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by gmat_perfect » Sat Jun 19, 2010 12:14 pm
Several of a certain bank's top executives have recently been purchasing shares in their own bank. This activity has occasioned some surprise, since it is widely believed that the bank, carrying a large number of bad loans, is on the brink of collapse. Since the executives are well placed to know their bank's true condition, it might seem that their share purchases show that the danger of collapse is exaggerated. However, the available information about the bank's condition is from reliable and informed sources, and corporate executives do sometimes buy shares in their own company in a calculated attempt to calm worries about their company's condition. On balance, therefore, it is likely that the executives of the bank are following this example.

In the argument given, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

A. The first describes the circumstance the explanation of which is the issue that the argument addresses; the second states the main conclusion of the argument.
B. The first describes the circumstance the explanation of which is the issue the argument addresses; the second states a conclusion that is drawn in order to support the main conclusion of the argument.
C. The first provides evidence to defend the position that the argument seeks to establish against opposing positions; the second states the main conclusion of the argument.
D. The first provides evidence to support the position that the argument seeks to establish; the second states a conclusion that is drawn in order to support the argument's main conclusion.
E. Each provides evidence to support the position that the argument seeks to establish.
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Source: — Critical Reasoning |

by hardik.jadeja » Sat Jun 19, 2010 12:52 pm
A looks like the correct answer to me.

To me the first part is not an evidence as it is mentioned in C, D, E, its just a circumstance. The last is the main conclusion.
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by haveto » Sat Jun 19, 2010 4:22 pm
IMO A.

C D E are out for the reasons Hardik mentioned. B is half right and half wrong.
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by grockit_andrea » Sat Jun 19, 2010 4:28 pm
I would say A as well. The second bold statement uses the words "therefore" and "likely," showing us that it's a conclusion and an opinion, not an absolute fact. The first bold statement is describing the situation that the conclusion attempts to explain.
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by uwhusky » Sat Jun 19, 2010 7:32 pm
Wow, this question is an attempt to duplicate the OG question, and its grammar needs some work.
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