A recent survey found that more computers than copies of computer prog

Fact: More computers purchased than computer programs purchased.
Conclusion: Germans been duplicating computer programs illegally.

Reasonable objections/explanations to the fact can be:

1. Some Germans write their own program so need to buy pcs but not programs.
2. Some Germans use free programs instead of buying commercial programs.
3. Some Germans don't keep any program in their pcs.
4. Some Germans may have copied the programs legally.


(A) Few German computer users write their own
computer programs.
Counter 1.

(B) There are few free noncommercial computer
programs available in Germany.
Counter 2.

(C) Some Germans purchase computers outside of
Germany for use in Germany, and such
purchases were counted in the survey.
No use. If it was about computer programs purchased outside of Germany instead of pcs, then it would be useful.

(D) The typical German computer user has several
commercially written computer programs on
his or her computer.
Counter 3.

(E) Many Germans legally make duplicates of
commercial computer programs, but such
duplicates were counted as purchased copies in
the survey.
Counter 4.

My choice would be C.

If i understand correctly, the question is asking which choice would provide a reason for increase in piracy..and not counter it..

(A) Few German computer users write their own computer programs. [counters piracy in a way, so not an objection]
(B) There are few free noncommercial computer programs available in Germany.
[counters piracy in a way, so not an objection]
(C) Some Germans purchase computers outside of Germany for use in Germany, and such purchases were counted in the survey.
(D) The typical German computer user has several commercially written computer programs on his or her computer.
(E) Many Germans legally make duplicates of commercial computer programs, but such
[this is legal duplication, so not an objection]

So it leaves us with C or D. I think C is a stronger choice between the two since if there are several software applications on each computer, and more computers than software applications were purchased, it does indicate piracy. I could not find a reason for D to counter a claim that there was no piracy.

C

A recent survey found that more computers than copies of computer programs were purchased by Germans last year. The best interpretation of this finding is that the practice of illegally duplicating commercial computer programs is widespread among Germans.

Assumption 1: There is other reason that Germans purchased fewer number of computer programs.

Each of the following, if true, would counter some reasonable objection to the interpretation advanced above EXCEPT:

(A) Few German computer users write their own computer programs. - out
(B) There are few free noncommercial computer programs available in Germany.- people may not use these programs.
(C) Some Germans purchase computers outside of Germany for use in Germany, and such purchases were counted in the survey. - a good one. But Germans may also purchase programs outside of Germany for use in Germany.
(D) The typical German computer user has several commercially written computer programs on his or her computer. - it slightly strengthens argument.
(E) Many Germans legally make duplicates of commercial computer programs, but such duplicates were counted as purchased copies in the survey. - it slightly strengthens argument.

Tricky. I corrected my answer.


+1 for q

C..

Interpretation: Germans illegally copy

We need to find an answer which doesn't support the above interpretation

(A) Few German computer users write their own computer programs. - Since only few users write their own prgrams, most others will have to buy computer programs but the records show otherwise (not many purchases). This supports interpretation

(B) There are few free noncommercial computer programs available in Germany. - so, free s/ws not much readily available. They will have to buy. This too supports the interpretation

(C) Some Germans purchase computers outside of Germany for use in Germany, and such purchases were counted in the survey. - But what about programs?

(D) The typical German computer user has several commercially written computer programs on his or her computer. - but the purchase records show otherwise. Survey not flawed

(E) Many Germans legally make duplicates of commercial computer programs, but such duplicates were counted as purchased copies in the survey. - So survey took care of legal copies - survey not flawed

A recent survey found that more computers than copies of computer programs were purchased by Germans last year. The best interpretation of this finding is that the practice of illegally duplicating commercial computer programs is widespread among Germans.
Each of the following, if true, would counter some reasonable objection to the interpretation advanced above EXCEPT:
(A) Few German computer users write their own computer programs.
(B) There are few free noncommercial computer programs available in Germany.
(C) Some Germans purchase computers outside of Germany for use in Germany, and such purchases were counted in the survey.
(D) The typical German computer user has several commercially written computer programs on his or her computer.
(E) Many Germans legally make duplicates of commercial computer programs, but such duplicates were counted as purchased copies in the survey.

Question is asking to pick a choice that doesn't object to the argument. This means the choices except the correct answer reveal reasons of sale of fewer computers than the computer programs other than the piracy.

A. This is seen as an objection to the argument. If few German computer users write their own programs, then they don't need to buy the computer program. So the number of computers sold will be more than the computer programs.
B. This is seen as an objection to the argument. In the argument, author talks about the computer programs. Thease may be non commercial as well as commercial. If a few non commnercial programs are available for free, some Germans will not buy these programs.
C. This is NOT an objection to the argument because it does not cite any reason of sale of fewer computers than the programs.
D. This is seen as an objection to the argument. If typical German computer has many programs written on it, all German may not buy the programs.
E.This is seen as an objection to the argument. Making of legal copies may bring down the sale of computer programs.

Alright, guess I'm up.

So, basically the argument in the passage is that since people are buying computers more than they're buying computer programs, they must be obtaining many of their computer programs illegally. Meaning, if Dell reported revenues of $1 billion last year, but Microsoft only reported revenues of $1 thousand...you would assume something is up, right?

Our job is to find counters to reasonable objections to the passage's conclusion. Meaning, they're going to give you answer choices that SHOULD strengthen the argument put forth in the passage. Also, all of the answer choices should be linked to a reasonable objection to the passage's conclusion. Steps for solving the problem:

(1) Examine an answer choice
(2) Determine what argument the answer choice counters.
(3) Determine whether that argument is a reasonable objection.
(4) Rinse & repeat for all answer choices given.

So, I'm going to take it answer choice by answer choice and go through the above steps...

(A) "Few German computer users write their own computer programs."

This must counter the argument: "But what if everybody in Germany writes their own computer programs? If that were the case, then of course there would be relatively few purchases of computer programs."

This seems like a reasonable objection. If computer programming were widespread in Germany then it would make fewer people than normal would be out buying programs. In order to come to the same conclusion as the author of the passage, it would help to address this issue.

(B) "There are few free noncommercial computer programs available in Germany."

This must counter the argument: "But what if most of the programs available in Germany are free? If that were the case, people aren't illegally downloading...they're just downloading free programs legally."

This seems like a reasonable objection. If most of the programs in Germany were free, then you'd expect software sales to be low because people could get their programs for free instead of paying. In order to conclude the same thing as the author, it would help to address this issue.

(C) "Some Germans purchase computers outside of Germany for use in Germany, and such purchases were counted in the survey."

This must counter the argument: "But what if most people are buying their computers outside of Germany and then bringing them in?"

This is not a reasonable objection. If most people were buying their computers outside Germany, and computer sales were STILL higher than software sales...it would just strengthen the author's point. Even the pitiful amount of computers that actually were bought in Germany is more than the amount of software sold in Germany! So this really does nothing.

(D) "The typical German computer user has several commercially written computer programs on his or her computer."

This must counter the argument: "But what if nobody even uses computer programs in Germany? Maybe they're just buying computers so they can sell them, or use the parts, or whatever..."

This is a reasonable objection. If nobody even used computer programs, then of course sales of computer programs would be low. Clarifying this issue would help strengthen the author's conclusion.

(E) " Many Germans legally make duplicates of commercial computer programs, but such duplicates were counted as purchased copies in the survey."

This must counter the argument: "But what if people are giving each other legal copies of programs? They aren't buying new programs because they can just get a legal copy from their friends."

This is a reasonable objection. If everyone could get all the programs they needed legally, then it would be unreasonable to conclude that there is a lot of illegal downloading in Germany. Countering this objection would strengthen the author's conclusion.



Hope that helps. Good luck!

Cliff Notes:
I chose answer choice C

This was a tough question.. what is the source of these questions..

Here goes the explanation.,

The Question stem asks us to find which of following statements donot counter the objection to the conclusion i.e donot strengthen..

1 ) As few computers use their own programs, most of the other use commercial programs. --> strengthens..

if the sentence was many computers -> then it weakens.

