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655-705 (Hard)|   Bold Face CR|         
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 4: Museum curator 18 Dec 2025, 21:14
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Correct answer IMO (E) the first sentences supports the sentence the author is trying to oppose the 2nd sentence explains the opposition other options are opposite of what the sentences in boldface are telling us
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 4: Museum curator 18 Dec 2025, 21:36
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E - y> -> 1st boldface is a reasoning provided to support the previous sentence which is historian's claim and in-turn which the curator opposes.
2nd boldface is elaboration of the previous sentence, which is the main conclusion (curator's(Author) main thoughts about the argument).
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 4: Museum curator 18 Dec 2025, 22:02
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Bold Statement 1 : They preserve the same architectural style and are often indistinguishable from the older structures. This is acting as premise for historian's position that the reconstructed buildings are as worthy of admiration as the originals.

Bold Statement 2 : That sense of authenticity is diminished when a building is known to be a reconstruction. It is serving as a elaboration of justification for the curator's position on the argument. Curator's position is not explicitly mentioned but can be concluded from the argument that since part of what makes buildings valuable is the authentic physical links to earlier generations and that sense of authenticity is diminished when a building is known to be a reconstruction ,so these reconstructed buildings are not as worthy of admiration as the originals.

Let's look at the option one by one :

(A) A is rejected since first is not acting as premise of the curator's argument.
(B) B is rejected since second does not explains why that evidence supports the curator's conclusion.
(C) C is rejected since first does not defend assumption made by the curator.
(D)D is rejected since first is not the claim that the curator directly challenges ,in fact second is also not the curator's main conclusion.
(E) E is correct since first is acting as support to the historian's position which curator opposes , and second is elaboration on the justification for the curator's conclusion.

So E is the answer.

Bunuel
Museum curator: Some old buildings in our city have been reconstructed after earthquakes, and lively new public spaces have emerged within them. Some historians maintain that these reconstructed buildings are as worthy of admiration as the originals. They preserve the same architectural style and are often indistinguishable from the older structures. However, part of what makes historic buildings valuable is that they are authentic physical links to earlier generations. That sense of authenticity is diminished when a building is known to be a reconstruction.

Which of the following best describes the roles of the two portions in boldface?

A. The first is a premise of the curator’s argument; the second addresses an objection to the curator’s conclusion.
B. The first presents evidence for a claim; the second explains why that evidence supports the curator’s conclusion.
C. The first defends an assumption made by the curator; the second explains why the curator’s conclusion undermines the position that the curator challenges.
D. The first is the claim that the curator directly challenges; the second is the conclusion defended by the curator’s argument.
E. The first is used to support the position that the curator opposes; the second elaborates on the justification for the curator’s conclusion.

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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 4: Museum curator 18 Dec 2025, 22:15
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D
The FB is the claim made by the author how the historians believe and then the curator opposes the argument by concluding the SB and giving the support reason why it cant be accepted.
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 4: Museum curator 19 Dec 2025, 00:27
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Bunuel
Museum curator: Some old buildings in our city have been reconstructed after earthquakes, and lively new public spaces have emerged within them. Some historians maintain that these reconstructed buildings are as worthy of admiration as the originals. They preserve the same architectural style and are often indistinguishable from the older structures. However, part of what makes historic buildings valuable is that they are authentic physical links to earlier generations. That sense of authenticity is diminished when a building is known to be a reconstruction.

Which of the following best describes the roles of the two portions in boldface?

A. The first is a premise of the curator’s argument; the second addresses an objection to the curator’s conclusion.
B. The first presents evidence for a claim; the second explains why that evidence supports the curator’s conclusion.
C. The first defends an assumption made by the curator; the second explains why the curator’s conclusion undermines the position that the curator challenges.
D. The first is the claim that the curator directly challenges; the second is the conclusion defended by the curator’s argument.
E. The first is used to support the position that the curator opposes; the second elaborates on the justification for the curator’s conclusion.

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We need to find role of each bold statement, so every word of an answer choice should get some support from argument.


A. The first is a premise of the curator’s argument; the second addresses an objection to the curator’s conclusion.
First may be considered as a premise, second doesn't address objection, Eliminate.

