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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 9: Research in the nation

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Bunuel

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

Research in the nation of Veloria shows that only 18% of Velorians under 30 volunteer their time, while over 65% of Velorians over 30 participate in volunteer activities regularly. Despite the younger population forming a significant segment of society, nonprofit organizations predict that in ten years, the percentage of Velorians who engage in volunteer activities will likely remain stable or even increase.

Which of the following, if true, provides the strongest grounds for the nonprofits' prediction?

(A) The number of Velorians under 30 is less than the number of Velorians over 30.
(B) The number of nonprofit organizations in Veloria has increased significantly in the past decade.
(C) The research defined a regular volunteer as someone who volunteers at least once a month.
(D) The percentage of Velorians who engaged in volunteer work was higher 25 years ago than it is today.
(E) The rate of volunteer participation among Velorians under 30 has traditionally been low.

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Bunuel

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Bunuel

12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $30,000 of Prizes

Research in the nation of Veloria shows that only 18% of Velorians under 30 volunteer their time, while over 65% of Velorians over 30 participate in volunteer activities regularly. Despite the younger population forming a significant segment of society, nonprofit organizations predict that in ten years, the percentage of Velorians who engage in volunteer activities will likely remain stable or even increase.

Which of the following, if true, provides the strongest grounds for the nonprofits' prediction?

(A) The number of Velorians under 30 is less than the number of Velorians over 30.
(B) The number of nonprofit organizations in Veloria has increased significantly in the past decade.
(C) The research defined a regular volunteer as someone who volunteers at least once a month.
(D) The percentage of Velorians who engaged in volunteer work was higher 25 years ago than it is today.
(E) The rate of volunteer participation among Velorians under 30 has traditionally been low.

GMAT Club's Official Explanation:

(A) Incorrect. This answer choice weakens the prediction as it potentially indicates that the population is going to shrink, though the information is not very transparent since we need quite a bit more information about age and life expectancy, but either way, this answer choice either weakens or neutral. Eliminate.

(B) Incorrect. This answer choice does not support the prediction as it simply states there are more volunteer organizations. Having more non-profits does not help but one could argue this fact may draw in more people to volunteer but it may equally just spread them thinly among all the new non-profits. This answer choice does not provide strong support, but if you feel like it, you can hang on to it if no better / stronger candidate is found.

(C) Incorrect. This information is defining the concept of a volunteer but it does not help support the prediction. Eliminate.

(D) Incorrect. This answer choice potentially weakens the prediction as it implies there is a declining trend when it comes to volunteering. Eliminate.

(E) Correct. This is an interesting piece of information. If the rate of volunteer participation among those who are under 30 has traditionally been low, that means that 18% is not a relevant or meaningful indicator. And that it is completely normal to have only 18% of sub-30 adults volunteering. We do not know why the preferences change but perhaps the age has something to do with changing preferences of older adults when it comes to volunteering activities, perhaps due to free time, retirement, affluence, or other reasons. So this historical perspective supports the prediction the strongest among the answer choices.

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(A) If there are fewer young people, their low participation rate would have less impact on overall numbers. - Correct

(B) More organizations doesn't necessarily affect participation rates - Incorrect

(C) Definition doesn't explain future trends - Incorrect

(D) Historical data doesn't support future prediction - Incorrect

(E) Traditional low youth participation doesn't support stability/increase - Incorrect

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Let's approach this Strengthen the Argument question systematically:

First, let's identify the conclusion and the given information:

Given: - 18% of Velorians under 30 volunteer their time - Over 65% of Velorians over 30 participate in volunteer activities regularly - The younger population forms a significant segment of society

Conclusion: In ten years, the percentage of Velorians who engage in volunteer activities will likely remain stable or even increase.

Now, let's evaluate each option to see which one mast strongly supports this conclusion:

A) The number of Velorians under 30 is less than the number of Velorians over 30. This actually strengthens the argument somewhat. If there are fewer young people (who volunteer less) than older people (who volunteer more), it supports the idea that overall volunteering rates could remain stable or increase.

B) The number of nonprofit organizations in Veloria has increased significantly in the past decade. While this might create more opportunities for volunteering, it doesn't directly support the prediction about volunteering rates.

C) The research defined a regular volunteer as someone who volunteers at least once a month. This merely clarifies the definition used in the research and doesn't strengthen the conclusion.

