Last visit was: 19 Nov 2025, 00:51 It is currently 19 Nov 2025, 00:51
Home
GMAT
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Rewards
Chat
My Profile
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
Back to Forum
Create Topic
   1   2   3   4   
655-705 Level|         
User avatar
Invincible_147
User avatar
Joined: 29 Sep 2023
Last visit: 12 Nov 2025
Posts: 73
Own Kudos:
64
Given Kudos: 164
Products:
GMAT Club Tests
Posts: 73
Kudos: 64
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 25 Dec 2024, 00:54
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi All,


IMO the answer is B as this will eliminate the external factors that could affect the yields of the crop and improve it
and that strengthens our original argument

Therefore Ans: B
User avatar
OmerKor
User avatar
Joined: 24 Jan 2024
Last visit: 10 Sep 2025
Posts: 129
Own Kudos:
150
 [1]
Given Kudos: 150
Location: Israel
Posts: 129
Kudos: 150
 [1]
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 25 Dec 2024, 01:49
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi everyone :)

We are dealing with Evaluate CR question.
Our goal is to evaluate whether factors other than the hybrid seed might explain the improved yields.

A- The cost of seeds is unrelated to whether the hybrid seed caused the yield improvement. Irrelevant.
B- If local weather patterns improved (e.g., more rainfall), this could independently explain the yield increase, reducing the likelihood that the hybrid seed alone caused the improvement. Correct
C- This identifies which crops benefited most but does not directly assess whether the drought-resistance of the hybrid seed caused the yield improvement. Irrelevant.
D- This might provide insight into seed adoption but does not help determine whether the drought-resistance of the hybrid seed is responsible for the yield improvement. Irrelevant.
E- This might affect the overall yield patterns but does not directly test whether the hybrid seed’s drought-resistance caused the improvement. Irrelevant.

Our answer is B
User avatar
Oppenheimer1945
User avatar
Joined: 16 Jul 2019
Last visit: 14 Nov 2025
Posts: 784
Own Kudos:
639
Given Kudos: 223
Location: India
Schools: INSEAD '26 (D) ISB '27 (D) IIMB '26 (A) IIMA '26 (A) HEC '26 (D) LBS '26 IESE '27 (D) Fuqua '27 (WL) Tepper '27 (WL)
GMAT Focus 1: 645 Q90 V76 DI80
GPA: 7.81
Schools: INSEAD '26 (D) ISB '27 (D) IIMB '26 (A) IIMA '26 (A) HEC '26 (D) LBS '26 IESE '27 (D) Fuqua '27 (WL) Tepper '27 (WL)
GMAT Focus 1: 645 Q90 V76 DI80
Posts: 784
Kudos: 639
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 25 Dec 2024, 02:38
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
B) gives an alternate reason rainfall that could weaken the conclusion that drought capability is the reason for yield improvement and on opp case it would strengthen

Ans B
User avatar
rns2812
User avatar
Joined: 10 Nov 2024
Last visit: 28 Aug 2025
Posts: 50
Own Kudos:
51
Given Kudos: 14
Posts: 50
Kudos: 51
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 25 Dec 2024, 04:23
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Ask : To find whether the new drought resistant variety seed is the reason for higher yields

Options -

A - Irrelevant - talks about expenditure
B - Irrelevant - talks about weather changes like rainfall
C - Relevant - talks about the seed type which has the highest yield propotion
D - Irrelevant - talks about use of other kinds of seeds
E - Irrelevant- talks about number of farms adopting the seed type

OPTION C
Bunuel
12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $40,000 of Prizes

Agricultural Researcher: After several years of declining crop yields due to droughts, Country A’s research center introduced a new hybrid seed specifically designed to be more drought-resistant. Before the introduction of the hybrid seed, farmers used a variety of traditional seeds that had varying levels of drought tolerance. After adopting the new hybrid seed, crop yields significantly improved across the country.

It would be most helpful to find out which of the following in order to assess whether the improvement in crop yields can properly be attributed to the new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed?

(A) What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds?
(B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?
(C) Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement?
(D) Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds?
(E) Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent?