B. The first presents evidence for a claim; the second explains why that evidence supports the curator’s conclusion.
First doesn't present evidence it's a statement of fact, eliminate.

C. The first defends an assumption made by the curator; the second explains why the curator’s conclusion undermines the position that the curator challenges.
First doesn't defend assumption, if anything it seemingly goes in other direction, Eliminate.

D. The first is the claim that the curator directly challenges; the second is the conclusion defended by the curator’s argument.
Curator doesn't really challenge the claim, he accepts it. Eliminate.

E. The first is used to support the position that the curator opposes; the second elaborates on the justification for the curator’s conclusion.
First is indeed used to support the position that curator opposes, curator says admiration is tied to authenticity which comes from being relate to earlier generation, but the boldface I supports statement that the buildings are worthy of admiration as they are indistinguishable.
Second definitely elaborates on justification,Keep. Looks good.


Correct Answer: E
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 4: Museum curator 19 Dec 2025, 00:56
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The initial part of the argument gives the view of some historians who believe that because the architectural features are indistinguishable between the old and the new buildings, the new buildings are as worthy of admiration as the old buildings. The author's conclusion however is that the authenticity is diminished when a building is reconstructed because the authentic physical links to earlier generations is lost.

BF1: View that challenges what the author believes
BF2: The author's conclusion

The answer choice that best suits the above analysis is answer D.

A. The first goes against the author's conclusion --Invalid

B. BF1 can be an evidence for a claim, That evidence goes against the support of the author --Invalid

C. The first supports the opinion of some historians and not the author. --Invalid

E. The first does support the position which the author opposes, The second is the conclusion and does not justify the conclusion --Invalid
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Museum curator: Some old buildings in our city have been reconstructed after earthquakes, and lively new public spaces have emerged within them. Some historians maintain that these reconstructed buildings are as worthy of admiration as the originals. They preserve the same architectural style and are often indistinguishable from the older structures. However, part of what makes historic buildings valuable is that they are authentic physical links to earlier generations. That sense of authenticity is diminished when a building is known to be a reconstruction.

Which of the following best describes the roles of the two portions in boldface?

A. The first is a premise of the curator’s argument; the second addresses an objection to the curator’s conclusion.
B. The first presents evidence for a claim; the second explains why that evidence supports the curator’s conclusion.
C. The first defends an assumption made by the curator; the second explains why the curator’s conclusion undermines the position that the curator challenges.
D. The first is the claim that the curator directly challenges; the second is the conclusion defended by the curator’s argument.
E. The first is used to support the position that the curator opposes; the second elaborates on the justification for the curator’s conclusion.

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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 4: Museum curator 19 Dec 2025, 00:58
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Bunuel
Museum curator: Some old buildings in our city have been reconstructed after earthquakes, and lively new public spaces have emerged within them. Some historians maintain that these reconstructed buildings are as worthy of admiration as the originals. They preserve the same architectural style and are often indistinguishable from the older structures. However, part of what makes historic buildings valuable is that they are authentic physical links to earlier generations. That sense of authenticity is diminished when a building is known to be a reconstruction.

Which of the following best describes the roles of the two portions in boldface?

A. The first is a premise of the curator’s argument; the second addresses an objection to the curator’s conclusion.
B. The first presents evidence for a claim; the second explains why that evidence supports the curator’s conclusion.
C. The first defends an assumption made by the curator; the second explains why the curator’s conclusion undermines the position that the curator challenges.
D. The first is the claim that the curator directly challenges; the second is the conclusion defended by the curator’s argument.
E. The first is used to support the position that the curator opposes; the second elaborates on the justification for the curator’s conclusion.

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Museum curator presents a view that : Earthquakes have damaged buildings, and reconstruction process has been carried out. And lively new building spaces have emerged post reconstruction.

Not all, but some historians believe these reconstructed buildings are worthy as an admiration as the original. So, as per the historians view the replication has been made, if at all as close as possible.

The curator puts forth a point as said by the historians: BF1 - These reconstructed buildings preserve the architectural style similar to those older buildings. The view of the statement is to ensure that the replication made is close because the architectural style has been similar.

