Logic over content

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Logic over content

by Kasia@EconomistGMAT » Mon Feb 25, 2013 7:51 am
Polystyrene egg containers are created by the injection of polymers and gaseous compounds into a mold at high pressure. The gases in the final form are released upon destruction of the object and are harmful to the earth's ozone layer. Therefore, cardboard egg containers are better for the earth's ecology than polystyrene ones.

Which of the following, if true, undermines the author's conclusion? Which of the following, if true, calls the environmental groups' conclusion into question?

A. In some countries, egg containers have been completely abolished, and consumers are required to bring their own when buying eggs.

B. Contrary to popular belief, ever since the implementation to environmental reforms, the area of ozone depletion is increasing in size constantly.

C. Injection molding is a common industrial process that is responsible for the manufacturing of almost all packaging products.

D. Many countries have successfully banned the use of ozone-destructive chemicals by any form of industry.

E. Cardboard egg container production requires the use of an artificial resin that remains in the object and poisons the atmosphere upon the object's decomposition.

Explanation:
A - This answer choice neither weakens nor strengthens the conclusion. The argument focuses on choosing between two options: cardboard egg containers vs. polystyrene egg containers. The fact that some countries use neither is irrelevant since it doesn't get us any closer to weakening the conclusion that cardboard egg packaging is less harmful to the environment than polystyrene packaging.
B - This answer choice emphasizes the problematic condition of the ozone layer, and therefore strengthens the conclusion that cardboard egg containers are better for the environment than polystyrene ones (which damage the ozone layer). However, you were supposed to weaken the conclusion.
C - This answer choice neither weakens nor strengthens the conclusion; it simply goes into further detail about the injection molding process, but this does nothing to weaken the author's claim that cardboard egg containers are better for the environment.
D - This answer choice neither weakens nor strengthens the conclusion. It simply broadens our knowledge about the world's progress in stopping ozone destruction, but this does nothing to weaken the author's claim that cardboard egg containers are better for the environment.
E - This answer choice attacks the argument's assumption that cardboard containers have no negative effect on the environment. It does so by describing the destructive qualities of such containers, thereby weakening the author's conclusion that they are better for the environment. Thus this is the correct answer.
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by MoYassen23 » Mon Feb 25, 2013 10:48 am
Are you asking two questions?

Undermines --- "E"

Calls into question --- "B" - The wording is awkward, however, "...the area of ozone depletion is increasing in size constantly", is saying that "the implementation to (of?) environmental reforms" does not solve the problem of "ozone depletion".