 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the 12 Days of Christmas Competition

Win $40,000 in prizes: Courses, Tests & more

 

Show more
User avatar
Kinshook
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 03 Jun 2019
Last visit: 19 Nov 2025
Posts: 5,794
Own Kudos:
5,509
Given Kudos: 161
Location: India
Schools: HBS '26 CBS '26 Wharton '26
GMAT 1: 690 Q50 V34
WE:Engineering (Transportation)
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: HBS '26 CBS '26 Wharton '26
GMAT 1: 690 Q50 V34
Posts: 5,794
Kudos: 5,509
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 25 Dec 2024, 04:39
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Agricultural Researcher: After several years of declining crop yields due to droughts, Country A’s research center introduced a new hybrid seed specifically designed to be more drought-resistant. Before the introduction of the hybrid seed, farmers used a variety of traditional seeds that had varying levels of drought tolerance. After adopting the new hybrid seed, crop yields significantly improved across the country.

It would be most helpful to find out which of the following in order to assess whether the improvement in crop yields can properly be attributed to the new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed?

(A) What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds?
The argument is concerned with crop yields improvement after introduction of new hybrid seeds specifically designed to be more drought-resistant and not about farmer's total expenditure spent on purchasing seeds.
Incorrect

(B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?
Railfall amounts and drought may be interdependent, but changes in rainfall amounts may not be linked to changes in intensity of drought. Since the argument is concerned with droughts and drought resistance hybrid seeds, even if there are Changes in rainfalls amounts in last two years, the statement can not be used to assess whether the improvement in crop yields can properly be attributed to the new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed.
Incorrect

(C) Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement?
If new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement, then after adopting the new hybrid seed, crop yields significantly improved across the country. If new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed does not account for the largest proportion of the yield improvement, then improvement in crop yields across the country can not be attributed to new drought resistance hybrid seeds.
Correct


(D) Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds?
Since the statement is not about majority of farmers in majority of farmlands using new hybrid seeds, it is not sufficient to assess whether the improvement in crop yields can properly be attributed to the new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed. There may be a few farmer who continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds, but it is not impact the overall crop yields.
Incorrect

(E) Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent?
The argument is concerned with hybrid seeds which are more drought-resistant and is not concerned with farms specialising in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent. Therefore, the statement can not be used to assess whether the improvement in crop yields can properly be attributed to the new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed.
Incorrect

IMO C
User avatar
LastHero
User avatar
Joined: 15 Dec 2024
Last visit: 11 Nov 2025
Posts: 134
Own Kudos:
147
 [1]
Given Kudos: 1
Posts: 134
Kudos: 147
 [1]
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 25 Dec 2024, 04:39
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
The key to assessing whether the improvement in crop yields can properly be attributed to the new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed is determining whether external factors, such as changes in rainfall, could have influenced the yields independently of the seed's drought-resistant qualities.

(A) is not directly relevant to determining the drought-resistance effectiveness of the seed. Farmers' expenditure on seeds does not inform whether the crop yield improvements were due to the hybrid seed.

(B) is highly relevant because if rainfall increased significantly, the higher crop yields might be due to improved weather conditions rather than the drought-resistant hybrid seed. CORRECT

(C) would help identify the yield improvement but not the cause of the improvement. It does not specifically link the yield gains to the seed's drought resistance.

(D) might provide information about comparative effectiveness, but it does not directly assess whether the hybrid seed's drought-resistant qualities are the main factor in yield improvement.

(E) is unrelated to the effectiveness of the hybrid seed and its drought resistance.

Answer B
User avatar
Navya442001
User avatar
Joined: 26 Jan 2024
Last visit: 17 Nov 2025
Posts: 67
Own Kudos:
72
 [1]
Given Kudos: 1
Products:
My Reviews
Posts: 67
Kudos: 72
 [1]
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 25 Dec 2024, 04:41
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Bunuel
12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $40,000 of Prizes

Agricultural Researcher: After several years of declining crop yields due to droughts, Country A’s research center introduced a new hybrid seed specifically designed to be more drought-resistant. Before the introduction of the hybrid seed, farmers used a variety of traditional seeds that had varying levels of drought tolerance. After adopting the new hybrid seed, crop yields significantly improved across the country.

It would be most helpful to find out which of the following in order to assess whether the improvement in crop yields can properly be attributed to the new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed?

(A) What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds?
(B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?
(C) Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement?
(D) Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds?
(E) Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent?

 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the 12 Days of Christmas Competition

Win $40,000 in prizes: Courses, Tests & more

 

Show more
(A) What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds?
The proportion of expenditure spent on seeds is unrelated to the evaluation of whether the hybrid seed's drought-resistant qualities caused the yield improvement.
Eliminate (A).

(B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?
This is directly relevant. If rainfall increased significantly, the improvement in crop yields might be due to better weather rather than the drought-resistant quality of the hybrid seed. Determining if the weather has changed helps assess whether the seed itself is responsible for the yield improvement.
Correct.

(C) Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement?
While this could indicate which seeds are associated with yield improvement, it does not address whether the improvement is due to the drought-resistant quality of the hybrid seed.
Eliminate (C).

(D) Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds?
While this information might provide insights into adoption patterns, it does not help assess whether the drought-resistant quality of the hybrid seed caused the improvement in crop yields.
Eliminate (D).

(E) Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent?
The type of crops grown could be relevant in assessing overall yield improvements, but it does not directly address whether the drought-resistant quality of the hybrid seed was responsible for the improvement.
Eliminate (E).
User avatar
Tishaagarwal13
User avatar
Joined: 28 Jun 2024
Last visit: 06 Jul 2025
Posts: 80
Own Kudos:
63
Given Kudos: 54
Location: India
Concentration: Finance, Entrepreneurship
Posts: 80
Kudos: 63
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 25 Dec 2024, 04:44
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
The correct answer is D

(A) What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds? - Out of context - Out

(B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years? - New hybrid seeds have been created after several years of declining crop yields due to droughts, so this is not useful - Out

(C) Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement? - Out

(D) Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds? - This can help to assess whether the improvement in crop yields can properly be attributed to the new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed or if the improvement is due to the usage of both traditional and new seeds. - Keep

(E) Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent? - Number of farms is irrelevant - Out
Bunuel
12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $40,000 of Prizes

Agricultural Researcher: After several years of declining crop yields due to droughts, Country A’s research center introduced a new hybrid seed specifically designed to be more drought-resistant. Before the introduction of the hybrid seed, farmers used a variety of traditional seeds that had varying levels of drought tolerance. After adopting the new hybrid seed, crop yields significantly improved across the country.

It would be most helpful to find out which of the following in order to assess whether the improvement in crop yields can properly be attributed to the new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed?

(A) What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds?
(B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?
(C) Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement?
(D) Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds?
(E) Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent?

 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the 12 Days of Christmas Competition

Win $40,000 in prizes: Courses, Tests & more

 

Show more
User avatar
HelpfulChocolate
User avatar
Joined: 21 Dec 2024
Last visit: 26 Dec 2024
Posts: 21
Own Kudos:
24
 [1]
Given Kudos: 1
GRE 1: Q168 V158
GRE 1: Q168 V158
Posts: 21
Kudos: 24
 [1]
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 25 Dec 2024, 04:45
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Bunuel
12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $40,000 of Prizes

Agricultural Researcher: After several years of declining crop yields due to droughts, Country A’s research center introduced a new hybrid seed specifically designed to be more drought-resistant. Before the introduction of the hybrid seed, farmers used a variety of traditional seeds that had varying levels of drought tolerance. After adopting the new hybrid seed, crop yields significantly improved across the country.

It would be most helpful to find out which of the following in order to assess whether the improvement in crop yields can properly be attributed to the new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed?

(A) What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds?
(B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?
(C) Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement?
(D) Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds?
(E) Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent?

 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the 12 Days of Christmas Competition

Win $40,000 in prizes: Courses, Tests & more

 

Show more

A. Incorrect answer. Out of scope as the total expenditure is irrelevant.
B. Correct. If there have been higher amounts of rainfall in the past 2 years then it means that improvement of crop yields was not due to the new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed.
C. Incorrect answer. As it has been mentioned, "after adopting the new hybrid seed, crop yields significantly improved across the country".
D. Incorrect answer. It is clearly mentioned that the new hybrid seed has been adopted across the country.
E. Incorrect answer. Out of scope.
User avatar
andreagonzalez2k
User avatar
Joined: 15 Feb 2021
Last visit: 26 Jul 2025
Posts: 308
Own Kudos:
497
 [1]
Given Kudos: 14
Posts: 308
Kudos: 497
 [1]
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 25 Dec 2024, 04:46
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
To determine whether the improvement in crop yields can properly be attributed to the new drought-resistant hybrid seed, we need to understand what other factors could have contributed to the improvement. The goal is to isolate the effect of the new seed and rule out other potential explanations.

