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605-655 (Medium)|   Bold Face CR|         
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 6: A major donor to 22 Dec 2025, 13:06
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Donor's View:
Main Point - Institute is poorly managed
Basis: Evidence of failure to slow submissions of new project proposals in response to increase in unspent research funds.

Comment by author: That accusation is unwarranted

Explanation: Unspent fund often lead to project getting stalled.
But that is not what is happening here.
The rise is due to - large grants - scheduled to be drawn later.


(A) The first is not the consideration that the argument rejects.

(B) First is not a conclusion.

(C) First is not a claim.

(D) First is not a general attitude.

(E) Correct. Both report factual observations.
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 6: A major donor to 22 Dec 2025, 14:21
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Argument opens with an accusation by a donor citing piling up of unspent research funds. The first and the second boldface both are stated to refute this claim. Followed by citing of the actual reason for the piling up. now let's check?
A. first bold face is not rejected nowhere---out
C. first bold face is not made by someone else, neither is author disagree with it.---out
D. no, the second bold face is not refuted in remainder argument ---out
E. the two bold faces are not the factual observation, rather the preceding parts of these two faces are the factual ones---out
so left with B is the correct answer
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 6: A major donor to 22 Dec 2025, 14:30
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Bunuel
A major donor to the Northbridge Research Institute has recently claimed that the institute is poorly managed, citing as evidence the institute’s failure to slow the submission of new project proposals in response to a sharp increase in the amount of unspent research funds. It is unclear whether public accusations by donors ever help institutions function better, but in this case the accusation is plainly unwarranted. It is true that a growing balance of unspent funds often signals that research projects are stalled, yet at Northbridge it suggests nothing of the kind. The rise in unspent funds is entirely due to large multiyear grants that have already been awarded to specific projects but are scheduled to be drawn down only in later phases of those projects.

In the argument given, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

(A) The first presents a consideration that the argument ultimately rejects; the second describes evidence that the argument uses to undermine that consideration.
(B) The first expresses the author’s overall conclusion; the second is a more specific conclusion drawn to help support that overall conclusion.
(C) The first states a claim made by someone the author disagrees with; the second summarizes the author’s main reason for rejecting that claim.
(D) The first introduces a general attitude toward outside criticism; the second presents a claim that the remainder of the argument attempts to refute.
(E) The first and second both report factual observations that the author uses as support for a further conclusion not stated explicitly.

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The first bold face is the main conclusion of the argument

A. The first part of the option is incorrect. The first BF is the main conclusion of the argument. We can eliminate this.

B. Correct: Both parts look alright

C. The first part is incorrect. The first BF is the conclusion and is made by the author

D. The first part of the option is incorrect. The first BF is the main conclusion.

E. Both parts of the option is incorrect.

Option B
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 6: A major donor to 22 Dec 2025, 16:22
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Understanding the arguments by simplifying the ideas stated

Ideas 1. MD (Major Donor) claimed NRI was poorly managed, because
evidence:
- failure -> slow submission of new project proposals in response to a sharp increase of UNSPENT RESEARCH FUNDS.

unspent research fund -> slow new project proposals -> poorly managed

Author arguments -> not agree to Ideas 1 -> Accusation in unwarranted

Ideas 2 (from author):

attacked Ideas 1 by saying reason for unspent research fund is due to
large multiyear grants -> schedule to be drawn down in later phases -> it's NOT POORLY MANAGED.

So, Answer is D. S1 introduce attitude towards outside criticism, by saying 'BUT IN THIS CASE.."
S2 -> claim of argument, attempt to refute by saying "YET AT Northbrige suggest.."


Why are others incorrect, try to attempt S1 and/or S2

A. S2 not show evidence, still a claim.
B. S2 not a conclusion
C. S1 not a claim made by someone the author not agree with, but a claim made by the author to reject the ideas 1
E. Both is not factual information, but claims

*S1/S2 refer to Statement 1/2
Bunuel
A major donor to the Northbridge Research Institute has recently claimed that the institute is poorly managed, citing as evidence the institute’s failure to slow the submission of new project proposals in response to a sharp increase in the amount of unspent research funds. It is unclear whether public accusations by donors ever help institutions function better, but in this case the accusation is plainly unwarranted. It is true that a growing balance of unspent funds often signals that research projects are stalled, yet at Northbridge it suggests nothing of the kind. The rise in unspent funds is entirely due to large multiyear grants that have already been awarded to specific projects but are scheduled to be drawn down only in later phases of those projects.

In the argument given, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

(A) The first presents a consideration that the argument ultimately rejects; the second describes evidence that the argument uses to undermine that consideration.
(B) The first expresses the author’s overall conclusion; the second is a more specific conclusion drawn to help support that overall conclusion.
(C) The first states a claim made by someone the author disagrees with; the second summarizes the author’s main reason for rejecting that claim.
(D) The first introduces a general attitude toward outside criticism; the second presents a claim that the remainder of the argument attempts to refute.
(E) The first and second both report factual observations that the author uses as support for a further conclusion not stated explicitly.

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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 6: A major donor to 22 Dec 2025, 17:42
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answer c

the first is a claim the author rejects and the second summairizes the reasonfor rejecting
Bunuel
A major donor to the Northbridge Research Institute has recently claimed that the institute is poorly managed, citing as evidence the institute’s failure to slow the submission of new project proposals in response to a sharp increase in the amount of unspent research funds. It is unclear whether public accusations by donors ever help institutions function better, but in this case the accusation is plainly unwarranted. It is true that a growing balance of unspent funds often signals that research projects are stalled, yet at Northbridge it suggests nothing of the kind. The rise in unspent funds is entirely due to large multiyear grants that have already been awarded to specific projects but are scheduled to be drawn down only in later phases of those projercts.

In the argument given, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

(A) The first presents a consideration that the argument ultimately rejects; the second describes evidence that the argument uses to undermine that consideration.
(B) The first expresses the author’s overall conclusion; the second is a more specific conclusion drawn to help support that overall conclusion.
(C) The first states a claim made by someone the author disagrees with; the second summarizes the author’s main reason for rejecting that claim.
(D) The first introduces a general attitude toward outside criticism; the second presents a claim that the remainder of the argument attempts to refute.
(E) The first and second both report factual observations that the author uses as support for a further conclusion not stated explicitly.

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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 6: A major donor to 22 Dec 2025, 19:41
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Bunuel
A major donor to the Northbridge Research Institute has recently claimed that the institute is poorly managed, citing as evidence the institute’s failure to slow the submission of new project proposals in response to a sharp increase in the amount of unspent research funds. It is unclear whether public accusations by donors ever help institutions function better, but in this case the accusation is plainly unwarranted. It is true that a growing balance of unspent funds often signals that research projects are stalled, yet at Northbridge it suggests nothing of the kind. The rise in unspent funds is entirely due to large multiyear grants that have already been awarded to specific projects but are scheduled to be drawn down only in later phases of those projects.

In the argument given, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

(A) The first presents a consideration that the argument ultimately rejects; the second describes evidence that the argument uses to undermine that consideration.
(B) The first expresses the author’s overall conclusion; the second is a more specific conclusion drawn to help support that overall conclusion.
(C) The first states a claim made by someone the author disagrees with; the second summarizes the author’s main reason for rejecting that claim.
(D) The first introduces a general attitude toward outside criticism; the second presents a claim that the remainder of the argument attempts to refute.
(E) The first and second both report factual observations that the author uses as support for a further conclusion not stated explicitly.

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This is a bold face question, so each and every word in correct answer choice should be true with reference to the argument.