D) The percentage of Velorians who engaged in volunteer work was higher 25 years ago than it is today. This actually weakens the argument by suggesting a downward trend in volunteering.

E) The rate of volunteer participation among Velorians under 30 has traditionally been low. This is the strongest option. If young people have always volunteered less, it suggests that the current low rate among young people is not unusual and is likely to increase as they age, supporting the prediction that overall volunteering rates will remain stable or increase.

Therefore, the correct answer is E. It provides the strongest grounds for the nonprofits' prediction by suggesting that the current low volunteering rate among young people is part of a normal pattern, and these individuals are likely to volunteer more as they get older, thus maintaining or increasing the overall volunteering rate in the future.

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Key fact: 18% under-30 vs 65% over-30 volunteer rates
If there are fewer young people than older people, their lower volunteer rate has less impact on the overall percentage. Thus Option A is strongest. Additionally, current under-30s will move into the higher-participating over-30 category over time, supporting a stable or increasing trend.

Other options don't support the prediction:
B: More nonprofits doesn't ensure more volunteers
C: Definition doesn't explain future trends
D: Past rates don't predict future stability
E: Historically low youth rates don't suggest overall stability

Answer: A

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Bunuel

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To determine which option supports the prediction that the percentage of Velorians engaging in volunteer activities will remain stable or increase, we need to find a statement that explains why the current low volunteer participation among younger Velorians (under 30) will not significantly impact overall volunteering rates in the future.

Evaluating each option:
(A) The number of Velorians under 30 is less than the number of Velorians over 30.

If there are fewer Velorians under 30 compared to those over 30, their lower participation has less impact on the overall percentage. This supports the prediction that the percentage will remain stable or increase as older Velorians maintain high participation.
Strongly supports the prediction.

(B) The number of nonprofit organizations in Veloria has increased significantly in the past decade.

This indicates growth in nonprofits but does not directly explain why volunteering percentages will remain stable or increase.
Irrelevant to the prediction.

This defines the criteria for volunteering but does not provide insight into future trends or the stability of volunteer rates.
Irrelevant to the prediction.

(D) The percentage of Velorians who engaged in volunteer work was higher 25 years ago than it is today.

This points to a historical trend of decline in volunteering rates, which contradicts the prediction that the percentage will remain stable or increase.
Weakens the prediction.

(E) The rate of volunteer participation among Velorians under 30 has traditionally been low.

This confirms that younger Velorians typically volunteer less, but it does not explain why the overall volunteer rate will remain stable or increase in the future.
Does not strongly support the prediction.

Correct Answer: (A)

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Bunuel

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(A)If the number of Velorians under 30 is less than Velorian over 30, implying >30 would form the majority always hence percentage would remain stable or increase
(B)Number of organisation has no correlation to individual participation.
(C)Evaluation metric doesn't really change anything
(D)This is a negates the prediction if true
(E)This is known fact, doesn't change anything

Hence (A)

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A) If the number is low despite them forming a significant portion, then the prediction holds because then the % can remain stable/increase even if the youth % increases
B) no clear link. even if non profit orgs are increasing, we dont know its impact on the prediction
C) Even if this is the case, this doesnt help explain why the % is predicted to be stable or increase considering that youth forms a significant part of the population
D) Comparison to 25 years ago is irrelevant
E) If its been traditionally low then this actually goes against the prediction which states that the % will remain stable or increase

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The answer is option A.

We need to find an answer that strengthens the argument which says, despite the younger population participants are less, NGO will be supported and grow.

(A) The number of Velorians under 30 is less than the number of Velorians over 30. -- > Since the number of Velorians are high above 30, volunteering for the organizations will be high. directly strengthens.

(B) The number of nonprofit organizations in Veloria has increased significantly in the past decade. --> Doesn't mean that it will be supported by volunteers well.

(C) The research defined a regular volunteer as someone who volunteers at least once a month. --> Not necessary, even if they volunteer for a month, do i know it will improve my organization, No. So eliminate.

(D) The percentage of Velorians who engaged in volunteer work was higher 25 years ago than it is today. --> Again, this is not helping us

(E) The rate of volunteer participation among Velorians under 30 has traditionally been low. --> Even it has been low, what is it telling about my prediction of NGO growing? so eliminate.