(A) What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds?
This question is related to the economic behavior of farmers, but it does not directly address whether the crop yield improvement is due to the new hybrid seed's drought resistance. INCORRECT

(B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?
This is a crucial question because if weather conditions (like rainfall) improved significantly during the period when the new hybrid seed was introduced, the improvement in crop yields could be attributed to the improved weather rather than the hybrid seed. If there has been an improvement in rainfall, it would be hard to say whether the seed itself is responsible for the improved yields. CORRECT

(C) Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement?
While this question might help identify which type of seed contributed the most to the overall yield improvement, it doesn't specifically address the question of whether the hybrid seed's drought-resistant quality is the cause of the improvement. INCORRECT

(D) Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds?
This question could help understand the overall adoption of the hybrid seeds, but it doesn't directly address whether the improvement in crop yields is due to the drought-resistant quality of the hybrid seed. INCORRECT

(E) Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent?
This question might provide context about the types of crops being grown, but it does not address the central issue: whether the improvement in crop yields is due to the new hybrid seed's drought resistance. INCORRECT

IMO B
User avatar
nishantswaft
User avatar
ISB School Moderator
Joined: 17 Oct 2024
Last visit: 10 Oct 2025
Posts: 160
Own Kudos:
114
Given Kudos: 18
Posts: 160
Kudos: 114
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 25 Dec 2024, 05:27
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
.Question type:

Additional Evidence

Answer choice analysis:


B. Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?

Correct, If this is true then it can form an alternate reason for the rise in the yield which will decrease our belief in the conclusion, whereas if this is false an alternate reason is removed and our conclusion is strengthened.
User avatar
Shruuuu
User avatar
Joined: 21 Nov 2023
Last visit: 10 Nov 2025
Posts: 70
Own Kudos:
95
 [1]
Given Kudos: 99
Location: India
Schools: ISB '27 (A)
GMAT Focus 1: 655 Q83 V86 DI78
Products:
GMAT Club Tests
Schools: ISB '27 (A)
GMAT Focus 1: 655 Q83 V86 DI78
Posts: 70
Kudos: 95
 [1]
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 25 Dec 2024, 05:37
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Eliminating options one by one to find the question whose answer would be most helpful -

(A) What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds? - The answer to this would only make us know the expenditure & not the improvement in crop yields by hybrid seeds - ELIMINATE
(B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years? - If yes, the change in the yield could be because of weather change and not because of adoption of hybrid seeds. If no, the change is because of hybrid seeds adoption - CORRECT
(C) Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement? - Answer to this will give us the different proportion improvement but largest proportion is an extreme to assess yield improvement as we don't know the amount of seeds planted of each type - ELIMINATE
(D) Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds? - Answer to this could be a yes / no. If yes, the improvement in yield could be from traditional seeds or hybrid seeds & if no, the improvement could be bc of hybrid seeds - ELIMINATE
(E) Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent? - This only talks about the farms types but we don't know whether the seeds planted in drought resistant ones are hybrid or both or the higher yield is from what - ELIMINATE

Bunuel
12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $40,000 of Prizes

Agricultural Researcher: After several years of declining crop yields due to droughts, Country A’s research center introduced a new hybrid seed specifically designed to be more drought-resistant. Before the introduction of the hybrid seed, farmers used a variety of traditional seeds that had varying levels of drought tolerance. After adopting the new hybrid seed, crop yields significantly improved across the country.

It would be most helpful to find out which of the following in order to assess whether the improvement in crop yields can properly be attributed to the new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed?

(A) What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds?
(B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?
(C) Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement?
(D) Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds?
(E) Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent?

 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the 12 Days of Christmas Competition

Win $40,000 in prizes: Courses, Tests & more

 

Show more
User avatar
pintukr
User avatar
Joined: 03 Jul 2022
Last visit: 18 Nov 2025
Posts: 1,590
Own Kudos:
1,088
 [1]
Given Kudos: 22
GMAT 1: 680 Q49 V34
Products:
My Reviews
GMAT 1: 680 Q49 V34
Posts: 1,590
Kudos: 1,088
 [1]
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 25 Dec 2024, 06:01
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Agricultural Researcher: After several years of declining crop yields due to droughts, Country A’s research center introduced a new hybrid seed specifically designed to be more drought-resistant. Before the introduction of the hybrid seed, farmers used a variety of traditional seeds that had varying levels of drought tolerance. After adopting the new hybrid seed, crop yields significantly improved across the country.


Conclusion of the argument is that New hybrid seeds --> improved crop yields. It would be worthy to find out whether there are any extraneous factors responsible for the significantly improved crop yields.


It would be most helpful to find out which of the following in order to assess whether the improvement in crop yields can properly be attributed to the new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed?


(A) What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds?
The knowledge about such proportion of the farmers' total expenditure will not affect the attribution degree of the improvement in crop yields to the new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seeds


(B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?
If there has been a significant favorable change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, it may explain the improvement in crop yields; then, the attribution of the improvement in crop yields to the new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seeds becomes doubtful--> so, this would be helpful for such assessment


(C) Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement?
Another datapoint--> irrelevant to the attributability


(D) Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds?
the answer to this question doesn't impact the attributability


(E) Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent?
Awareness of the farms specializing in nature of crops is another datapoint--> irrelevant to the attributability



(B) is the CORRECT answer
User avatar
prashantthawrani
User avatar
Joined: 07 Feb 2023
Last visit: 23 Jun 2025
Posts: 71
Own Kudos:
93
 [1]
Given Kudos: 43
Location: India
Posts: 71
Kudos: 93
 [1]
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 25 Dec 2024, 07:11
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Agricultural Researcher: After several years of declining crop yields due to droughts, Country A’s research center introduced a new hybrid seed specifically designed to be more drought-resistant. Before the introduction of the hybrid seed, farmers used a variety of traditional seeds that had varying levels of drought tolerance. After adopting the new hybrid seed, crop yields significantly improved across the country.

It would be most helpful to find out which of the following in order to assess whether the improvement in crop yields can properly be attributed to the new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed?

(A) What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds?
  • Irrelevant, as it doesn't help in assessing the effect of the hybrid seed's drought resistance on yield improvements.
(B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?
  • Changes in rainfall could influence crop yields independently of the seeds, making this information crucial for attributing yield improvements to the new hybrid seed.

(C) Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement?
  • It may help to identify whether the hybrid seed is a major contributor to yield improvements, but doesn't put emphasis on its drought resistance property.
(D) Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds?
  • Irrelevant, as it doesn't help in assessing the effect of the hybrid seed's drought resistance on yield improvements.
(E) Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent?
  • Irrelevant, as it doesn't help in assessing the effect of the hybrid seed's drought resistance on yield improvements.
User avatar
Mardee
User avatar
Joined: 22 Nov 2022
Last visit: 16 Oct 2025
Posts: 127
Own Kudos:
110
 [1]
Given Kudos: 17
Products:
GMAT Club Tests
Posts: 127
Kudos: 110
 [1]
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 25 Dec 2024, 07:19
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
(A) What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds?
This is not helpful as it is unrelated to the yield improvement or drought resistance of the hybrid seed. The cost of seeds does not help determine whether the improvement in crop yields is due to the seed’s drought resistance

(B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?
This is highly helpful. If rainfall increased significantly after the hybrid seed was introduced, it could suggest that improved weather conditions, rather than the drought-resistant quality of the hybrid seed, contributed to the higher crop yields

(C) Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement?
This is less directly helpful. It might give insights into the contribution of the hybrid seed but it does not help assess whether the improvement is due to the seed's drought resistance or other factors

(D) Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds?
This isnt entirely helpful. This might help identify differences in yield between hybrid and traditional seeds but it does not address whether the yield improvement is due to the drought-resistant quality of the hybrid seed

(E) Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent?
This is not helpful to determine whether the yield improvement is due to the drought-resistant quality of the hybrid seed. The focus is on the impact of the hybrid seed itself, not the types of crops grown
User avatar
SunnyPoddar
User avatar
Joined: 21 Nov 2020
Last visit: 14 Nov 2025
Posts: 29
Own Kudos:
24
 [1]
Given Kudos: 2
Posts: 29
Kudos: 24
 [1]
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 25 Dec 2024, 07:50
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Bunuel
12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $40,000 of Prizes

Agricultural Researcher: After several years of declining crop yields due to droughts, Country A’s research center introduced a new hybrid seed specifically designed to be more drought-resistant. Before the introduction of the hybrid seed, farmers used a variety of traditional seeds that had varying levels of drought tolerance. After adopting the new hybrid seed, crop yields significantly improved across the country.

It would be most helpful to find out which of the following in order to assess whether the improvement in crop yields can properly be attributed to the new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed?

(A) What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds?
(B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?
(C) Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement?
(D) Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds?
(E) Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent?

