GMAT Focus EditionVerbal ReasoningEasy
A city planning department proposed building a new community center, arguing it would revitalize the local economy by attracting new businesses and residents. A local business association supports the plan, stating it would also significantly increase foot traffic for existing businesses in the area. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the business association's claim?
- AThe proposed community center includes a large public plaza and hosts regular outdoor events.
- BNew businesses attracted by the center would primarily be large chain stores.
- CThe city has a surplus of similar community centers in other neighborhoods.
- DA survey showed that most residents prefer to shop online rather than visit local stores.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The proposed community center includes a large public plaza and hosts regular outdoor events.
The business association claims the center will increase foot traffic. Option A provides a direct mechanism for this: a public plaza and regular events are known to draw people and encourage them to spend time in an area, thus increasing foot traffic for nearby businesses.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Large chain stores might attract customers, but don't inherently guarantee increased foot traffic for *existing* local businesses, and could even compete with them.
- C. A surplus of centers suggests redundancy, potentially *weakening* its unique draw, not strengthening the foot traffic claim.
- D. This suggests a general trend away from local shopping, which would *weaken* the idea of increased foot traffic, not strengthen it.
Strengthening a Causal Mechanism
Providing additional information that clarifies or reinforces the plausible pathway through which a proposed cause leads to its effect.
- Explains *how* the cause brings about the effect.
- Adds detail or a missing link to the causal chain.
- Makes the causal relationship more believable.
Memory trick: Show exactly how the gears turn to make the clock tick.