Live GMAT classes with Target Test Prep start Nov 21 and Nov 22. First class free.

See classes
Target Test Prep · GMAT

Choose how you want to prepare

Learn live with an expert or move at your own pace. Every option includes the complete TTP study system.

Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 winner: Target Test Prep, #1 Test Prep

Target Test Prep was voted #1 Best Test Prep in the 2026 Newsweek Readers’ Choice™ Awards.

★★★★★5.0563 reviews
GMATLiveTeachStarts Nov 22
Josh Braslow, Target Test Prep GMAT expert
LIVE ONLINE CLASSES

Get Ready for GMAT Test Day Faster with Live Online Classes

with Josh Braslow, 20+ years in test prep

Nov 22 · Josh Braslow
Sun · 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM ET
Included
40 hours of live online classes + 6 months of TTP OnDemand
  • Attend the first class for free
  • Every class is recorded, so you never fall behind
View classes & enroll
Limited seats availableTarget Test Prep
EALiveTeachOnDemandStart anytime
EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT

Target Test Prep EA OnDemand

Self-paced EA prep. Study on your schedule.

EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT

with

165+ EA score guarantee
$05-day trial no automatic billing
Schedule
Included
40 hours of live online classes plus six months of access to the complete TTP EA OnDemand course.
  • 165+ EA Score Guarantee
  • 4,100+ Quant, Verbal, and Integrated Reasoning practice questions
  • 400+ hours of in-depth video lessons
  • 3,000+ step-by-step video solutions
View EA class & enroll Start free 5-day trial
Limited cohort · enrollment openTrial includes full course accessTarget Test Prep
GMATOnDemandStart anytime
SELF-PACED MASTERCLASS

Target Test Prep GMAT OnDemand

Complete access from day one. Study on your schedule.

715+ score guarantee
$0to start then $127/mo
  • Personalized study plan and analytics
  • Thousands of lessons and practice questions

Severe Winters - CR - Weaken

Expert replies
by Anshul Kapoor » Sun Apr 29, 2012 3:54 am
An unusually severe winter occurred in Europe after the continent was blanketed by a blue haze resulting from the eruption of the Laki Volcano in the Europeans republic of Iceland in the summer of 1984. Thus, it is evident that major eruptions cause the atmosphere to become cooler than it would be otherwise.
Which of the following statements, if true, most seriously weakens the argument above?

(A) The cooling effect triggered by volcanic eruptions in 1985 was counteracted by an unusual warming of Pacific waters.

(B) There is a strong statistical link between volcanic eruptions and the severity of the rainy season in India.

(C) A few months after EI Chichon's large eruption in April 1982, air temperatures throughout the region remained higher than expected, given the long-term weather trends.

(D) The climatic effects of major volcanic eruptions can temporality mask the general warming trend resulting from an excess of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

(E) Three months after an early springtime eruption in South America during the late 19th century, sea surface temperatures near the coast began to fall.

Can someone explain between choices 'A' & 'C'.

OA: C
Join the discussion
Source: — Critical Reasoning |

by GMAT Kolaveri » Sun Apr 29, 2012 5:34 am
Conclusion: major eruptions -------> the atmosphere to become cooler than it would be otherwise.

option C is one way to weaken it. When cause occured, the effect didnt occur.

Please use Spoiler feature. It will encourage more ppl to attempt and discuss the questions
Regards and Thanks,
Vinoth@GMAT Kolaveri
https://www.facebook.com/GmatKolaveri
https://gmatkolaveri.tumblr.com/

Click the thank you button if you like my reply :)
Join the discussion

by ice_rush » Sun Apr 29, 2012 12:36 pm
(C) is the clear winner.
Join the discussion

by vk_vinayak » Sun Apr 29, 2012 8:52 pm
C clearly weakens the argument.

A, on the other hand, by saying that cooling effect was triggered by the eruption, strengthens the argument. The unusual warming of Pacific waters may not necessarily be due to the eruption.
- VK

I will (Learn. Recognize. Apply)
Join the discussion

by agarwalmanoj2000 » Sun Apr 29, 2012 11:41 pm
Weaken: Major eruptions cause the atmosphere to become cooler.

Why not A?
(A) The cooling effect triggered by volcanic eruptions in 1985 was counteracted by an unusual warming of Pacific waters.

Counteracted means offset or neutralize, so option A means cooling effect was neutralize by xxx. It does not say anything about whether eruption cause cold, so this neither strengthen or weaken the argument.

Why C?
(C) A few months after EI Chichon's large eruption in April 1982, air temperatures throughout the region remained higher than expected, given the long-term weather trends.

Option C gives an example that eruption caused the atmosphere to become hot in place of hot, so this weakens the conclusion.

HTH
Join the discussion