Air travel

This topic has expert replies
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 102
Joined: Fri Nov 05, 2010 7:10 am
Thanked: 8 times
Followed by:2 members
GMAT Score:690

Air travel

by gmatjeet » Thu Aug 18, 2011 10:21 am
Air travel is becoming increasingly more dangerous. In the last year there have been seven major collisions resulting in over 700 deaths, more deaths than in any previous year.

Which statement, if true, would most weaken the argument above?

(A) Since the volume of air traffic has been increasing all the time, an increase in the number of deaths due to collisions does not necessarily mean greater danger.
(B) The increase in collisions can be explained by statistical coincidence, hijackings, and unusual weather.
(C) Mortality per passenger mile is lower for air travel than for any kind of surface transportation.
(D) The increase in deaths due to collision in air travel has proceeded at a rate identical to that for deaths in all other major forms of transportation.
(E) Last year the average number of passengers per flown plane was significantly lower than that of previous years.

Can someone please clarify how to choose between A and D.

I did not choose A because if the death rate has increased due to volume of traffic increase, isnt it meaning that the air travel is becoming more dangerous.
I choose D because increase in death rate for air travel being equal to other forms of transportation shows that the air travel itself has not become more dangerous.
Source: — Critical Reasoning |

User avatar
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 102
Joined: Tue Mar 08, 2011 3:42 am
Thanked: 2 times

by arashyazdiha » Thu Aug 18, 2011 1:22 pm
Air travel is becoming increasingly more dangerous. In the last year there have been seven major collisions resulting in over 700 deaths, more deaths than in any previous year.

Which statement, if true, would most weaken the argument above?

(A) Since the volume of air traffic has been increasing all the time, an increase in the number of deaths due to collisions does not necessarily mean greater danger.
This statement shows the importance of considering the rates. Let's say there were 200 deaths, 5 years ago, however among daily traffic of 100 flights. but Now there are 700 among 10000 daily flights. The latter obviously seems much safer. so the number alone does not necessarily mean greater danger.
(B) The increase in collisions can be explained by statistical coincidence, hijackings, and unusual weather.
This one is not talking about increased danger but about reasons for increased collisions.
(C) Mortality per passenger mile is lower for air travel than for any kind of surface transportation.
This one unnecessarily goes with other transportation methods.
(D) The increase in deaths due to collision in air travel has proceeded at a rate identical to that for deaths in all other major forms of transportation.
It's not necessary to compare the deaths of air travel with other forms of transportaion.
(E) Last year the average number of passengers per flown plane was significantly lower than that of previous years.
This one is out of question. it's actually strengthening the argument.

I hope it would help.

Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 125
Joined: Fri Aug 12, 2011 6:11 pm
Thanked: 8 times

by crick » Thu Aug 18, 2011 6:25 pm
A for me as well.

Crick

Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 217
Joined: Tue May 31, 2011 9:42 pm
Thanked: 8 times
Followed by:2 members

by garima99 » Fri Aug 19, 2011 2:32 am
Air travel is becoming increasingly more dangerous. In the last year there have been seven major collisions resulting in over 700 deaths, more deaths than in any previous year.

Which statement, if true, would most weaken the argument above?

(A) Since the volume of air traffic has been increasing all the time, an increase in the number of deaths due to collisions does not necessarily mean greater danger.
(B) The increase in collisions can be explained by statistical coincidence, hijackings, and unusual weather.
(C) Mortality per passenger mile is lower for air travel than for any kind of surface transportation.
(D) The increase in deaths due to collision in air travel has proceeded at a rate identical to that for deaths in all other major forms of transportation.- not related at all
(E)Last year the average number of passengers per flown plane was significantly lower than that of previous years.

Can someone please clarify how to choose between A and D.

I did not choose A because if the death rate has increased due to volume of traffic increase, isnt it meaning that the air travel is becoming more dangerous.
I choose D because increase in death rate for air travel being equal to other forms of transportation shows that the air travel itself has not become more dangerous.[/quote]

Legendary Member
Posts: 627
Joined: Thu Jun 23, 2011 9:12 am
Thanked: 4 times
Followed by:1 members

by mankey » Wed Mar 07, 2012 8:59 pm
IMO: A. What is the OA?

Regards