souvik101990 wrote:
Country X contains many rivers that flow down from its high mountains. These rivers have been dammed to harness the hydroelectric power that can be derived from this resource. More than enough power is generated from these dams to meet the country’s energy needs. Yet, citizens of Country X often experience power shortages or even outages. Which of the following, if true, best explains the situation described above?
A. The flow of the rivers is heavier in the spring than at other times of year.
B. Citizens of Country X rely heavily on electronic appliances in their homes.
C. Country X has not invested in alternate sources of energy.
D. Most of the electricity generated in Country X is sold to other countries.
E. Some of the most powerful rivers in Country X have yet to be dammed.
This question is part of the GMAT Club Critical Reasoning : Paradox Revision Project. OFFICIAL EXPLANATION
The hydroelectric dams in Country X generate "more than enough power... to meet the country's energy needs." Yet, Country X still experiences shortages and outages. This could result from several causes: perhaps the system breaks down frequently, or the energy generated in Country X is not actually used by citizens of Country X.
(A) If the flow is heavier, that would provide even more energy during the spring. This does not address a potential cause of shortages or outages.
(B) The argument states that the dams provide "more than enough power... to meet the country's energy needs" - including a reliance on electric appliances.
(C) This choice is irrelevant; the topic is why the country experiences shortages even though the current energy system provides "more than enough" energy.
(D) CORRECT. If the electricity produced is sold to other countries, then there may not be enough left unsold to accommodate the needs of Country X citizens.
(E) This would just mean that the country has the potential to produce even more power than it already does; it does not address a potential cause of shortages or outages.
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