GRE General TestAnalytical WritingHard
A prominent economist argues that increased government spending on infrastructure projects will stimulate economic growth by creating jobs and boosting demand. Opponents counter that such spending will inevitably lead to increased national debt and higher taxes, ultimately harming the economy. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken the opponents' claim that increased spending will inevitably lead to higher taxes?
- AThe government has recently identified several underutilized revenue streams that could be redirected to fund new projects.
- BStudies indicate that a significant portion of infrastructure project jobs are temporary, not permanent.
- CPublic opinion polls reveal strong support for improving national infrastructure, even if it means some fiscal sacrifice.
- DHistorical data shows that infrastructure projects often face significant cost overruns and delays.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The government has recently identified several underutilized revenue streams that could be redirected to fund new projects.
The opponents claim higher taxes are *inevitable*. If there are alternative funding sources (underutilized revenue streams) that don't involve new taxes, then the inevitability of higher taxes is directly undermined.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This weakens the proponents' claim about job creation but doesn't address the opponents' claim about higher taxes.
- C. Public support doesn't change the fiscal reality of whether taxes will increase or are inevitable; it's about willingness, not inevitability.
- D. This strengthens a general concern about infrastructure spending (cost overruns) but doesn't directly address the inevitability of *higher taxes*.
Challenging Inevitability
To challenge a claim of inevitability, one must demonstrate that there are alternative paths or conditions that would prevent the predicted outcome from occurring.
- Focus on words like 'inevitably,' 'must,' or 'always.'
- Look for options that introduce alternative scenarios or solutions.
- Distinguish between something being likely and something being unavoidable.
Memory trick: Breaking the chain of 'must-happen' events.