The next line has - HOWEVER - a change of shift from earlier held view. An opposing view may be.

Historical buildings are valuable because they act as authentic physical links connecting older generations with the latest ones. This means the reconstructed buildings are not authentic, even if the architectural style matches, they cannot be said to have recreated the original placental link between older and newer generations.

BF2: mentions the authenticity factor is missing, if a building undergoes reconstruction.

Option A - is wrong, as it’s not an objection to the curators conclusion. But, actually a supporting factor. Hence, wrong.

Option B - is wrong, because there is no evidence to a claim. As, BF1 is the view of the historian in supporting reconstruction. While BF2 is actually supporting the curators claim.

Option C is wrong for the following reasons. BF1 is actually not an assumption, but a view point of the historian. Secondly, the BF2, is a supporting statement made in regard to curators view.

Option D - is wrong, as BF2 is not a defending statement. Moreover, the BF1 is not a challenge, but a view point of curator quoting the historians view.

Option E - The curator is opposed to reconstruction as it makes it lose the authenticity. The BF1 is used as a supporting statement (view point of historian) to strengthen the stance the curator is going to take. The BF2, is actually not a conclusion. As, the conclusion is not explicit, but the direction is firm enough to make it clear. The BF2 is used as a supporting or justification tool towards the conclusion. Hence, correct.

Option E
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 4: Museum curator 19 Dec 2025, 01:02
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IMO, there's no better way to look at boldface answer choices than by trying to simplify them to read not more than 7-8 words, as well as to form a judgement prior to reading the options regarding what purpose could each portion serve.

The curator talks about historical buildings being reconstructed after their destruction. Historians states these buildings hold a candle to the originals - worthy of admiration. And the reason the historians give: "Same architecture style, often indistinguishable from the originals"

The curator, however, proceeds to contradict the historians. At first, s/he redefines what makes these buildings valuable: a direct link to the past. And then highlights what implication does this link have to the current reconstructions: this sense of value/authenticity is diminished.

Clearly, the first boldface highlights the reasoning why historians (who the curator contradicts) consider these buildings valuable.

The second boldface is now the curator's assertion, highlighting the result of his contradiction (that reconstructed buildings lose their value).

Now, we can see the options to relate to the above line of reasonings. We will also summarize / simplify / shorten them for better understanding:


----------------------

A. "The first is a premise of the curator's argument; the second objects his/her conclusion."

Firstly, we will need to identify what is the curator's argument and conclusion. The argument is - "part of what makes historical buildings value is their authentic link to the past"; the conclusion is - "That sense of authenticity is diminished when a building is reconstructed".

Now does the boldface that "historians believe these reconstructed buildings are the same as original" act as a premise for the argument that "part of what makes buildings valuable is their authenticity? Not quite - a premise would give context to the argument, this simply contradicts it. Hence, A can be eliminate.

The second boldface, as well, doesn't really object to the curator's conclusion, but in fact, supports the conclusion / is the implication of the conclusion.

----------------------

B. "The first is evidence for a claim; the second shows how the evidence supports the curator's conclusions"

Now, from our reasoning of option A and reasoning of the stem, we know that the first explains what historians believe - which directly translates to 'evidence for a claim'. But the second, however, while concluding the argument of the curator, isn't about the role the evidence plays - the evidence really just contradicts it, doesn't support it at all. Hence, eliminate.

-----------------------

C. "The first defends curator's assumption; The second highlights that the curator's conclusion actually undermines the historian's claim"

Here, the option's right about the second boldface - it does, in fact, contradict the historian's claim. However, the first boldface doesn't defend any assumption made by the curator - it simply contradicts the curator's claim. Hence, disregard.

----------------------

D. "The first is the claim the curator directly challenges; the second is the conclusion the curator's argument defends"

Close, very close. However, a subtlety: The direct challenge is not to the boldface. The curator isn't saying the reconstructed buildings don't preserve the same style, or are not indistinguishable from older structures, but commenting on the abstract authenticity, thus challenging their perceived "value" and "authenticity".

The second is pretty much what the option states.

-----------------------

E. Now, that's more like it. We based on my analysis of D can understand that it isn't the boldface, but the value / authenticity in an abstract sense the curator opposes; in this regard, the first boldface does in fact support the historian's position and not act directly as the historian's position. Finally, the second boldface adds to the assertion that what makes historic buildings value is their link to the past, by stating that this diminishes the sense of authenticity when a building is known to be a reconstruction. The conclusion is "reconstructed buildings are not authentic", and the second boldface states why this is the case (or in the option, "elaborates on the justification of for the curator's conclusion".



-----------------------


Bunuel
Museum curator: Some old buildings in our city have been reconstructed after earthquakes, and lively new public spaces have emerged within them. Some historians maintain that these reconstructed buildings are as worthy of admiration as the originals. They preserve the same architectural style and are often indistinguishable from the older structures. However, part of what makes historic buildings valuable is that they are authentic physical links to earlier generations. That sense of authenticity is diminished when a building is known to be a reconstruction.

Which of the following best describes the roles of the two portions in boldface?

A. The first is a premise of the curator’s argument; the second addresses an objection to the curator’s conclusion.
B. The first presents evidence for a claim; the second explains why that evidence supports the curator’s conclusion.
C. The first defends an assumption made by the curator; the second explains why the curator’s conclusion undermines the position that the curator challenges.
D. The first is the claim that the curator directly challenges; the second is the conclusion defended by the curator’s argument.
E. The first is used to support the position that the curator opposes; the second elaborates on the justification for the curator’s conclusion.

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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 4: Museum curator 19 Dec 2025, 01:10
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A. The second part of this choice is wrong. The second bold face supports the curator's position.
B. Again, the second part is not right.
C. No, the first does not defend an assumption made by the curator. It supports a position opposed by the curator.
D. No, the curator does not challenge the claim in the first boldface sentence.
E. Yes, this is correct. The first supports a position that reconstructed buildings are as worthy of admiration as the originals. But the curator's position is opposing the historian's position and uses the sentence in second boldface to support his/her position.

Option E.
Bunuel
Museum curator: Some old buildings in our city have been reconstructed after earthquakes, and lively new public spaces have emerged within them. Some historians maintain that these reconstructed buildings are as worthy of admiration as the originals. They preserve the same architectural style and are often indistinguishable from the older structures. However, part of what makes historic buildings valuable is that they are authentic physical links to earlier generations. That sense of authenticity is diminished when a building is known to be a reconstruction.

Which of the following best describes the roles of the two portions in boldface?

A. The first is a premise of the curator’s argument; the second addresses an objection to the curator’s conclusion.
B. The first presents evidence for a claim; the second explains why that evidence supports the curator’s conclusion.
C. The first defends an assumption made by the curator; the second explains why the curator’s conclusion undermines the position that the curator challenges.
D. The first is the claim that the curator directly challenges; the second is the conclusion defended by the curator’s argument.
E. The first is used to support the position that the curator opposes; the second elaborates on the justification for the curator’s conclusion.

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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 4: Museum curator 19 Dec 2025, 01:12
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Bunuel
Museum curator: Some old buildings in our city have been reconstructed after earthquakes, and lively new public spaces have emerged within them. Some historians maintain that these reconstructed buildings are as worthy of admiration as the originals. They preserve the same architectural style and are often indistinguishable from the older structures. However, part of what makes historic buildings valuable is that they are authentic physical links to earlier generations. That sense of authenticity is diminished when a building is known to be a reconstruction.

Which of the following best describes the roles of the two portions in boldface?

A. The first is a premise of the curator’s argument; the second addresses an objection to the curator’s conclusion.
B. The first presents evidence for a claim; the second explains why that evidence supports the curator’s conclusion.
C. The first defends an assumption made by the curator; the second explains why the curator’s conclusion undermines the position that the curator challenges.
D. The first is the claim that the curator directly challenges; the second is the conclusion defended by the curator’s argument.
E. The first is used to support the position that the curator opposes; the second elaborates on the justification for the curator’s conclusion.

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1. is the reasoning provided by historians for support of their conclusion
2. is the reasoning provided by curator for their conculsion


a) this is wrong, since 2 is not an objection to curator conculsion
b)this is wrong, since 1 does not support curator's conclusion
c)this is wrong, since 1 is not defense of curator assumption
d) thsi is wrong, since 1 is not any claim that curator is able to challenge. it's a fact
e) this is correct. since 1 is actually support for historian, which curator opposes and also 2 is justification for curator conculsion

hence answer is e
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 4: Museum curator 19 Dec 2025, 01:23
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Some old buildings in our city have been reconstructed after earthquakes, and lively new public spaces have emerged within them. (Background information)

Some historians maintain that these reconstructed buildings are as worthy of admiration as the originals. (A fact about historians' view)

They preserve the same architectural style and are often indistinguishable from the older structures. (A reason that support historians' view)

However, part of what makes historic buildings valuable is that they are authentic physical links to earlier generations. (A premise for the curator's conclusion that opposes historians' view)

That sense of authenticity is dimished when a building is known to be a reconstruction. (Curator's judgement)

Answer: E
Bunuel
Museum curator: Some old buildings in our city have been reconstructed after earthquakes, and lively new public spaces have emerged within them. Some historians maintain that these reconstructed buildings are as worthy of admiration as the originals. They preserve the same architectural style and are often indistinguishable from the older structures. However, part of what makes historic buildings valuable is that they are authentic physical links to earlier generations. That sense of authenticity is diminished when a building is known to be a reconstruction.

Which of the following best describes the roles of the two portions in boldface?

A. The first is a premise of the curator’s argument; the second addresses an objection to the curator’s conclusion.
B. The first presents evidence for a claim; the second explains why that evidence supports the curator’s conclusion.
C. The first defends an assumption made by the curator; the second explains why the curator’s conclusion undermines the position that the curator challenges.
D. The first is the claim that the curator directly challenges; the second is the conclusion defended by the curator’s argument.
E. The first is used to support the position that the curator opposes; the second elaborates on the justification for the curator’s conclusion.

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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 4: Museum curator 19 Dec 2025, 01:46
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Some old buildings in our city have been reconstructed after earthquakes, and lively new public spaces have emerged within them.
There are two contradictory views about these reconstructed buildings.

First boldface: Positive view: They preserve the same architectural style and are often indistinguishable from the older structures.

Contradiction & conclusion: However, part of what make historic buildings valuable is that they are authentic physical links to earlier generations.

Second boldface: Negative view supporting conclusion: That sense of authenticity is diminished when a building is known to be a reconstruction.

Objective: To describe the roles of the two boldfaces.

Pre-thinking: The first boldface is a claim that is later opposed in the argument by the curator. The second boldface support the curator's conclusion.

Options:

A. The second is not an objection to the curator's conclusion but supports it. Incorrect

B. The first does not present evidence for the claim. The second does not explain why that evidence supports the curator's conclusion. Incorrect

C. The first is against the conclusion and does not defend the assumption. Incorrect

D. The second is not the conclusion but supports it. Incorrect

E. The first is a position which is later opposed by the curator. The second justifies the curator's conclusion. Correct.

IMO E
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 4: Museum curator 19 Dec 2025, 02:10
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IMO the answer is E.

Let's look at how E is correct and why others are wrong. First lets see what the role and direction of both the Bold faces

BF1- Role- support or evidence for Historians Claim or position.
Direction- Opposite to the main conclusion

BF-2 Role- Reason or Justification for Curators Position
Direction- In the direction of the main conclusion

The main conclusion i.e reconstructed building is not as worthy as the originals, and this is implied in the given argument.

Option E matches with the Role and direction which we just did.

Why the other options are incorrect?

A. First is the premise for Historians. So incorrect.
B. Second doesn't explain the evidence given by historians, hence incorrect
C. First is evidence, not a defence. So incorrect
D. Again, first is evidence, not a claim. Incorrect
Bunuel
Museum curator: Some old buildings in our city have been reconstructed after earthquakes, and lively new public spaces have emerged within them. Some historians maintain that these reconstructed buildings are as worthy of admiration as the originals. They preserve the same architectural style and are often indistinguishable from the older structures. However, part of what makes historic buildings valuable is that they are authentic physical links to earlier generations. That sense of authenticity is diminished when a building is known to be a reconstruction.

Which of the following best describes the roles of the two portions in boldface?