(A) The first presents a consideration that the argument ultimately rejects; the second describes evidence that the argument uses to undermine that consideration.
The argument doesn't reject first consideration. Eliminate.
(B) The first expresses the author’s overall conclusion; the second is a more specific conclusion drawn to help support that overall conclusion.
Looking at the structure of the passage, first indeed expresses author's overall conclusion and second is a intermediate conclusion which supports first, looks good. Keep.
(C) The first states a claim made by someone the author disagrees with; the second summarizes the author’s main reason for rejecting that claim.
The first doesn't state a claim madeby someone author disagrees with. Eliminate.
(D) The first introduces a general attitude toward outside criticism; the second presents a claim that the remainder of the argument attempts to refute.
The remainder of the argument doesn't refute the second claim. Moreover, first is not a general attitude. Eliminate.
(E) The first and second both report factual observations that the author uses as support for a further conclusion not stated explicitly.
The first and second are not facts, they are conclusions which have support. Eliminate.

Correct Answer: B
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 6: A major donor to 22 Dec 2025, 19:42
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Bunuel
A major donor to the Northbridge Research Institute has recently claimed that the institute is poorly managed, citing as evidence the institute’s failure to slow the submission of new project proposals in response to a sharp increase in the amount of unspent research funds. It is unclear whether public accusations by donors ever help institutions function better, but in this case the accusation is plainly unwarranted. It is true that a growing balance of unspent funds often signals that research projects are stalled, yet at Northbridge it suggests nothing of the kind. The rise in unspent funds is entirely due to large multiyear grants that have already been awarded to specific projects but are scheduled to be drawn down only in later phases of those projects.

In the argument given, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

(A) The first presents a consideration that the argument ultimately rejects; the second describes evidence that the argument uses to undermine that consideration.
(B) The first expresses the author’s overall conclusion; the second is a more specific conclusion drawn to help support that overall conclusion.
(C) The first states a claim made by someone the author disagrees with; the second summarizes the author’s main reason for rejecting that claim.
(D) The first introduces a general attitude toward outside criticism; the second presents a claim that the remainder of the argument attempts to refute.
(E) The first and second both report factual observations that the author uses as support for a further conclusion not stated explicitly.

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I think D is the answer. Let's analyze.

A. It says first part is consideration and second is evidence. Even if we consider only second part, it contains no evidence. Incorrect
B. First doesn't express overall conclusion so Incorrect. Overall conclusion from author is funds are being unspent due to multiyear grants which are scheduled to draw later.
C. First part is claim made by someone the author disagrees with. Makes sense. Second part however doesn't give any reason to reject claim. it is just rejecting the claim. Incorrect.
D. First is general attitude towards criticism (which is to say "No, we didnt do any of this sort). Correct. Second is a claim to refute the in next argument. Correct.
E. Neither part report any facts that can be used to support conclusion. Incorrect.
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 6: A major donor to 22 Dec 2025, 23:17
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Let's breakdown the argument. Initially the argument started with Major Donor's claim stating that the institute is poorly managed because of institute's failure to slow the submission of new project proposals against sharp increase in the amount of unspent research funds. The author claims further that in this case the accusation is plainly unwarranted. So this is acting as main conclusion of the argument. This is receiving support from the claim that at Northbridge it suggests nothing of the kind. This one is acting as an intermediatory conclusion which is further receiving support that the rise in unspent funds is entirely due to large multiyear grants that have already been awarded to specific projects but are scheduled to be drawn down only in later phases of those projects. Now Let's look at the options on this basis :

(A) This is incorrect since the first is not representing a consideration that the argument ultimately rejects.
(B) This is correct , and matching with our justification. First one is acting as the main conclusion , second one is acting as a conclusion supporting the main conclusion.
(C) Incorrect , since first is author's claim and not by someone.
(D) Incorrect , second is not the claim that author trying to refute.
(E) Incorrect , since there are only two conclusions , main and intermediatory. Not supporting further anything.

So, B is the correct answer :)
Bunuel
A major donor to the Northbridge Research Institute has recently claimed that the institute is poorly managed, citing as evidence the institute’s failure to slow the submission of new project proposals in response to a sharp increase in the amount of unspent research funds. It is unclear whether public accusations by donors ever help institutions function better, but in this case the accusation is plainly unwarranted. It is true that a growing balance of unspent funds often signals that research projects are stalled, yet at Northbridge it suggests nothing of the kind. The rise in unspent funds is entirely due to large multiyear grants that have already been awarded to specific projects but are scheduled to be drawn down only in later phases of those projects.

In the argument given, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

(A) The first presents a consideration that the argument ultimately rejects; the second describes evidence that the argument uses to undermine that consideration.
(B) The first expresses the author’s overall conclusion; the second is a more specific conclusion drawn to help support that overall conclusion.
(C) The first states a claim made by someone the author disagrees with; the second summarizes the author’s main reason for rejecting that claim.
(D) The first introduces a general attitude toward outside criticism; the second presents a claim that the remainder of the argument attempts to refute.
(E) The first and second both report factual observations that the author uses as support for a further conclusion not stated explicitly.

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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 6: A major donor to 22 Dec 2025, 23:56
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first is a claim by author which, second is a supporting claim

A.Argument doesnt reject this consideration. 2nd is not evidence
B.Correct
C.It is claim by author; 2nd part is correct.
D.not a general attitude but author's claim; 2nd is not something that remainder of the argument attempts to refute
E.first and 2nd are not factual, they are claims by author


ans: B
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 6: A major donor to 23 Dec 2025, 00:31
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A major donor to the Northbridge Research Institute has recently claimed that the institute is poorly managed, citing as evidence the institute’s failure to slow the submission of new project proposals in response to a sharp increase in the amount of unspent research funds. It is unclear whether public accusations by donors ever help institutions function better, but in this case the accusation is plainly unwarranted. It is true that a growing balance of unspent funds often signals that research projects are stalled, yet at Northbridge it suggests nothing of the kind. The rise in unspent funds is entirely due to large multiyear grants that have already been awarded to specific projects but are scheduled to be drawn down only in later phases of those projects. (

In the argument given, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

First Bold statement is the conclusion of author, which is supported by the highlighted reasoning. - The conclusion is against the public accusations, stated in the premise given before 1st bold statement.
Second bold statement is a conclusion also supported by the highlighted reasoning.


(A) The first presents a consideration that the argument ultimately rejects; the second describes evidence that the argument uses to undermine that consideration. - First is not rejected by the argument.

(B) The first expresses the author’s overall conclusion; the second is a more specific conclusion drawn to help support that overall conclusion. - Matches with our explanation - Answer

(C) The first states a claim made by someone the author disagrees with; the second summarizes the author’s main reason for rejecting that claim. - 1st is the claim made by author.

(D) The first introduces a general attitude toward outside criticism; the second presents a claim that the remainder of the argument attempts to refute. - 2nd is supported by the remainder of the argument.

(E) The first and second both report factual observations that the author uses as support for a further conclusion not stated explicitly. - Neither of the statement is factual observation. The first is the main conclusion, no further conclusion is derived post the same.
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 6: A major donor to 23 Dec 2025, 01:15
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A. No, the first is not a consideration the argument rejects. It is the author's opinion/conclusion.
B. Yes, this is true. The sentences after the first bold face all support the first bold face. And the second bold face in turn gets support from the last sentence.
C. No, the first is the statement from the author.
D. The second bold face is not refuted by the argument.
E. These bold faces are not factual statements. And also, the conclusion is stated explicitly here, which is the first bold face.

Option B.
Bunuel
A major donor to the Northbridge Research Institute has recently claimed that the institute is poorly managed, citing as evidence the institute’s failure to slow the submission of new project proposals in response to a sharp increase in the amount of unspent research funds. It is unclear whether public accusations by donors ever help institutions function better, but in this case the accusation is plainly unwarranted. It is true that a growing balance of unspent funds often signals that research projects are stalled, yet at Northbridge it suggests nothing of the kind. The rise in unspent funds is entirely due to large multiyear grants that have already been awarded to specific projects but are scheduled to be drawn down only in later phases of those projects.

