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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 10): Recent studies show that despite

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divi22

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19 Jul 2024, 08:56

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A is the answer.
It is so because we have to find a situation that, if true, provides a good enough reason for scientists' conclusions.
We can't come to the scientists' conclusion from option B. Same goes for the rest.

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Bunuel

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I chose D since it explains why there could be more debris coming in this year that was caused by nature and not human. It was an external environmental factor, so we cannot blame it on the effectiveness of the bans. Hence, scientists could conclude that the bans are effective still. The current situation just masked the potential effectiveness of the bans.
Other answers does not directly address why plastic debris on beaches has not decreased or lacks connection to the findings.

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(A) This means that less plastic is being made now. However, it does not explain why there is still a lot of plastic waste on the beaches.
(B)This means the amount of plastic waste changes a lot every year. But it does not explain why plastic waste on beaches has not decreased.
(C) This means many countries have made laws to reduce plastic use. However, it does not explain why plastic waste on beaches is still the same.
(D) This means strong water currents have moved more plastic to the beaches this year. This explains why there is still a lot of plastic waste on the beaches despite the bans.
(E) This means plastic waste stays in the ocean for a very long time. However, it does not explain why there is still a lot of plastic waste on the beaches now.
Therefore, option (D) is the correct answer.

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- So the question states that "despite the ban of single-use plastic, the amount of plastic debris washing up on beaches has not decreased."

- Evidence for this is that there is a "consistent volume of plastic waste found during beach cleanups over the past year compared to the previous year"

- Nevertheless, scientists have NOT concluded that these bans are ineffective.

So there is a very clear assumption between the evidence presented and the scientists' conclusion, and we must find the answer choice that best supports this link.

A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade.

Does not fall within the timeframe and is irrelevant.

B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.

Not a strong enough of an assumption that the scientists would rely on to make their claim.

C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years.

Once again, not relevant to the assumption. If anything, undermines the assumption.

D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.

Unforeseen circumstance that would explain why there is a consistent volume of plastic waste found during beach cleanups and supports the scientists' assumption.

E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.

Is not very relevant and does not explain why there is a consistant volume of plastic debris washing up during beach cleanups. It might be true, but it is not strong enough to be qualified as an assumption for this specific argument. The decomposition rate of plastic is something that could have been very well known, which is why the beach cleanups were happening in the first place.

Answer is D

Bunuel

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To determine which statement provides the strongest reason for why environmental scientists have not concluded that bans on single-use plastics are ineffective despite the consistent volume of plastic waste washing up on beaches, we need to identify a factor that explains the continued presence of plastic debris.

Lets analyse the options:

A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade.
This statement indicates a reduction in the production of single-use plastics, which would typically support the effectiveness of the bans rather than provide a reason for why the bans might still appear ineffective in the short term.

B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.
This statement mentions variability in the annual production of plastic waste, but it does not directly address why beach plastic waste levels have remained constant despite the bans.

C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years.
This statement mentions the implementation of strict regulations, which supports the notion of efforts being made to reduce plastic use but does not explain the observed lack of reduction in beach plastic waste.

D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.
This statement provides a plausible reason for the continued presence of plastic waste on beaches by attributing it to stronger ocean currents carrying more debris to coastal areas than usual. This external factor could account for why the volume of plastic waste has not decreased, despite the bans.

E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.
This statement explains the persistence of plastic waste in the ocean environment over long periods. While it underscores the enduring nature of plastic, it does not directly explain why the amount of plastic debris on beaches has not decreased in the context of recent bans.

Hence D.

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Recent studies show that despite global efforts to reduce plastic waste by banning single-use plastics, the amount of plastic debris washing up on beaches has not decreased. Evidence of this is the consistent volume of plastic waste found during beach cleanups over the past year compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, environmental scientists have not concluded that these bans are ineffective.

Which of the following would, if true, provide the strongest reason for the scientists' reaction to the findings?

A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade.
B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.
C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years.
D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.
E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.

previous year = y
past year = x
We are given that y<x.
A. If production is reduced in most countries, global plastic waste would be reduced surely.
In my opinion, option A provides new information that makes me believe more in the scientists' reaction to the findings.
CORRECT
B. Whether it reduces or increases. INCORRECT
C. What was the result of implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics? INCORRECT
D. We don't know whether it's plastic debris or some other debris.
Moreover, the argument discusses the past 2 years while this option states fact regarding this year/current year.
Thus, we can also eliminate it because it is out of scope. INCORRECT
E. We are talking about 'after clean up' so this option is incorrect.
Adding to that, even if we consider this shred of information true, plastic waste in ocean environment for past hundreds of years would be constant for previous year and year before that; it will not be the deciding factor.
Therefore, this option does not strengthen or weaken the argument.
INCORRECT

Option A is correct.

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Bunuel

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Studies: Despite global efforts to reduce plastic waste by banning single use plastics, amount of plastic debris washing up on beaches has not decreased
Evidence : consistent volume of plastic waste found duiring beach cleanups over past year compared to previous year
Nevertheless
Scients have not concluded that these bans are ineffective

A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade.
-- Production has significantly reduced , however amount is still found found consistent compared to previous year so despite ban and production we find this...it does not explain why scientists do not conclude bans are ineffective

B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.
-- this just says amount vary year to year but do not substantiate why bans are ineffective. So out

C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years.
-- what many countries have implemented is not required to say why bans are not ineffective so out

D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.
-- This says that strong current have brought more debris to coastal areas. So this supports both studies of consistent volume over past year compared to previous year and we could still say bans are effective as they are not cause by usage of single use plastics as these are debris carried by currents
This looks good and support strongest reason for scientist's reaction to the findings.

E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.
-- this is a general statement and does nothing to argument

So D is the answer

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Recent studies show that despite global efforts to reduce plastic waste by banning single-use plastics, the amount of plastic debris washing up on beaches has not decreased. Evidence of this is the consistent volume of plastic waste found during beach cleanups over the past year compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, environmental scientists have not concluded that these bans are ineffective.

Which of the following would, if true, provide the strongest reason for the scientists' reaction to the findings?
Reframed Question: Which of the following would provide the strongest reason for the scientists' to still believe that plastic ban is working(despite having opposite evidence from studies)?
Hint: The evidence might be very weak/false for scientists' that they still believe ban is working.

A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade.-Can't be a reason for scientist to believe plastic ban is working, as there is evidence of consistent plastic debris on beach

B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.-Can't be a reason for scientist to believe plastic ban is working, as there is evidence of consistent plastic debris on beach.

C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years.-Can't be a reason for scientist to believe ban is working, as there is evidence of consistent plastic debris on beach

D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.- Once in a while abrupt-trend won't matter significantly to scientists

E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.-Therefore the ocean waste (beach plastic-debris) wont reduce significantly in 1 year. Hence the evidence (consistent plastic debris on beach) is anyway expected. Hence scientists' to still believe that plastic ban is working.

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Bunuel

This question was provided by GMAT Club
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Correct choice:

A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade.
--> If production is significantly reduced then ban is not inefective as single-use plastic is not disposable and may remain in the ocean for hundreds of years and which might be cause for high volume of single-use plastic in beach clean up.

Incorrect choices:

B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.
--> This does not give idea about production or use whether it is reduced or increased. So, we can not determine the effect of ban.

C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years.
--> Implementing strict regulations does not mean that single-use plastic's production or use is certainly reduced and ban is effective.

D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.
--> This might be the reason for high volume of single-use plastic in waste but this does not give us the surity about effectiveness of ban as plastic might have been used or produced as before.

E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.
--> This is fact but not relevant to effectiveness of ban as we can not say that if plastic is there already then it's not getting used or produced now as before.

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This one was challenging because I feel like you could argue both D and E are correct. But lets dive into the question. Based on the question stem we are looking for an answer that strengthens/provides reason for the scientists reaction. His reaction is that while plastic debris washing ashore beaches has not decreased in volume over the last year, he doesn't believe plastic bans are ineffective. So we need to find an answer that explains that plastic bans arent ineffective despite plastic debris (by volume) not reducing in the past year

"Recent studies show that despite global efforts to reduce plastic waste by banning single-use plastics, the amount of plastic debris washing up on beaches has not decreased. Evidence of this is the consistent volume of plastic waste found during beach cleanups over the past year compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, environmental scientists have not concluded that these bans are ineffective.

Which of the following would, if true, provide the strongest reason for the scientists' reaction to the findings?"

A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade.
-i believe this is a trap answer. While this info may be true it doesn't explain why there happens to be more debris washed ashore. Following this statements logic we should've seen a decrease, so it doesnt really answer or support his reaction.

B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.
-also poor choice, the ban is meant to reduce waste, so if its varying significantly we could assume the ban is ineffective

C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years.
-this weakens his reaction. If there were strict regulations then the amount of debris should be way down, since it isnt we could also assume the ban is ineffective

D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.
-I believe this is the correct answer since it explains why there happened to be more debris washed ashore despite the ban working

E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.
-this also seems like a trap answer, since yes it explains why there may still be a large volume of plastic (it takes a long time to break down) but the reaction is focused mainly on plastics washed ashore and this doesnt explain that anomaly

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A - This option does not explain nor give us a reason as to why there is still excessive plastic waste in beaches despite most countries reducing production. We do not know why the ban is still effective. Eliminate.

B - Variation in plastic waste does not explain comprehensively what we seek. It may be the case that plastic waste is either more or less on average in the past year compared to the previous year. Eliminate.

C - Like option A, despite most countries having strict regulations on usage of single use plastics, more debris getting washed over the beaches is puzzling. The option is not useful in explaining the puzzle. Eliminate.

D - Correct. If this year's debris getting washed over the beaches is unusually higher due to some other factor, in this case, strong ocean currents, then it makes all the more sense that the ban is still effective and this is a one-off incident.

E - Decomposition of plastic waste in the ocean and how long it takes to decompose does not explain why the ban is still effective. Eliminate.

Therefore, Option D

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Let's analyse each option:

A. This suggests that efforts to reduce plastic production are working, but it doesn't explain why there's still a lot of debris on beaches. Eliminated.

B. This could imply that a single year’s data isn’t sufficient to judge the effectiveness of the bans, but it doesn't directly address the scientists' reaction. Eliminated.

C. This supports the idea that bans are being enforced but does not explain the current situation of plastic debris on beaches. Eliminated.

D. Strong ocean currents carrying more debris to coastal areas than usual might explain the consistent volume of plastic waste, but it doesn't provide a reason for scientists to believe the bans are effective because it doesn't necessarily negate the ban's long-term effect. Eliminated.

E. This option explains by highlighting the longevity of plastic in the ocean. Even with bans, existing plastic takes a very long time to degrade and wash ashore. This provides a strong reason why the beach cleanup volume might not show immediate change. This helps in scientists believing that the plastic waste found on beaches is not necessarily a result of current plastic use, but rather a accumulation of plastic waste from past years, even decades.

Therefore, the answer is option (E).

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A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade.
Most countries does not mean whole world and cant decide the percentage of reduced use.

B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.
Variation does not mean less use. irrelevant.

C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years.
Already mentioned in the argument.

D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.
This a factual reson on which scientist's reason depends on.

E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.
Irrelevent info.

Answer is D

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The scientists' reaction is that : they have not concluded that these bans are ineffective.

A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade.
This one is irrelevant to the conclusion that we wan to support, False
B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.
This reason is without impact toward the idea that the plan of baning plastic waste is without effect, False

C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years
knowing what other countries are doing in baning plastics is without impact towards the idea that the plan of baning plastic waste is without effect, False

D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.
This one goes against scientists' conclusion, False

E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.
This is a good candidate strengthening the scientists' conclusion. If Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing, then maybe the plan of baning has done some good results but the fact that the waste can persist in the ocean could lead people to think that the plan had done nothing. So this may support their conclusion

Correct answer is E

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19 Jul 2024, 13:07

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Bunuel

This question was provided by GMAT Club
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We are looking for the statement that provides the strongest reason for the scientists' reaction to the findings (that the bans are not necessarily ineffective just because the amount of plastic debris washing up has not decreased). Let's analyze each statement:

A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade.

-> This tells us that production has decreased but isn't related to waste. This isn't what we're looking for.

B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.

-> This doesn't provide a strong link to explain why the amount of waste hasn't decreased so this isn't what we're looking for.

C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years.

-> This also doesn't address why the amount of waste has decreased so it is not what we're looking for.

D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.

