend to have higher resident satisfaction.
- DSeveral major businesses have recently expressed interest in relocating to the downtown area, regardless of the park's conversion.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Several major businesses have recently expressed interest in relocating to the downtown area, regardless of the park's conversion.
The committee claims the conversion is *necessary* for revitalization. If revitalization can happen without the conversion (e.g., businesses want to move there anyway), then the 'necessity' of the park conversion is undermined.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This suggests the complex might not bring *new* economic activity, but doesn't undermine the claim that the conversion itself is *necessary* for revitalization; it just questions its effectiveness.
- B. This weakens the opponents' argument about the park's utility but does not undermine the committee's claim about the necessity of the conversion for economic revitalization.
- C. This strengthens the opponents' argument about quality of life, but doesn't directly undermine the necessity of the conversion for economic revitalization.
Undermining Necessity Claims
To undermine a claim of necessity, one must demonstrate that the desired outcome can be achieved through alternative means, or that the proposed action is not a prerequisite for the outcome.
- Focus on the word 'necessary' or similar strong claims.
- Look for options that provide alternative causes or solutions.
- Distinguish between undermining effectiveness and undermining necessity.
Memory trick: Breaking down the 'must-do' myth.