 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the 12 Days of Christmas Competition

Win $40,000 in prizes: Courses, Tests & more

 

Show more
A: This does not support the adopting of new Hybrid seed. Though expenditure can be an important parameter to look for but it does not provide any substantial evidence in favour of use of new hybrid seeds. Rejected
B: This is for sure an important parameter to consider. If the rainfall or the local weather patter has improved in the last 2 year that this might be the reason behind better crop yield and not the new hybrid seeds. Accepted
C: It does not directly address whether the hybrid seed's drought resistance is responsible for the improvement. Rejected
D: This can be a good question from the research prospective but will not help us in understanding the main cause of crop yield improvement. Rejected
E: This point would have made more sense if there was a comparison between the pre and post shift by the same farm owner or if the same farm was divided between 2 halfs. But with the current information it does not prove anything. Rejected.
User avatar
BatrickPatemann
User avatar
Joined: 29 May 2024
Last visit: 16 Nov 2025
Posts: 64
Own Kudos:
55
 [1]
Given Kudos: 153
Products:
GMAT Club Tests
Posts: 64
Kudos: 55
 [1]
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 25 Dec 2024, 08:17
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
(A) What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds?
(B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?
(C) Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement?
(D) Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds?
(E) Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent


The main factor influencing yields might be climate itself and we need to know that to assess the effectiveness of the new crop.
User avatar
mpp01
User avatar
Joined: 13 Dec 2024
Last visit: 08 Jun 2025
Posts: 49
Own Kudos:
48
 [1]
Given Kudos: 9
Location: Spain
Posts: 49
Kudos: 48
 [1]
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 25 Dec 2024, 08:33
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
(A) What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds?
(B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years? If this was the case, then the improvement in yields is not clearly related to the new technology of the seeds. Correct answer.
(C) Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement?
(D) Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds?
(E) Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent?
User avatar
chloepham
User avatar
Joined: 17 Nov 2024
Last visit: 09 Jan 2025
Posts: 12
Own Kudos:
13
 [1]
Given Kudos: 16
Posts: 12
Kudos: 13
 [1]
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 25 Dec 2024, 08:34
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
[*](A): The proportion of farmers' expenditure on seeds is irrelevant to the question of whether the hybrid seed's drought resistance is responsible for the improved yields.
[*](B): This is directly relevant because a change in rainfall patterns (e.g., increased rainfall) could explain the improved yields, making it unclear if the hybrid seed's drought resistance was the main factor.
[*](C): Knowing which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement does not directly assess whether the hybrid seed's drought resistance caused the improvement.
[*](D): Whether some farmers continue to use traditional seeds does not clarify whether the yield improvements are due to the hybrid seed's drought resistance.
[*](E): The types of crops being grown (drought-resistant vs. water-dependent) do not help determine if the hybrid seed's drought resistance caused the improvement.
==> B

Bunuel
12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $40,000 of Prizes

Agricultural Researcher: After several years of declining crop yields due to droughts, Country A’s research center introduced a new hybrid seed specifically designed to be more drought-resistant. Before the introduction of the hybrid seed, farmers used a variety of traditional seeds that had varying levels of drought tolerance. After adopting the new hybrid seed, crop yields significantly improved across the country.

It would be most helpful to find out which of the following in order to assess whether the improvement in crop yields can properly be attributed to the new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed?

(A) What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds?
(B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?
(C) Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement?
(D) Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds?
(E) Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent?

 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the 12 Days of Christmas Competition

Win $40,000 in prizes: Courses, Tests & more

 

Show more
User avatar
Lizaza
User avatar
Joined: 16 Jan 2021
Last visit: 17 Nov 2025
Posts: 165
Own Kudos:
219
Given Kudos: 5
GMAT 1: 710 Q47 V40
GMAT 1: 710 Q47 V40
Posts: 165
Kudos: 219
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 25 Dec 2024, 08:55
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
We know from the prompt that the farmers introduced new hybrid seeds, and then crop yields increased. However, the actual connection between the two is not proven, it's just assumed - and this we need to verify.

(a) Price and cost are both irrelevant to the prompt. Eliminate.
(b) If weather changed, then there's no drought to even fight against, hence hybrid seeds are irrelevant. A good option.
(c) While this doesn't look bad, individual proportion wouldn't help here. For instance, top three names would be at 31-30-29%, which is not illustrative as per the efficiency of the top one. Eliminate.
(d) This is not bad either, but if the answer is 'yes', we still don't have any numerical comparison of the anti-drought efficiency (let's say hybrids only account for 1% or less). Eliminate.
(e) Specialty of farms is surely out of scope, especially without precise numbers. Eliminate.

Therefore, the answer is B.
   1   2   3   4   
Moderators:
GMATNinja
GMAT Club Verbal Expert
7445 posts
GMATNinjaTwo
GMAT Club Verbal Expert
234 posts
miag
188 posts