-> This could explain why the amount of plastic debris on beaches is consistence despite less overall plastic use, which could countereact the effects of local bans. It introduces a significant (and temporary) external factor that can account for the consistent levels of plastic debris on beaches, regardless of the bans and could be why the scientists cannot rule it as inneffective. This is the correct answer.

E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.

-> This provides us a reason as to why existing waste might be washing up on the beaches (but is not explicitly stated) which explains the continuous presence of debris but does not tell us why they haven't concluded the ban as inneffective. If anything, this would mean that there is a factor that would lead scientists to be uncertain about the effectiveness of the ban for over hundreds of years.

The correct answer imo is D.

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Amount of plastic debris washing up beaches has not decreased despite ban of single-use plastic.
Evidence - consistent volume of plastic waste found during beach cleanups over the past year compared to the previous year.
But Scientist have not concluded that these bans are ineffective.

We are missing a piece of logic here. If more plastic debris is washing up, why does scientist believes that bans are not ineffective?

We need to find this logic to provide support to scientist's claim.

Looking at options,
A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade.
This statement explain effect of single-use plastics ban but it doesn't explain why more plastic waste is found on beach over the past year compared to the previous year.

B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.
Even if annual production varies, why did more waste was found over past year? If anything, this weaken's scientist claim of plastic bans are not ineffective. Because if there was effect, waste produced would have decrease year to year.

C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years.
This statement just tells us that countries has implemented regulation, but it fails to explain why more plastic waste is washing up to beach.

D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.
Even if ocean currents carried more debris to coastal areas, doesn't increase of wastage mean tat plastic bans were ineffective? Because if they were effective, surely debris would have reduced. So, even if strong ocean currents carried more debris, they would have been than previous year.

E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.
If this is true, then one can understand why scientist said that plastic bans are not ineffective. Even if plastic bans were effective, previous debris would have persisted in ocean environment. So, positive effect of ban would be seen after few years. This is why scientist didn't agree with idea that plastic bans were not ineffective as even if new plastic is reduced, old ones could wash to beach. This strengthen's claim of scientist that one cannot say plastic ban is ineffective.

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The scientist claim that the bans are ineffective to deal with the debris from single-use plastic.

A --> this won't explain the reaction
B --> irrelevant
C --> irrelevant
D --> the conclusion is based that on the coastal region the debris has not decreased, but that the volume of plastic waste is consisten year to year, so that the currents dragged more debris to the beach would explain the scientists reaction
E --> irrelevant

Answer is D

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Recent studies show that despite global efforts to reduce plastic waste by banning single-use plastics, the amount of plastic debris washing up on beaches has not decreased. Evidence of this is the consistent volume of plastic waste found during beach cleanups over the past year compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, environmental scientists have not concluded that these bans are ineffective.

Which of the following would, if true, provide the strongest reason for the scientists' reaction to the findings?

A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade. (Production is declined does not means that its use is declined. It might be possible that manufacturers are supplying their old stocks in markets inspite of ban and thus ban may be ineffective)

B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year. (Out of scope)

C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years. (Out of scope )

D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual. (Out of scope as we cant tell about the composition of debris)

E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing. (This is strengthening the conclusion that despite the fact that plastic waste is found in consistent volume on beaches , it is possible that plastic ban is effective but already existed plastic waste in ocean enviorment is coming up on the beaches)

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Recent studies show that despite global efforts to reduce plastic waste by banning single-use plastics, the amount of plastic debris washing up on beaches has not decreased. Evidence of this is the consistent volume of plastic waste found during beach cleanups over the past year compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, environmental scientists have not concluded that these bans are ineffective.

Which of the following would, if true, provide the strongest reason for the scientists' reaction to the findings?

A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade.We have to provide reason for the scientist' reaction to the finding and if The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade then why volume of plastic waste increased on beach.Not sufficient for the argument to stand.

B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.Out of context.If bans has been effective then plastic waste should be reduced but 'varies significantly' means the change is volume up as well as down.

C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years.But the result is not showing up therefore scientist reasoning would be inaccurate.And therefore this cant be the reason

D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.If this would be the reason then volume of the waste would not be consistent, it would have increased.

E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.CORRECT.Even if ban is successful then also result would show up after few years.