Bureaucratic mechanisms are engineered to resist change. Thus, despite

The first sentence is not a conclusion; the second sentence starting with THUS is the conclusion.

Bureaucratic mechanisms are engineered to resist change. Thus, despite growing dissatisfaction with complex bureaucratic systems, it is unlikely that bureaucracies will be simplified.

The claim that bureaucratic mechanisms are engineered to resist change plays which one of the following roles in the argument?

The question is basically asking us what role the first sentence plays.

(A) It is a premise offered in support of the claim that it is unlikely that bureaucracies will be simplified.
Sounds about right. Keep.

(B) It is a conclusion for which the only support offered is the claim that dissatisfaction with complex bureaucratic systems is growing.
Nope. The first part is not a conclusion. Also this sentence kind of switches the purpose of the roles.

(C) It is cited as evidence that bureaucratic systems are becoming more and more complex.
It is cited as evidence - but not for things getting more and more complex.

(D) It is used to weaken the claim that bureaucracies should be simplified.
Nope, the author has not taken a position on this issue

(E) It is a conclusion for which the claim that bureaucracies are unlikely to be simplified is offered as support.
Nope, the first part is not a conclusion.

5 Verbal Tips from a V48 GMAT Tutor

Premise - Bureaucratic mechanisms are engineered to resist change.
Conclusion - Thus, despite growing dissatisfaction with complex bureaucratic systems, it is unlikely that bureaucracies will be simplified.

Ques - The claim that bureaucratic mechanisms are engineered to resist change plays which one of the following roles in the argument?

Lets analyse the answer choices -
(A) It is a premise offered in support of the claim that it is unlikely that bureaucracies will be simplified. - Correct as identified in the argument.

(B) It is a conclusion for which the only support offered is the claim that dissatisfaction with complex bureaucratic systems is growing. - Incorrect

(C) It is cited as evidence that bureaucratic systems are becoming more and more complex. - Incorrect as it is not an evidence.

(D) It is used to weaken the claim that bureaucracies should be simplified. - Incorrect as it is not weakening the argument but provides the premise for the conclusion.

(E) It is a conclusion for which the claim that bureaucracies are unlikely to be simplified is offered as support. - Incorrect

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