In the argument given, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

(A) The first presents a consideration that the argument ultimately rejects; the second describes evidence that the argument uses to undermine that consideration.
(B) The first expresses the author’s overall conclusion; the second is a more specific conclusion drawn to help support that overall conclusion.
(C) The first states a claim made by someone the author disagrees with; the second summarizes the author’s main reason for rejecting that claim.
(D) The first introduces a general attitude toward outside criticism; the second presents a claim that the remainder of the argument attempts to refute.
(E) The first and second both report factual observations that the author uses as support for a further conclusion not stated explicitly.

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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 6: A major donor to 23 Dec 2025, 01:43
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From reading the passage we can conclude that:
1st Bold face: This is the primary conclusion
2nd Bold face: This is the intermediate conclusion that serves to support the main conclusion by providing a reason for the observation
The only choice that aligns with the above observation is B
Bunuel
A major donor to the Northbridge Research Institute has recently claimed that the institute is poorly managed, citing as evidence the institute’s failure to slow the submission of new project proposals in response to a sharp increase in the amount of unspent research funds. It is unclear whether public accusations by donors ever help institutions function better, but in this case the accusation is plainly unwarranted. It is true that a growing balance of unspent funds often signals that research projects are stalled, yet at Northbridge it suggests nothing of the kind. The rise in unspent funds is entirely due to large multiyear grants that have already been awarded to specific projects but are scheduled to be drawn down only in later phases of those projects.

In the argument given, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

(A) The first presents a consideration that the argument ultimately rejects; the second describes evidence that the argument uses to undermine that consideration.
(B) The first expresses the author’s overall conclusion; the second is a more specific conclusion drawn to help support that overall conclusion.
(C) The first states a claim made by someone the author disagrees with; the second summarizes the author’s main reason for rejecting that claim.
(D) The first introduces a general attitude toward outside criticism; the second presents a claim that the remainder of the argument attempts to refute.
(E) The first and second both report factual observations that the author uses as support for a further conclusion not stated explicitly.

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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 6: A major donor to 23 Dec 2025, 02:07
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A --> FB -not consideration, SB - not going against of FB
B --> could be tempting to choose, but FB is not the conclusion.
C --> perfectly as stated in argument
D --> irrelevant, not introducing attitude towards outside criticism,
E --> Argument clearly satates that accusation raised is unwarranted.
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 6: A major donor to 23 Dec 2025, 02:12
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Argument of the major donors: Increase of unspent founds =/> slow of the submission of new project proposals => institution poorly managed => Northbridge poorly managed
The first part in bold represents IMO the overall conclusion of the author, which basically replies to the accusation of the major donors => Accusation unwarranted
The second instead supports the first conclusion, stating that it's not the case of Northbridge! (Increase of unspent funds =/> project stalled for Northbridge) and then with the last sentence it gives support to that!

IMO B!
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 6: A major donor to 23 Dec 2025, 03:02
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Bunuel
A major donor to the Northbridge Research Institute has recently claimed that the institute is poorly managed, citing as evidence the institute’s failure to slow the submission of new project proposals in response to a sharp increase in the amount of unspent research funds. It is unclear whether public accusations by donors ever help institutions function better, but in this case the accusation is plainly unwarranted. It is true that a growing balance of unspent funds often signals that research projects are stalled, yet at Northbridge it suggests nothing of the kind. The rise in unspent funds is entirely due to large multiyear grants that have already been awarded to specific projects but are scheduled to be drawn down only in later phases of those projects.

In the argument given, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

(A) The first presents a consideration that the argument ultimately rejects; the second describes evidence that the argument uses to undermine that consideration.
(B) The first expresses the author’s overall conclusion; the second is a more specific conclusion drawn to help support that overall conclusion.
(C) The first states a claim made by someone the author disagrees with; the second summarizes the author’s main reason for rejecting that claim.
(D) The first introduces a general attitude toward outside criticism; the second presents a claim that the remainder of the argument attempts to refute.
(E) The first and second both report factual observations that the author uses as support for a further conclusion not stated explicitly.

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Stimulus :

Statement 1 : This is the Author's main conclusion

Statement 2 : This is claim which is to support main conclusion & also intermediate conclusion

Now let's check all options

A - Author doesn't reject the first statement, it's his/her own conclusion --- Incorrect

B - Yes, it matches our inference --- Correct

C - No, it's not claim made by someone else, it's author own conclusion ---- Incorrect

D - it's specific conclusion, not general attitude --- Incorrect

E - No, it's not factual observation, if it's something it is evaluative judgement ---- Incorrect

Our answer is B
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 6: A major donor to 23 Dec 2025, 03:14
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E. The first ad the second both report factual observations that the author uses as support for further conclusion not stated explicitly
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 6: A major donor to 23 Dec 2025, 03:43
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In My opinion The answer is (B)

Let's see why.

First, the author presents a claim by a major donor of NRI along with the evidence on which the donor bases his claim.
Then, by using "But" the author transitions the passage towards his Point of view and presents the evidence to support his opinion.

RoleDirection
BF1 Main Conclusion-
BF2Intermediate ConclusionIn line with the main conclusion

Based on this understanding, now we will analyze the option choices and eliminate the wrong options.

A. It is the opposite of what we have worked out. Eliminate
B. Matches our work. Keep
C. Incorrect its the author's claim, not someone else's.
D. Not a general view. Incorrect
E. Not facts. Incorrect
Bunuel
A major donor to the Northbridge Research Institute has recently claimed that the institute is poorly managed, citing as evidence the institute’s failure to slow the submission of new project proposals in response to a sharp increase in the amount of unspent research funds. It is unclear whether public accusations by donors ever help institutions function better, but in this case the accusation is plainly unwarranted. It is true that a growing balance of unspent funds often signals that research projects are stalled, yet at Northbridge it suggests nothing of the kind. The rise in unspent funds is entirely due to large multiyear grants that have already been awarded to specific projects but are scheduled to be drawn down only in later phases of those projects.

In the argument given, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

(A) The first presents a consideration that the argument ultimately rejects; the second describes evidence that the argument uses to undermine that consideration.
(B) The first expresses the author’s overall conclusion; the second is a more specific conclusion drawn to help support that overall conclusion.
(C) The first states a claim made by someone the author disagrees with; the second summarizes the author’s main reason for rejecting that claim.
(D) The first introduces a general attitude toward outside criticism; the second presents a claim that the remainder of the argument attempts to refute.
(E) The first and second both report factual observations that the author uses as support for a further conclusion not stated explicitly.

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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 6: A major donor to 23 Dec 2025, 05:15
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Look, it's a boldfaced nightmare ;) As they should be.

First, let's simplify what the donor's claiming in the argument. He states that the university isn't properly managed, as a lot of the research fund is left unspent, and despite that, more projects are being proposed that will require additional funding. This mismanagement, as per the donor, has more to do with this discrepancy.

Now, the passage itself - with a bit of backhanded commentary on the donor and their kind :P, the write-up highlights that this accusation is most unwarranted. This is a conclusive enough statement to deserve being called just that - a conclusion - but let's see what else the paragraph says.

There's some reasoning, agreeing to the donor's claim but interpreting it different, but the boldface itself "Northbridge suggests nothing of the kind" is a related conclusion, with a little more specificity than the first. No assumptions, premises, facts, or anything else has been boldfaced - but yes, the part after boldface two just presents a fact to back both conclusions.

With this pre-thinking, what is the most probable answer?

B. The first expresses the author's overall conclusion; the second is a more specific conclusion drawn to help support that overall conclusion.

Now, to see, why it isn't any of the others:

A. Nothing presented in the first boldface is rejected by the argument - the boldface is the conclusion. Plain and simple. Eliminate. (Boldface 2: no evidence, just a broad statement for which evidence is presented later.)