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Question Analysis

The argument predicts that despite the low volunteer rate among Velorians under 30, the overall percentage of Velorians engaging in volunteer activities will remain stable or increase in 10 years. To support this prediction, we need evidence showing why the lower volunteer rate among younger Velorians will not significantly impact the overall volunteer rate over time.

---

Answer Choices Analysis

(A) The number of Velorians under 30 is less than the number of Velorians over 30.
While this is plausible and could explain the current state, it does not necessarily support the prediction that the percentage of volunteers will remain stable or increase in the future. It only gives a static fact about the current demographic distribution and does not address why the overall percentage would stay stable. Eliminate A

---

(B) The number of nonprofit organizations in Veloria has increased significantly in the past decade.
While this might indicate more opportunities to volunteer, it does not address why the overall percentage will remain stable or increase, especially given the low volunteer rate among the younger population.
This is irrelevant. Eliminate B

---

(C) The research defined a regular volunteer as someone who volunteers at least once a month.
This provides a definition but does not explain why the overall percentage of volunteers will remain stable or increase.
This is irrelevant. Eliminate C

---

(D) The percentage of Velorians who engaged in volunteer work was higher 25 years ago than it is today.
This information about past trends does not explain why the percentage of volunteers will remain stable or increase in the future.
This is irrelevant. Eliminate D

---

(E) The rate of volunteer participation among Velorians under 30 has traditionally been low.
This answer explains why the nonprofits predict stability or growth. In other words, the low volunteer rate among younger Velorians is not a new issue, and it has been offset by the higher rates among older Velorians in the past. Therefore, the overall percentage is likely to remain stable or even increase as those under 30 age into the higher-participation group.This directly supports the prediction by suggesting historical stability in the overall rate despite low youth participation. Keep E

---

Correct Answer: (E) as it directly explains the nonprofits' prediction based on historical trends.

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The Argument
Research shows that younger Velorians (<30 years old) have a low volunteer rate (18%), while older Velorians (≥30 years old) have a much higher rate (65%).
Despite this disparity, nonprofits predict that the percentage of Velorians engaged in volunteering will remain stable or increase in the next 10 years.

Key Considerations
The prediction depends on:

The relative sizes of the two age groups (younger vs. older).
Whether future trends in participation rates or population distribution can sustain or increase overall volunteerism.
The correct answer will directly explain why the overall volunteer rate will remain stable or increase, despite the low rate among younger individuals.

Analysis of Options
(A) The number of Velorians under 30 is less than the number of Velorians over 30.
This is a strong contender because if the younger age group (with low volunteer rates) is smaller, their lower participation will have less impact on the overall rate. The older group (with high participation) would thus dominate the overall average, supporting the prediction.
This directly strengthens the nonprofits' prediction.

(B) The number of nonprofit organizations in Veloria has increased significantly in the past decade.
While this might suggest increased opportunities for volunteering, it doesn't address why the overall volunteer rate will remain stable or increase despite the low participation rate among younger individuals.
Irrelevant to the argument.

(C) The research defined a regular volunteer as someone who volunteers at least once a month.
This is background information about the study's definition of "regular volunteer." It doesn't explain why the prediction about future volunteer rates will hold true.
Does not strengthen the prediction.

(D) The percentage of Velorians who engaged in volunteer work was higher 25 years ago than it is today.
This historical fact about past volunteer rates does not address current or future trends. It neither explains nor supports the nonprofits' prediction.
Irrelevant to the prediction.

(E) The rate of volunteer participation among Velorians under 30 has traditionally been low.
While this explains that younger individuals have historically volunteered less, it doesn't address how the overall rate will remain stable or increase. It describes the status quo rather than supporting the prediction.
Weakens the prediction if anything.

Correct Answer:
(A)

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Bunuel

This question was provided by GMAT Club
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Currently, 18% of Velorians under 30 volunteer, while over 65% of Velorians over 30 volunteer regularly.
The question discusses volunteer percentages and indicates that there is a significant younger population.
Nonprofit organizations predict that volunteer participation will increase or stay stable in the future.
(E) is the Strongest Answer:
(E) states: "The rate of volunteer participation among Velorians under 30 has traditionally been low."
This statement suggests that although the participation rate is low among younger Velorians, it has traditionally been low, implying that it could increase as younger individuals age and transition into the 30+ age group, where volunteer participation is significantly higher.Since many young people may start volunteering more as they age, this could lead to an overall increase in volunteer participation, which aligns with the nonprofits' prediction.
Why Other Options Don’t Work as Well:
(A) talks about the relative number of young and old Velorians, which doesn’t directly support an increase in participation among the younger group. It only implies that the current low rate of young people volunteering might not affect the overall participation much, but it doesn’t directly explain an increase.
(B) focuses on the number of nonprofit organizations, which doesn’t address volunteer rates or explain the likely increase.
(C) provides a definition of "regular volunteer," which doesn’t give us any predictive insight.
(D) discusses past trends but doesn’t help predict future increases in participation.