2) As few non commercial programs are avialable, most of the other are commercial programs - > strengthens..
if the option used many .. then it will weaken

3) correct answer.. It says some of the computers were bought outside the country but counted in the survery.
So actually less number of computers were bought --> weakens.. ie donot strengthen.. correct answer

4) If one German computer has several commercial programs, then the sale of the programs shud be more -> strengthens

5) though the legal copies are counted towards purchase,
i.e the sale of the commercial programs is even less ---> strengthens..

Hope my explanation is clear.. let me know if something isnt clear..

I would like to discuss the question stem here
Each of the following, if true, would counter some reasonable objection to the interpretation advanced
above EXCEPT:

Each weakens EXCEPT:

(C) indeed weakens the argument as the above post rightly said, then how it could be the answer even.

Plz advice !

Hello,

Let us understand the question stem bit by bit.

"objection to the interpretation" implies against the interpretation or weakens the interpretation.

"counter some objection" implies that the statement provides some explanation against any weakness in the interpretation i.e the statement supports the argument/interpretation.

So, the question mentions that all statements support the interpretation in some way except one statement. This statement weakens the argument. Since, C weakens the argument, it is the right answer.

Hope this helps!

Down to (C) and (E)
Though I selected (C)..But still din't have a very good reason to Choose (C) over (E)..Can someone please explain it in detail..Thanks in Advance...

I chose C because it talks of computers purchased out of GERMANY. Did you notice? 'GERMANY'. This country is nowhere mentioned in the argument. Sure the stimulus talks about Germans but that doesn't mean anything done by Germans outside of Germany shouldn't be accounted for. I cross checked with the stimulus twice to see if there's any mention of Germany or not. Couldn't find any! so went with C.

Remember the question stem says strengthens the argument EXCEPT. So anything that weakens or leaves the argument unaffected is the answer.

According to me option C leaves the argument unaffected. Hence, I chose C.

What are we trying to find? Let's take a look at the question:



An objection is something that does not agree with the interpretation. If all the answers are a counter to objections (double negative), then they are AGREEING with the interpretation. But we are looking for an EXCEPTION to all the answers (triple negative)! So that means we are looking for something that does NOT agree with the interpretation. So basically, which of these answers does NOT agree with the interpretation?

What is the interpretation? Well premise 1: Germans buy more computers and programs. Premise 2 (assumed): Germans should be buying an equal number of computers and programs. Interpretation: Germans must be pirating programs. Now let's look at the answers, and look for what does NOT AGREE with the interpretation (the most):

(A) Few German computer users write their own computer programs.
If few German users write their own programs, then they should be buying them. Since they are not buying them, they must be pirating them. This helps the interpretation.

(B) There are few free noncommercial computer programs available in Germany.
If there are only a few free programs available, then users should be buying programs. Since they aren't, they must be pirating them. This helps the interpretation.

(C) Some Germans purchase computers outside of Germany for use in Germany, and such purchases were counted in the survey.
Some of the computer purchases were from outside of Germany, but they were counted. What about program purchases from outside of Germany? Where they also counted? This is not included in the information. It's possible that program purchases from outside of Germany were not counted when they should have. It's possible that program purchases from outside of Germany, if counted, would make it so that program purchases equal computer purchases. This answer possibly goes against the interpretation. This is the only answer to do that, so it is the best answer.

(D) The typical German computer user has several commercially written computer programs on his or her computer.
Since users use several programs, they should be buying them. They aren't, so they must be pirating. Helps the interpretation.

(E) Many Germans legally make duplicates of commercial computer programs, but such duplicates were counted as purchased copies in the survey.
Germans are buying programs, but at a lesser rate than computers because they duplicate the programs legally. This would go against the interpretation, except for the last part of the sentence: duplicates were counted as purchases. Since duplicates were counted as purchases, then the number of program purchases and duplicates should be equal to the number of computer purchases. But that is not true, so users must be pirating programs. This helps the interpretation.