C. The first is the very claim the author makes - it's important to individualize the role of the boldface here; this confuses you by trying to associate the boldface as referencing the claim from the donor. But the boldface is a fresh conclusion contradiction the claim. Eliminate. (Boldface 2: No reasoning given yet; that comes later.)

D: Boldface 1 is anything but a generalization - it's specific to the donor. Eliminate. (Boldface 2: This presents the claim that the remainder of the argument ATTEMPTS TO PROVE, NOT REFUTE.)

E: The first one is an opinion, and not a fact on its own (the statements proving this opinion are factual). The second is claimed as a fact, but the observations are reported after the boldface. Please eliminate.


Bunuel
A major donor to the Northbridge Research Institute has recently claimed that the institute is poorly managed, citing as evidence the institute’s failure to slow the submission of new project proposals in response to a sharp increase in the amount of unspent research funds. It is unclear whether public accusations by donors ever help institutions function better, but in this case the accusation is plainly unwarranted. It is true that a growing balance of unspent funds often signals that research projects are stalled, yet at Northbridge it suggests nothing of the kind. The rise in unspent funds is entirely due to large multiyear grants that have already been awarded to specific projects but are scheduled to be drawn down only in later phases of those projects.

In the argument given, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

(A) The first presents a consideration that the argument ultimately rejects; the second describes evidence that the argument uses to undermine that consideration.
(B) The first expresses the author’s overall conclusion; the second is a more specific conclusion drawn to help support that overall conclusion.
(C) The first states a claim made by someone the author disagrees with; the second summarizes the author’s main reason for rejecting that claim.
(D) The first introduces a general attitude toward outside criticism; the second presents a claim that the remainder of the argument attempts to refute.
(E) The first and second both report factual observations that the author uses as support for a further conclusion not stated explicitly.

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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 6: A major donor to 23 Dec 2025, 05:45
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A. Presents a consideration that the argument ultimately rejects and also describes evidence that the argument uses to undermine that consideration.
B. This is a general observation and not a conclusion.
C. That is a claim by someone else and it is a general fact not donor claim.
D. First the general attitude towards criticism and no it's about research funds not criticism.
E. Both are factual observations and no the second is evidence and not just a neutral observation.
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition 2025 - Day 6: A major donor to 23 Dec 2025, 05:58
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BF1: It is the author's main conclusion.
BF2: It is an intermediate conclusion drawn to support author's main conclusion.

A. Incorrect. BF1 is author's main conclusion not a consideration that is rejected.
B. Correct. This aligns perfectly with our analysis of role of each BF portions.
C. Incorrect. BF1 is author's own claim, not the donor's claim.
D. Incorrect. BF1 is a specific conclusion based on the premises presented in the argument, not a general attitude. BF2 supports the author's argument, not refutes.
E. Incorrect. BF1 is a judgment or conclusion and not a factual observation. BF2 is also a conclusion, not a factual observation.


Bunuel
Quote:
A major donor to the Northbridge Research Institute has recently claimed that the institute is poorly managed, citing as evidence the institute’s failure to slow the submission of new project proposals in response to a sharp increase in the amount of unspent research funds. It is unclear whether public accusations by donors ever help institutions function better, but in this case the accusation is plainly unwarranted. It is true that a growing balance of unspent funds often signals that research projects are stalled, yet at Northbridge it suggests nothing of the kind. The rise in unspent funds is entirely due to large multiyear grants that have already been awarded to specific projects but are scheduled to be drawn down only in later phases of those projects.

In the argument given, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

(A) The first presents a consideration that the argument ultimately rejects; the second describes evidence that the argument uses to undermine that consideration.
(B) The first expresses the author’s overall conclusion; the second is a more specific conclusion drawn to help support that overall conclusion.
(C) The first states a claim made by someone the author disagrees with; the second summarizes the author’s main reason for rejecting that claim.
(D) The first introduces a general attitude toward outside criticism; the second presents a claim that the remainder of the argument attempts to refute.
(E) The first and second both report factual observations that the author uses as support for a further conclusion not stated explicitly.

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