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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Environmental Policy Speech: Critics 15 Jul 2024, 09:34
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­(A) The cost of setting up renewable energy projects has decreased globally due to technological advancements over the last five years.
This supports the idea that renewable energy projects have become more cost-effective. Let's keep this for now. 

(B) Electricity costs were rising at a rate above the national average in the years immediately before the Clean Energy Bill was implemented.
What happened previosuly isn't relevant now. 

(C) Some of the renewable energy projects started under the Clean Energy Bill have been discontinued due to technological inefficiencies.
The argument doesn't care about the projects which were discontinued. 

(D) The average cost of electricity generated from conventional (non-renewable) sources has remained consistently higher than the national average during the same period.
This directly supports the argument by highlighting that not only are renewable energy costs lower than the national average, but conventional electricity costs remain higher. This contrast strengthens the effectiveness of the Clean Energy Bill in reducing costs.
Option A is an inferior one compared to this so we discarded it. 

(E) The price of electricity in areas outside the influence of the Clean Energy Bill has risen due to increased costs of non-renewable energy resources.
We're only concerned with the the areas within the influence of the Clean Energy Bill
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Environmental Policy Speech: Critics 15 Jul 2024, 10:01
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Environmental Policy Speech: Critics of the new Clean Energy Bill argue that it will lead to higher energy costs due to the implementation of expensive renewable energy technologies. However, since the bill was passed, not only has the number of renewable energy projects increased significantly, but the average cost of electricity from these sources has been lower than the national average cost of electricity every year. Thus, it is clear that the Clean Energy Bill has been effective in not only increasing renewable energy usage but also in reducing electricity costs for consumers.

Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument in the policy speech?

(A) The cost of setting up renewable energy projects has decreased globally due to technological advancements over the last five years. Wrong Choice
Irrelevant

(B) Electricity costs were rising at a rate above the national average in the years immediately before the Clean Energy Bill was implemented. Correct Choice
This choice depicts a clear cause and effect relationship between the implementation of Clean Energy Bill and reduction of electricity costs for consumers.

(C) Some of the renewable energy projects started under the Clean Energy Bill have been discontinued due to technological inefficiencies. Wrong Choice
Irrelevant

(D) The average cost of electricity generated from conventional (non-renewable) sources has remained consistently higher than the national average during the same period. Wrong Choice
This is a tricky choice. Even though if this choice is true, it does not mean that the cost of electricity from renewable energy technologies has dropped after implementation of Clean Energy Bill. Before the bill's implementation, the cost of electricity from renewable energy technologies may already have been cheaper than that of conventional sources.

(E) The price of electricity in areas outside the influence of the Clean Energy Bill has risen due to increased costs of non-renewable energy resources. Wrong Choice
Irrelevant

 
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Environmental Policy Speech: Critics 15 Jul 2024, 10:23
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Strengthen the argument.


(A) The cost of setting up renewable energy projects has decreased globally due to technological advancements over the last five years.
Doesn't tell us anything about the avg cost of electricity from renewable sources.


(B) Electricity costs were rising at a rate above the national average in the years immediately before the Clean Energy Bill was implemented.
Irrelevant to the argument. Even if the costs were stagnant earlier, we are concerned about prices after the bill.

(C) Some of the renewable energy projects started under the Clean Energy Bill have been discontinued due to technological inefficiencies.
Irrelevant to the argument.

(D) The average cost of electricity generated from conventional (non-renewable) sources has remained consistently higher than the national average during the same period.
This means Renewable sources are actually cheaper than non-renewable sources. If "average cost of electricity generated from conventional (non-renewable) sources" had fallen it could create a doubt that the whole industry prices are going down.

(E) The price of electricity in areas outside the influence of the Clean Energy Bill has risen due to increased costs of non-renewable energy resources.
Irrelevant to the argument.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Environmental Policy Speech: Critics 15 Jul 2024, 10:33
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­Assumption:
1. higher energy costs of implementation of these renewable energy technologies would not decrease.
2. these plants are in operation and have started supplying electricity to consumers.

Option C is also a good contender but A weakens 1st assumption by critics and thus strengthens the author's conclusion.
A is correct.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Environmental Policy Speech: Critics 15 Jul 2024, 10:49
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­(A) The cost of setting up renewable energy projects has decreased globally due to technological advancements over the last five years.
This does not directly link it to the effectiveness of the Clean Energy Bill.(B) Electricity costs were rising at a rate above the national average in the years immediately before the Clean Energy Bill was implemented.
This does not directly support the claim that the bill itself caused the reduction in costs.

(C) Some of the renewable energy projects started under the Clean Energy Bill have been discontinued due to technological inefficiencies.
This weakens the argument by indicating that not all projects were successful.

(D) The average cost of electricity generated from conventional (non-renewable) sources has remained consistently higher than the national average during the same period.
This strengthens the argument by providing a comparison that shows renewable energy sources, supported by the Clean Energy Bill, are more cost-effective than conventional sources.

(E) The price of electricity in areas outside the influence of the Clean Energy Bill has risen due to increased costs of non-renewable energy resources.
Area's outside the clean energy bill would have intentionally increased the electricity charges due to lack of competition. Not proves the effectiveness of clean energy bill.

 
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Environmental Policy Speech: Critics 15 Jul 2024, 11:21
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To strengthen the argument in favor of the Clean Energy Bill, we need to find an option that provides additional support for the effectiveness of the bill in increasing renewable energy usage and reducing electricity costs. Let's analyze each option:

(A) **The cost of setting up renewable energy projects has decreased globally due to technological advancements over the last five years.**

- This suggests a general trend of decreasing costs for renewable energy projects worldwide. While this is positive for renewable energy adoption, it doesn't directly strengthen the argument about the specific impacts of the Clean Energy Bill in the context provided.

(B) **Electricity costs were rising at a rate above the national average in the years immediately before the Clean Energy Bill was implemented.**

- This option provides a comparison showing that electricity costs were rising faster than the national average before the Clean Energy Bill. This implies that the bill may have helped slow down or reverse this trend, indirectly supporting the argument that the bill has been effective in controlling or reducing electricity costs.

(C) **Some of the renewable energy projects started under the Clean Energy Bill have been discontinued due to technological inefficiencies.**

- This option suggests a potential drawback or inefficiency in some projects initiated under the bill. It weakens rather than strengthens the argument because it introduces doubt about the sustainability and effectiveness of the bill's initiatives.

(D) **The average cost of electricity generated from conventional (non-renewable) sources has remained consistently higher than the national average during the same period.**

- This directly contrasts conventional electricity costs with the national average, suggesting that renewable energy sources, supported by the Clean Energy Bill, are cost-competitive or cheaper. This strengthens the argument that the bill has been effective in reducing electricity costs for consumers.

(E) **The price of electricity in areas outside the influence of the Clean Energy Bill has risen due to increased costs of non-renewable energy resources.**

- This option provides a comparison between areas influenced by the Clean Energy Bill and those not influenced. It indirectly supports the argument by showing that areas outside the bill's influence have experienced rising electricity costs, highlighting the potential benefits of the bill in reducing costs.

IMO D
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Environmental Policy Speech: Critics 15 Jul 2024, 11:40
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(A) The cost of setting up renewable energy projects has decreased globally due to technological advancements over the last five years.

While this may explain part of the reason why renewable energy costs have decreased, it does not directly link the Clean Energy Bill to the reduction in electricity costs for consumers. It provides a general reason for lower costs but does not specifically strengthen the argument that the bill itself is responsible.
(B) Electricity costs were rising at a rate above the national average in the years immediately before the Clean Energy Bill was implemented.

This option supports the idea that the Clean Energy Bill had a positive impact by contrasting the situation before and after its implementation. It suggests that the bill helped to reverse a trend of rising electricity costs, which strengthens the argument.
(C) Some of the renewable energy projects started under the Clean Energy Bill have been discontinued due to technological inefficiencies.

This weakens the argument by highlighting failures in the renewable energy projects, suggesting that the bill may not be as effective as claimed.
(D) The average cost of electricity generated from conventional (non-renewable) sources has remained consistently higher than the national average during the same period.

This strengthens the argument by showing that the cost advantage of renewable energy (supported by the Clean Energy Bill) is not a result of a general decrease in electricity costs but is specific to the renewable energy promoted by the bill.
(E) The price of electricity in areas outside the influence of the Clean Energy Bill has risen due to increased costs of non-renewable energy resources.

This indirectly supports the argument by implying that areas under the Clean Energy Bill's influence have lower costs due to the renewable energy projects. However, it does not directly link the bill's implementation to the reduction in electricity costs in the same clear way that option (D) does.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Environmental Policy Speech: Critics 15 Jul 2024, 11:43
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B strengthens the argument by clearly stating that the costs were impact with the introduction of the bill.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Environmental Policy Speech: Critics 15 Jul 2024, 12:08
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A. this is related to the global technology not the Clean Energy bill. So it is not directly strengthening the argument that the bill itself is responsible for the benefits.
B. it suggests that electricity cost was high before the bill. But how does it connect to the renewable energy projects leads to the cost reduction, what about non-renewable energy projects? not connected at all.
C. actually says that these projects are inefficient, which weakens the argument.
D. so non-renew higher than average at the same period, whereas renew is lower than average, that makes sense. keep that.
E. areas are not directly relevant.
Based on the reasonings D is the best option.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Environmental Policy Speech: Critics 15 Jul 2024, 12:10
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The conclusion of the passage is : the Clean Energy Bill has been effective in not only increasing renewable energy usage but also in reducing electricity costs for consumers.


(A) The cost of setting up renewable energy projects has decreased globally due to technological advancements over the last five years.
This is actually a good reason to undermine our conclusion.
It is suggesting that it is not the bill that is responsible fot the reduced costs but rather the costs of etting up renewable energy projects that is responsible,

(B) