Critical Reasoning

(1) According to economists, social activists wrongly portray corporations as institutions that are driven solely by the motive of profit/revenue maximization. They contend that the activists' argument that no corporation makes an investment from which it does not expect a return is not always true since there have been many examples of corporations that have started not-for-profit trusts that run schools and other institutions that contribute to social welfare. The economists' argument against the activists is not convincing because corporations advertize their welfare activities in order to generate goodwill that translates into increased revenues.

The two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles in the economists' argument?

(A)The first supports the conclusion of the economists' argument; the second calls that into question.
(B)The first states the assertion that the economists' conclusion refutes; the second states the conclusion that refutes the economists' assertion.
(C)The first supports an assertion that the economists' refute; the second supports the argument that refutes the economists' argument.
(D)The first supports the social activists' argument; the second states the conclusion against the economists' argument.
(E)The first supports the contention that the economists refute; the second states the conclusion against the economists' assertion.

(2) Imposition of economic sanctions on countries that do not follow international treaties is inhuman because the economic isolation results in a drastic fall in the quality of life for a large majority of the population. But it can't be avoided because it has proven to be the least harmful option that can be exercised in such situations.

Which of the following best exemplifies the situation described in the statements above?

(A)Corporal punishment is sometimes the best way to discipline children despite the fact that it might damage them emotionally.
(B)Though it is widely accepted that countries should liberalize their economies in a phased manner, Country X has to go for complete liberalization at one go since it is the only option available.
(C)In the event of unprovoked encroachment by one country into another country's territory, there is no option other than international intervention to defuse the problem.
(D)Admitting the elderly into old age homes does cause them a lot of trauma but given the fact that they are maladjusted in their children's social environment, old age homes are the best option as the long-term trauma caused by them is minimal.
(E)Methods of detention and interrogation of prisoners of war are often inhuman but they are indispensable since they yield crucial strategic information in the shortest of times.


I do not have the OA for either question. Expert help would be appreciated.

knight247 wrote:(1) According to economists, social activists wrongly portray corporations as institutions that are driven solely by the motive of profit/revenue maximization. They contend that the activists' argument that no corporation makes an investment from which it does not expect a return is not always true since there have been many examples of corporations that have started not-for-profit trusts that run schools and other institutions that contribute to social welfare. The economists' argument against the activists is not convincing because corporations advertize their welfare activities in order to generate goodwill that translates into increased revenues.

The two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles in the economists' argument?

(A)The first supports the conclusion of the economists' argument; the second calls that into question.
(B)The first states the assertion that the economists' conclusion refutes; the second states the conclusion that refutes the economists' assertion.
(C)The first supports an assertion that the economists' refute; the second supports the argument that refutes the economists' argument.
(D)The first supports the social activists' argument; the second states the conclusion against the economists' argument.
(E)The first supports the contention that the economists refute; the second states the conclusion against the economists' assertion.

(2) Imposition of economic sanctions on countries that do not follow international treaties is inhuman because the economic isolation results in a drastic fall in the quality of life for a large majority of the population. But it can't be avoided because it has proven to be the least harmful option that can be exercised in such situations.

Which of the following best exemplifies the situation described in the statements above?

(A)Corporal punishment is sometimes the best way to discipline children despite the fact that it might damage them emotionally.
(B)Though it is widely accepted that countries should liberalize their economies in a phased manner, Country X has to go for complete liberalization at one go since it is the only option available.
(C)In the event of unprovoked encroachment by one country into another country's territory, there is no option other than international intervention to defuse the problem.
(D)Admitting the elderly into old age homes does cause them a lot of trauma but given the fact that they are maladjusted in their children's social environment, old age homes are the best option as the long-term trauma caused by them is minimal.
(E)Methods of detention and interrogation of prisoners of war are often inhuman but they are indispensable since they yield crucial strategic information in the shortest of times.


I do not have the OA for either question. Expert help would be appreciated.

For the second question, I feel the answer is D. The main reason is the key word, "Best option". Even the question mentions "least harmful" option.