A. The first is a premise of the curator’s argument; the second addresses an objection to the curator’s conclusion.
B. The first presents evidence for a claim; the second explains why that evidence supports the curator’s conclusion.
C. The first defends an assumption made by the curator; the second explains why the curator’s conclusion undermines the position that the curator challenges.
D. The first is the claim that the curator directly challenges; the second is the conclusion defended by the curator’s argument.
E. The first is used to support the position that the curator opposes; the second elaborates on the justification for the curator’s conclusion.

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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 4: Museum curator 19 Dec 2025, 02:47
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Conclusion 1: SOme historians maintain that .....
Boldface 1: Supports conclusion / position 1

OPPOSING Conclusion 2: However , part of what makes ....
Boldface 2: Supports opposing conclusion
E is the only one that explains this.
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 4: Museum curator 19 Dec 2025, 04:10
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Context: Old buildings are reconstructed after earthquakes. Two opposing positions are taken in the argument regarding this. Some of the historians state that these newly constructed buildings are indistinguishable from older structures and are equally admirable as they preserve the same architectural style. The curator takes an opposing position as the curator believes that the sense of authenticity is diminished when reconstructed.

Inherent Conclusion of curator: The reconstructed buildings are not as worthy as originals

Boldface 1: Support the position of historians that the new structures are as worthy as the originals
Boldface 2: This statement is used to support the curator's position

Analysing answer choices
A) BF1 is not a premise that supports curator's argument. It gives support for a counterargument. The BF2 is in line with curator's conclusion. So, the second part is also wrong
B) BF1 cannot be treated as an evidence. It is just a position or belief of historians. Also this does not support curator's conclusion. So this is wrong
C) BF1 does not defend an assumption. The second part is correct as BF2 is used to support curator's position and undermine the opposing position. Overall, this is fully correct.
D) The curator does not challenge BF1. The curator does not comment on the architectural style but is concerned about the authenticity. BF2 is not a conclusion. This is wrong
E) This is correct. BF1 is used to support a position that the curator later challenges in the argument. The BF2 provides justification for the inherent conclusion of the curator

Bunuel
Museum curator: Some old buildings in our city have been reconstructed after earthquakes, and lively new public spaces have emerged within them. Some historians maintain that these reconstructed buildings are as worthy of admiration as the originals. They preserve the same architectural style and are often indistinguishable from the older structures. However, part of what makes historic buildings valuable is that they are authentic physical links to earlier generations. That sense of authenticity is diminished when a building is known to be a reconstruction.

Which of the following best describes the roles of the two portions in boldface?

A. The first is a premise of the curator’s argument; the second addresses an objection to the curator’s conclusion.
B. The first presents evidence for a claim; the second explains why that evidence supports the curator’s conclusion.
C. The first defends an assumption made by the curator; the second explains why the curator’s conclusion undermines the position that the curator challenges.
D. The first is the claim that the curator directly challenges; the second is the conclusion defended by the curator’s argument.
E. The first is used to support the position that the curator opposes; the second elaborates on the justification for the curator’s conclusion.

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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 4: Museum curator 19 Dec 2025, 04:16
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Curator cites that according to some historians the reconstructed buildings are as worthy as originals as they preserve same architectural style and are indistinguishable from original ones. He further says that however what makes historic buildings valuable is because of its link with older generation and when it is known that this is a reconstructed building that authenticity is lost.

As per option E Curator is not actually in agreement that reconstructed ones are as good as originals and 1st bold face statement is to basically to support statement which curator opposes. He says as per some historians. However then he says historic building are valuable because of its link with older generation and 2nd boldface statement justifies his conclusion of importance of historic building.

Answer is E.
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 4: Museum curator 19 Dec 2025, 04:21
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In my view, the conclusion of the curator is that the rebuilt edifices are not fully authentic, so she disagrees with 'some historians', which means for her the authenticity and the physical preservation at the most important. Then, the second bolded sentence is a conclusion for her, whereas the first one is evidence which goes to support the opposing conclusion.

A) This is off on both counts.

B) The first one is not wrong; however, the second one is rather a conclusion despite the evidence, not thanks to it.

C) While the second half is confusing but not immediately wrong, the first one is not defending an assumption.

