Critical Reasoning: Investigation Questions
To complete buildings that are similar in size, design, and complexity, construction companies working in Zone A usually take longer than those in Zone B. The equipment used by construction companies in Zone A is more sophisticated than that available to such companies operating in Zone B. It can be said that construction companies in Zone A are far less proficient than those operating in Zone B.
To evaluate the argument, it would be most useful to form a comparison between
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice introduces a factor that is out of the scope of the argument. The time it takes to form a presentation cannot affect the time it takes to build the actual building.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]Answering the question in this answer choice would not help us determine whether the Zone A construction companies were less skillful than those in Zone B. We are already told that the equipment in Zone A is better than that in Zone B so the abilities of the manufacturers are irrelevant.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice is insignificant to the argument's conclusion and cannot, therefore, determine its validity. The costs, revenues, or profits of construction are not dealt with in the argument.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice would not help us determine whether the author's conclusion is right since it is already answered by premise A. The argument is based on the comparison of buildings with the same design. Therefore, architecture has been excluded from the argument and cannot be a factor influencing the conclusion.
Excellent work!
[[snippet]]This answer choice introduces a factor that can affect time and, therefore, is relevant to the conclusion. If the offices on Zone A are just as efficient as those in Zone B, then it is more likely that the lengthy building process in Zone A is related to the actual construction management and workers.
However, if Zone A has terrible bureaucracy and more red-tape than Zone B, then their construction companies are probably less to blame for taking a long time to finish projects.