GMATNinja VeritasPrepKarishma DAVEexamPAL

Please help me with correct reasoning and PoE:

Each of the following, if true, would counter some reasonable objection to the interpretation advanced above EXCEPT:

In an EXCEPT question, CROSS OUT anything that ___(counters reasonable objection/ STRENGTHEN) the interpretation of author. What is the interpretation?
the practice of illegally duplicating commercial computer programs is widespread among Germans.

Why does author interpret this?
A recent survey found that more computers than copies of computer programs were purchased by Germans last year.

Let me break down the question stem once again to avoid confusion:
Each of the following, if true, (Assume each of below answer choices to be true to
determine .. . )

would counter (would go against)

some reasonable objection (weaken)

to the interpretation advanced above EXCEPT: (Key word except)



I can weaken the interpretation by suggesting an alternate cause for survey results.


Irrelevant to argument in hand.


If there are few noncommercial computer programs that are available in Germany
then copying will be more. STRENGTHENS the conclusion.


Correct. Presents alternate cause - Purchase outside of Germany.
Further these purchases are also counted in survey, hence instead of duplication
it is purchase that leads to interpretation.

Irrelevant to argument at hand.


The first clause presents an alternate cause for author's interpretation.

Premise: computers > copies of computer programs

Conclusion: practice of illegally duplicating commercial computer programs is widespread among Germans.

pre-thinking: May be thay are not using much. May be just basic programs are been used.

Each of the following, if true, would counter some reasonable objection to the interpretation advanced above EXCEPT:

(A) Few German computer users write their own computer programs. ---- So they need some test editor and they wrote their own. now they don't need to purchase.
(B) There are few free noncommercial computer programs available in Germany. --- less available, people will purchase lesser. all make sense.
(C) Some Germans purchase computers outside of Germany for use in Germany, and such purchases were counted in the survey. --- So actually there are less computers purchased in Germany. but don't they need program for that. No idea if they purchased program too. i think its mild one. lets keep it.
(D) The typical German computer user has several commercially written computer programs on his or her computer. ---- means pre-bundled.
(E) Many Germans legally make duplicates of commercial computer programs, but such duplicates were counted as purchased copies in the survey. --- rigged survey.

Among all other C is the best option. but anyone can fall far this classic trap.

[The option E says that such duplicates were counted as the purchased copies in the survey. So, if these were considered as purchased copies, then this mean that fewer number of copies were purchased than estimated, which is irrelevant for the argument]

Fact: More computers purchased than computer programs purchased.
Conclusion: Germans been duplicating computer programs illegally.

Reasonable objections/explanations to the fact can be:

1. Some Germans write their own program so need to buy pcs but not programs.
2. Some Germans use free programs instead of buying commercial programs.
3. Some Germans don't keep any program in their pcs.
4. Some Germans may have copied the programs legally.


(A) Few German computer users write their own
computer programs.
Counter 1.

(B) There are few free noncommercial computer
programs available in Germany.
Counter 2.

(C) Some Germans purchase computers outside of
Germany for use in Germany, and such
purchases were counted in the survey.
No use. If it was about computer programs purchased outside of Germany instead of pcs, then it would be useful.

(D) The typical German computer user has several
commercially written computer programs on
his or her computer.
Counter 3.

(E) Many Germans legally make duplicates of
commercial computer programs, but such
duplicates were counted as purchased copies in
the survey.
Counter 4.

My choice would be C.[/quote]

adkikani, this looks good! I'll add a few points:

I wouldn't say that (A) is "irrelevant". If MANY computer users write their own programs, that could explain why computer sales exceed computer program sales. That would weakens the author's interpretation (the data could be explained even if the practice of illegally duplicating commercial computer programs is NOT widespread). (A) counters that objection.

The explanation for (B) is similar. If there were MANY free noncommercial computer programs, then computer users would not need to buy commercial programs. This would explain why the number of computers purchased is greater than the number of commercial programs purchased. This alternate explanation would weaken the author's interpretation, but (B) counters that objection.

Similarly, what if many computer users do NOT have commercially written programs on their computers? In that case, there is no reason to expect that the number of programs purchased should equal the number of computers purchased. This would weaken the author's interpretation, but (D) counters that objection.

This is an amazing explanation. Thanks for it!