I got a PM on this question, which is fortunate, because I wrote this one a while back...

Source: Veritas Prep Critical Reasoning 2 book.

Let's take a look at the question.

Firstly, it is not really a plan question. Yes there is a plan involved, but the question is what do I need to know to evaluate the significance of a study? So this is more of a "most useful to know" type of question. As in, "which of the following is the most useful to know when evaluating the relevance of this study to this conclusion?"

Now the study found that the states without bottle deposit laws did better in overall "comprehensive" recycling programs than did those states with bottle deposit laws. The implied conclusion is that it is a better plan to NOT have a bottle deposit law if your goal is comprehensive recycling.

Now the answer choices a variations on the theme of -- what could be the alternate cause for the success of the states without the laws? Might it just be coincidence that they are performing better? In other words the states without bottle deposit laws might have something else in common that allows them to be more successful in comprehensive recycling.

Now C would be useful to know. Basically, "are the citizens in states with and without bottle deposits equally enthusiastic?" If they are not then that could be a big cause of the difference noted in the study. Maybe that is the reason some states have more success than others.

E also seems to be a good choice. Funding is a big deal in the success of a program. I meant for E to be worded in such a way that it would be taken out of the equation. It says, "Were the bottle deposit and the comprehensive recycling programs given equal funding?" Now this was supposed to not be an equal comparison. Bottle deposit focuses only on beverage containers while the comprehensive focuses on everything recyclable. So this is meant to not be as useful because it is apples to oranges, not a true comparison.

D is meant to be a distraction as well. It should not be important that they citizens purchase equal number of beverages, instead what they do with those containers should be key.

A and B are not particularly relevant to the results of the study.

So approach as a most useful to know and see what information helps you to decide whether you can make conclusions from this study.

Thanks for nice explanation that why is E wrong.....I picked E.

Is this one fair? or is it too tough? Lots of people pick E...

It is important to be able to do these Most Useful to Know Type Questions as they seem to be becoming more common on the GMAT.

The test writers must think this is a more difficult question type.

David@VeritasPrep wrote:Is this one fair? or is it too tough? Lots of people pick E...

It is important to be able to do these Most Useful to Know Type Questions as they seem to be becoming more common on the GMAT.

The test writers must think this is a more difficult question type.

Hi David ,
The question type "Useful to know " is a bit vague .
Could you please elaborate on this question type .
Useful to know to do what ?
Thanks a Lot david. It would be extremely helpful if you help us understand this type better since its becoming so common on the GMAT .
When i attempted this question , i assumed it was an Evaluate the plan . But there was no proposal or plan here .I was therefore confused as to what i was supposed to do . "useful to know the significance " is a bit vague for me . What did they mean by "the significance of the study " . I ended up taking a poor guess.

Look for an article this week called "Most Useful to Know on the Verbal Section." It will describe my two most recent GMAT exams in terms of what I generally saw on the verbal and will offer an example and a walk-through of a "most useful to know" question. It will not, obviously, be a live GMAT question, but will be one that I am writing that will guide you in the correct direction.

David@VeritasPrep wrote:Look for an article this week called "Most Useful to Know on the Verbal Section." It will describe my two most recent GMAT exams in terms of what I generally saw on the verbal and will offer an example and a walk-through of a "most useful to know" question. It will not, obviously, be a live GMAT question, but will be one that I am writing that will guide you in the correct direction.

Hi David,I am sorry but i was unable to find any article authored by you in this week or the last in the gmat verbal section . I have also subscribed to the veritas prep newsletter . I didnt find any references to this q type. Could you be kind enough to post a link to the same.
Thanks for your help

Upcoming!

As in the week that starts today. It should be posted some time in the next 7 days.

David@VeritasPrep wrote:Upcoming!

As in the week that starts today. It should be posted some time in the next 7 days.

I misunderstood the post . Sorries . would be gladly looking forward to that post . I think the veritas prep newsletter would include that post as well .

David@VeritasPrep wrote:Is this one fair? or is it too tough? Lots of people pick E...

It is important to be able to do these Most Useful to Know Type Questions as they seem to be becoming more common on the GMAT.

The test writers must think this is a more difficult question type.

Thanks David for the question . The veritas questions are quite challenging and make good practice .