GRE General TestAnalytical WritingHard
A city council is debating whether to implement a new bike-share program, arguing that it will significantly reduce traffic congestion and promote a healthier lifestyle among residents. Which of the following, if true, would most effectively challenge the claim that the program will significantly reduce traffic congestion?
- AStudies indicate that regular cycling can improve cardiovascular health and reduce obesity rates.
- BThe city's public transportation system is already extensive and widely used by commuters.
- CA similar bike-share program in a neighboring city led to a 10% increase in bicycle-related accidents.
- DMost city residents who commute by car live too far from bike-share stations to use them regularly.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Most city residents who commute by car live too far from bike-share stations to use them regularly.
The argument assumes that car commuters will switch to bikes. If most car commuters live too far from bike-share stations, then the program will not significantly impact their commuting choices, thus failing to reduce traffic congestion. This directly challenges the mechanism by which the program is supposed to achieve its claimed benefit.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This supports the 'healthier lifestyle' claim but is irrelevant to the 'reduce traffic congestion' claim.
- B. An extensive public transport system might already reduce congestion, but it doesn't mean a bike-share program couldn't further reduce it, nor does it challenge the *potential* for such a reduction.
- C. This points to a negative consequence (accidents) but doesn't directly challenge the claim about reducing *congestion*.
Challenging a Causal Mechanism
Challenging a causal mechanism involves demonstrating that the proposed way in which a cause leads to an effect is flawed, impractical, or simply not applicable in the given context.
- Focuses on the 'how' of a causal relationship.
- Shows the link between action and outcome is broken or weak.
- Often highlights barriers or missing components in the causal chain.
Memory trick: The gears don't connect, so the machine won't turn.