Critical Reasoning: Conclusion Strengthening Questions

Since Java coffee shop began advertising on the local radio station 3 months ago, its business volume has increased by 15%. In order to increase business volume, Java's next door competitor, Kahva, should also start advertising on the local radio station.

Which of the following most strengthens the argument's conclusion?

Incorrect.

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This answer choice weakens the argument's conclusion but you are required to strengthen it. In order to strengthen the conclusion, we need to show that radio advertising contributes to a business increase. However, this answer choice states that in 11 out of 12 cases, there was no such increase.

Correct!

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This answer choice strengthens the conclusion as the premise presented in it clearly supports the belief that radio advertising works by stating it works for the majority (78%) of businesses that use it.

Incorrect.

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This answer choice neither weakens not strengthens the conclusion. In order to strengthen the conclusion, we need to show that radio advertising clearly contributes to a business increase. However, we cannot assume that over 10,000 listeners is a large enough number to promise a rise in business or that these listeners actually listen to the commercials broadcast on the station and follow the recommendations in them.

Incorrect.

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This answer choice neither weakens not strengthens the conclusion. In order to strengthen the conclusion, we need to show that  radio advertising clearly contributes to a business increase. We cannot assume that 15% of total air time is a large enough amount to have the desired effect on listeners.

Incorrect.

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This answer choice neither weakens not strengthens the conclusion. The conclusion deals with the radio advertising causing a rise in Kahva's business volume. Kahva's current status in business is irrelevant, as it does not help us determine whether the radio will help improve business.

Of the 12 coffee shops that advertised on the local radio, only Java's business increased.
78% of businesses that advertise on the local radio report an increase in business volume.
The local radio station has over 10,000 listeners.
The local radio station dedicates 15% of air time to radio commercials.
Kahva's number of customers went down 15% last year.

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