BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

Strengthen

Expert replies
by venmic » Thu Dec 08, 2011 5:10 pm
Can anyone help me with this - Thanks

The attrition of tooth enamel stems from erosion, which occurs only when teeth grind against hard substances. Therefore, those who regularly clench or grind their teeth together will suffer higher rates of enamel attrition than those who do not.

Which of the following most strongly supports this argument?


(A) Tooth enamel can be chipped in sports accidents.

(B) Grinding and clenching both have the same effect on tooth enamel.

(C) Tooth enamel is an extremely hard substance. correct

(D) Most people do not grind or clench their teeth together.

(E) Front teeth are more likely to grind against one another than back teeth are.

why C
Join the discussion
Source: — Critical Reasoning |

by Testluv » Thu Dec 08, 2011 9:48 pm
The first sentence is evidence--erosion requires grinding against hard substances.

The second sentence is conclusion those who grind their teeth are more likely to suffer enamel attrition.

The mismatched ideas in the evidence and conclusion are "hard substances" and "teeth". The author is assuming that teeth are hard substances (if they're not then the conclusion doesn't follow from the evidence).

(C) strengthens the argument by backing up this assumption.
Kaplan Teacher in Toronto
Join the discussion

by tuanquang269 » Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:02 am
venmic wrote:Can anyone help me with this - Thanks

The attrition of tooth enamel stems from erosion, which occurs only when teeth grind against hard substances. Therefore, those who regularly clench or grind their teeth together will suffer higher rates of enamel attrition than those who do not.

(C) Tooth enamel is an extremely hard substance. correct
The premise is: The attrition of tooth enamel stems from erosion

Erosion occurs only when teeth grind against hard substances

Conclusion: those who regularly clench or grind their teeth together will suffer higher rates of enamel attrition than those who do not.

We lack the information What is hard substances. Choice C connect hard substance with tooth enamel.
Join the discussion