Critical Reasoning

Violent forms of robbery tend to be most severe in nations with median wages not in the bottom 10% of nations, but rather between the 10% and 20% intervals. Although that shifted bulge might seem to run counter to what many might presume would be the case, there is a reasonable explanation for the bulge effect. As an economy begins develop, an initial wave of envy tends to trigger robberies, including violent robberies. As the economy develops further, a greater percentage of that society exits poverty, which in turn reduces envy, and thereby the number of robberies. Therefore, we can expect Baltria to soon see its violent robbery rate decrease given that its economy has begun to develop over the last several years.

Which one of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends?

A. Once an economy begins to develop, there tends to be a tightening of law enforcement, and punishment for violent crime offenses.

B. Once an economy develops, a spill-off effect can help bolster the economies of neighboring countries, further reinforcing economic development.

C. Baltria's economic development will not stall in the near-future.

D. Baltrian leaders are committed to making Baltria one of the most economically advanced nations in the region.

E. No other country in the region has a violent robbery rate as high as that of Baltria’s.


OA C

Source: EMPOWERgmat