D) The second one is correct, but not the first one, since she doesn't challenge the evidence, she just points out a different aspect, which to her is more important.

E) This seems right, since it basically restates that the curator doesn't find the remodeled buildings fully identical to the old ones, and the first sentence is indeed targeted at stating exactly that.

Therefore, the answer is E.
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 4: Museum curator 19 Dec 2025, 04:28
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First step is to understand the whole passage and identify the conclusion before looking at the role of the bold faces.
From there we can tell that:
1st Bold: It is the historians view that the curator opposes
2nd Bold: Offers an elaborate explanation to justify the curators opposition
Looking at the answer choices only choice E aligns with the above observations
Bunuel
Museum curator: Some old buildings in our city have been reconstructed after earthquakes, and lively new public spaces have emerged within them. Some historians maintain that these reconstructed buildings are as worthy of admiration as the originals. They preserve the same architectural style and are often indistinguishable from the older structures. However, part of what makes historic buildings valuable is that they are authentic physical links to earlier generations. That sense of authenticity is diminished when a building is known to be a reconstruction.

Which of the following best describes the roles of the two portions in boldface?

A. The first is a premise of the curator’s argument; the second addresses an objection to the curator’s conclusion.
B. The first presents evidence for a claim; the second explains why that evidence supports the curator’s conclusion.
C. The first defends an assumption made by the curator; the second explains why the curator’s conclusion undermines the position that the curator challenges.
D. The first is the claim that the curator directly challenges; the second is the conclusion defended by the curator’s argument.
E. The first is used to support the position that the curator opposes; the second elaborates on the justification for the curator’s conclusion.

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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 4: Museum curator 19 Dec 2025, 05:46
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BF1: Supports the historians view and is opposed by the curator.
BF2: Supports curator's view (conclusion)

A. Incorrect. First is historian's premise
B. Incorrect. BF2 doesn't explain why BF1 supports curator's conclusion. Rather, it supports curator's own view.
C. Incorrect. BF1 does the opposite of assumption made by curator.
D. Incorrect. BF2 is premise for curator's conclusion, not the conclusion utself.
E. Correct. This correctly matches our analysis of role of BF portions.
Bunuel
Museum curator: Some old buildings in our city have been reconstructed after earthquakes, and lively new public spaces have emerged within them. Some historians maintain that these reconstructed buildings are as worthy of admiration as the originals. They preserve the same architectural style and are often indistinguishable from the older structures. However, part of what makes historic buildings valuable is that they are authentic physical links to earlier generations. That sense of authenticity is diminished when a building is known to be a reconstruction.

Which of the following best describes the roles of the two portions in boldface?

A. The first is a premise of the curator’s argument; the second addresses an objection to the curator’s conclusion.
B. The first presents evidence for a claim; the second explains why that evidence supports the curator’s conclusion.
C. The first defends an assumption made by the curator; the second explains why the curator’s conclusion undermines the position that the curator challenges.
D. The first is the claim that the curator directly challenges; the second is the conclusion defended by the curator’s argument.
E. The first is used to support the position that the curator opposes; the second elaborates on the justification for the curator’s conclusion.

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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 4: Museum curator 19 Dec 2025, 06:06
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First boldface is the opposing view curator is responding to.
Second boldface supports the curators conclusion that reconstructed buildings are less valuable.

A. The first is a premise of the curator’s argument; the second addresses an objection to the curator’s conclusion.
(First is objection) Wrong
B. The first presents evidence for a claim; the second explains why that evidence supports the curator’s conclusion.
(The second boldface is not explaining evidence, it is a reason itself) Wrong
C. The first defends an assumption made by the curator; the second explains why the curator’s conclusion undermines the position that the curator challenges.
(The first boldface does not defend an assumption, it presents an opposing claim) Wrong
D. The first is the claim that the curator directly challenges; the second is the conclusion defended by the curator’s argument.
(The second boldface is not the conclusion) Wrong
E. The first is used to support the position that the curator opposes; the second elaborates on the justification for the curator’s conclusion.
(The curator acknowledges an opposing argument in first boldface and then explains why it fails in the second boldface) Correct

E
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