IMO E

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A

we need to identify the choice that explains why this prediction is likely despite the low volunteer rate among those under 30.

despite the low participation rate among younger individuals. The prediction might be influenced by the size of the two age groups, trends over time, or definitions used in the research.

(A) The number of Velorians under 30 is less than the number of Velorians over 30.
If fewer younger people exist compared to those over 30, then the higher volunteer rate among the older group would have a more significant impact on the overall percentage. This supports the idea that the overall volunteer rate might remain stable or increase despite low participation among the younger group.
This is a strong option.

(B) The number of nonprofit organizations in Veloria has increased significantly in the past decade.
While an increase in nonprofits might suggest more opportunities for volunteering, it does not directly explain why the overall percentage of volunteers would remain stable or increase. It is not tied to the population dynamics or behavior patterns of the age groups in question.
Not relevant to the prediction.

(C) The research defined a regular volunteer as someone who volunteers at least once a month.
This describes how the research was conducted but does not provide any insight into why the percentage of Velorians who volunteer might remain stable or increase.
Not relevant to the prediction.

(D) The percentage of Velorians who engaged in volunteer work was higher 25 years ago than it is today.
This provides historical context but does not address why the current prediction of stability or growth in volunteering is valid.
Not relevant to the prediction.

(E) The rate of volunteer participation among Velorians under 30 has traditionally been low.
This restates information from the question but does not explain why the overall percentage of Velorians who volunteer would remain stable or increase in the future.
Not relevant to the prediction.

Bunuel

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Here's my understanding:

(A) The number of Velorians under 30 is less than the number of Velorians over 30.

This suggests that the larger proportion of volunteers (over 30) outweighs the smaller, less active younger group, which could stabilize or increase the overall volunteer percentage. This directly supports the prediction and is a strong contender.

(B) The number of nonprofit organizations in Veloria has increased significantly in the past decade.

While this shows growth in opportunities to volunteer, it doesn't directly explain why the percentage of volunteers will remain stable or increase.

(C) The research defined a regular volunteer as someone who volunteers at least once a month.
This is a clarification of the study's methodology but does not explain why volunteer participation percentages will remain stable or increase.

(D) The percentage of Velorians who engaged in volunteer work was higher 25 years ago than it is today.
This provides historical context but does not address the prediction. A past decline doesn't indicate future stability or growth.

(E) The rate of volunteer participation among Velorians under 30 has traditionally been low.

This reinforces the current trend but does not explain why the overall percentage of volunteers will remain stable or increase.

Conclusion:
The strongest option is (A) because it explains that the larger, more active group (over 30) will continue to influence the overall percentage.
(A) provides a logical explanation and directly supports the prediction while (E) does not.

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We need to find which of the following will support the nonprofits' prediction.

(A) The number of Velorians under 30 is less than the number of Velorians over 30. We don't know if it will be the same in ten years and % of people participating may change, but towards positive or negative we don't know. Eliminate.
(B) The number of nonprofit organizations in Veloria has increased significantly in the past decade. Increased in the past decade, if it increases in the next 10 years then it wouldve been a contender. Eliminate.
(C) The research defined a regular volunteer as someone who volunteers at least once a month. Irrelevant, we don't know how it will be considered in coming 10 years. Eliminate
(D) The percentage of Velorians who engaged in volunteer work was higher 25 years ago than it is today. We are trying to support future 10 years prediction. Eliminate
(E) The rate of volunteer participation among Velorians under 30 has traditionally been low., This option says participation of folks under 30 is traditionally low, so we don't expect any change and >30 folks may or may not increase, so this option best suits compared to others. This is the answer.

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Question type:

Strengthen

Answer choice analysis:

A. The number of Velorians under 30 is less than the number of Velorians over 30.

Incorrect, This does not provide the grounds for the nonprofits' prediction, we don’t know what change will occur in 10 years.

