Any reported connection between electromagnetic fields, such

Question

Any reported connection between electromagnetic fields, such as those produced by high-tension wires, and cancer is unsubstantiated. The cancer rate of urban residents is at least as high as that of people living in rural areas close to high-tension wires.

Which of the following, if true, would most severely damage the claim above?

Most cancers are caused by interactions between biochemical and environmental factors. 
 
 Although in many big cities the electrical system is hidden from view, residents of such cities may be living very close to the underground sub-stations of utilities, which produce strong electromagnetic fields. 
 
 Electromagnetic fields are produced not only by high-tension wires but also by ordinary household appliances, such as microwave ovens and refrigerators. 
 
 The cancer most often linked with electromagnetic fields is leukemia, which is incurable. 
 
 Both big cities and areas near high-tension wires are not free of the myriad number of known cancer-causing agents.

abhijit_sen · Answer

I will go with C. Because it explains that apart from high tension wire, there are other things which produces electromagnetic things. So people are affected by it.

ashkrs · Answer

Well I think B is correct. 
Only B talks about big cities. C talks about microwave and refrigerators which could be present in rural areas too.

moni77 · Answer

I didn't understand this passage at all. Could anyone explain?

walker · Answer

B

: electromagnetic fields
 : urban residents
 : people living in rural areas close to high-tension wires -->   is exposed to  
 : The cancer rate

The argument:   is not a cause because:   of   ( Assumption:   is not exposed to    ) equals   of   that exposed to  .

Only B destroys the assumption.
In C we don't know the value of electromagnetic fields. Maybe it is very small. In B we have "strong".

Vavali · Answer

I'll go for C .

B rather strengthens the argument.

Statement B supports/strengthens the author's argument that the relationship between cancer and high tension wires does not hold. B proves that there are other alternatives and thus supports the argument.

However C goes a step further to confirm that Electromagnetic fields are produced not only by high-tension wires but also by ordinary household appliances, such as microwave ovens and refrigerators thus humans have regular contact with it. This explains why there are high incidences of cancer.

What is th OA?

giantSwan · Answer

OA is B.

Walker, if you have a chance...could you explain your "markup" and how you broke that down (or provide a link showing this kind of logic). I'm intriged...

chica · Answer

nice question

In B we have "may be".. That made me stop and think.. and run out of time quickly.. On the other hand, C is too broad.. it does not relate to urban residents only.. and we are to state that urban residents are equally exposed to electromagnetic waves as rural residents are.. therefore, B Thanks for the question and explanations that followed

walker · Answer

It is my technique

I think each CR has a logic line and if we can see this line, the solution of the question will be easier.

sreehari · Answer

good point. totally missed it.

giantSwan · Answer

You should file for a patent

elmagnifico · Answer

it is B

Any reported connection between electromagnetic fields, such

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards