Qassam wrote:
E undermines the conclusion by stating that "old computers have little or no resale value.", this statement goes directly against the conclusion.
It's B, since it gives a clear motive to selling old computers and buying the latest models, which is new exciting software that only runs on the latest models.
Ah, but be careful about the timeline here. Yes, having little or not resale value would be a reason
not to sell, but the premises imply that the value will be increasing ("this demand has exerted an upward pressure on prices of used computers"). If the low resale value of your old computer was the only reason you didn't buy a new one, then increasing prices for used computers would change that, making you likely to upgrade.
Also, note the actual wording of the conclusion:
Quote:
As a result, we can expect that an increasing number of computer owners will be selling their old computers to buy the latest models.
"As a result" of what? The increased prices for used computers! (B) may provide motivation to upgrade, but it does not support the notion that people are upgrading
as a result of the upward pressure on prices of used computers. Plus, (B) could be a disincentive to those who might wish to buy your old computer.
Agreed with the other commenters who think this one is a little fuzzy. That's why it's an LSAT question, not a GMAT question
GMAT CR will always be more explicit. For example, the premise would probably say that the upward trend in used computer prices will continue into the future (this passage doesn't say that directly), and answer choice (E) would probably be in past tense ("had" no resale value as opposed to "have" no resale value). As stated, we actually have to assume that this upward pressure on prices will continue.
Anyway, major takeaway is that verb tense is not just a Sentence Correction issue – it can be important on CR as well!
Cheers,
Mark
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