B. The number of nonprofit organizations in Veloria has increased significantly in the past decade.

Incorrect, This does not tell us in any way how the the percentage of Velorians who engage in volunteer activities will likely remain stable or even increase.

C. The research defined a regular volunteer as someone who volunteers at least once a month.

Incorrect, Irrelevant we are not concerned about the definition we want to know the basis of prediction.

D. The percentage of Velorians who engaged in volunteer work was higher 25 years ago than it is today.

Correct. If this is true, then it gives us a clue that people in the age group of 25-30 years now are more engaged in volunteer work.
In 10 years they’ll move to beyond 30 years of age and hence a higher percent of them will be engaged in volunteer work. This provides a basis to the conclusion.

E. The rate of volunteer participation among Velorians under 30 has traditionally been low.

Incorrect. If this is true, then it gives us no reason how the the percentage of Velorians who engage in volunteer activities will likely remain stable or even increase.

D is the answer

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26 Dec 2024, 11:19

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Bunuel

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The question becomes very easy if we catch these highlighted points before we go into the POE. So #Young ppl is high & We are not talking about absolute figures in the 10yr prediction. That is also in %term.

(A) The number of Velorians under 30 is less than the number of Velorians over 30.Opposite to the premise, Eliminated.
(B) The number of nonprofit organizations in Veloria has increased significantly in the past decade. Irrelevant.
(C) The research defined a regular volunteer as someone who volunteers at least once a month. Irrelevant
(D) The percentage of Velorians who engaged in volunteer work was higher 25 years ago than it is today. No impact, Irrelevant
(E) The rate of volunteer participation among Velorians under 30 has traditionally been low. Hmm, This is not the first instance is what E is meaning. May be 10yrs back also the same scene. While ppl age they may lean towards volunteering.

Hence E is the best option that is needed to support author's conclusion.

IMO E

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26 Dec 2024, 11:22

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A. If there are fewer younger Velorians than older ones, the higher volunteering rate among those over 30 would dominate the overall percentage. This directly supports the prediction. CORRECT

B. While this suggests that there are more opportunities for volunteering, it doesn’t address whether people will actually volunteer at higher rates in the future. INCORRECT

C. This clarifies the definition of “regular volunteer,” but it does not explain why the percentage of Velorians volunteering will remain stable or increase. INCORRECT

D. This indicates a historical decline in volunteering but does not explain why the trend will reverse or stabilize in the future. It undermines, rather than supports, the prediction. INCORRECT

E. This explains the current low rate of volunteering among younger Velorians but does not explain why the overall percentage will remain stable or increase in the future. INCORRECT

Answer A.

HansikaSachdeva

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26 Dec 2024, 12:01

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(A) Even if the population under 30 is smaller, their low participation could still decrease the average - Incorrect

(B) Increase in non profits might lead to an increase in opportunities for volunteering, this option does not talk about the low participation of the younger population - Incorrect

(C) Doesn't explain why the overall rate might remain stable or increase - Incorrect

(D) Suggests a decline in volunteering overall - Incorrect

(E) If low participation among younger people is a historical trend, it suggests that the current situation is not a sudden drop and might not impact the overall volunteer rate - Correct

missionmba2025

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26 Dec 2024, 12:06

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Bunuel

This question was provided by GMAT Club
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Percentage = Volunteers / Total Population

From the passage we know that in 10 years, the percentage of Velorians who engage in volunteer activities will likely remain stable or even increase. This means either the number of volunteers remain low or the total population increases.

(A) The number of Velorians under 30 is less than the number of Velorians over 30.

Doesn't give any information on the number of volunteers under 30 , or tells us that population will increase. Eliminate A.

(B) The number of nonprofit organizations in Veloria has increased significantly in the past decade.

Irrelevant to the argument. Hence, we can eliminate B.

(C) The research defined a regular volunteer as someone who volunteers at least once a month.

Irrelevant to determining the percentage. Hence, we can eliminate C.

(D) The percentage of Velorians who engaged in volunteer work was higher 25 years ago than it is today.

Irrelevant to determining the percentage. Hence, we can eliminate C.

(E) The rate of volunteer participation among Velorians under 30 has traditionally been low.

This means the number of volunteers under 30 will remain low. This option is closest of the other 4.

Option E