Critical Reasoning

The proportion of women among students enrolled in higher education programs
has increased over the past decades. This is partly shown by the fact that in 1959,
only 11 percent of the women between twenty and twenty-one were enrolled in
college, while in 1981, 30 percent of the women between twenty and twenty-one
were enrolled in college.
To evaluate the argument above, it would be most useful to compare 1959 and
1981 with regard to which of the following characteristics?
(A) The percentage of women between twenty and twenty-one who were not
enrolled in college
(B) The percentage of women between twenty and twenty-five who graduated
from college
(C) The percentage of women who, after attending college, entered highly paid
professions
(D) The percentage of men between twenty and twenty-one who were enrolled in
college
(E) The percentage of men who graduated from high school

I was able to get to the answer by POE. But I am not sure why is that correct?

Thanks
Raama

Raama,

The opening sentence is is the conclusion, and it states that "The proportion of women among students....". The most logical interpretation of other student would be the male counter part. So, the most logical comparison in my opinion is D.

A--measures only the enrollment with enrolled Vs. not enrolled.

B--talks about women who have graduated, this goes out of context.

C--out of context. Talks about wages and not enrollment.

D--logical comparison. This is the most appropriate choice.

E--illogical and out of context.

Let us know what the official answer is.

thanks
Andrew

The argument states that female population between 20 and 21 has increased over the years. If there is an increase in the proportion of the male (between 20 and 21) enrollment as well...then the argument would fall apart.

Why not B, the women could be failing and still show up as enrolled, as a result increasing the percentage.

delhiboy1979 wrote:Why not B, the women could be failing and still show up as enrolled, as a result increasing the percentage.

RC rule #1, "Don't read too much into the question". If the argument is about apples then stick to apples and don't worry about oranges. The issue is about increase in enrollement of women who are 20-21. Look for the most logical answer, not just something that could be assumed. To rule out your answer, go back to the passage and read carefully, there's nothing mentioned about women who graduate and are still enrolled. Remember you are doing a comparison and not looking for an assumption that can weaken the argument.

I will go with option D

So I feel D is a better option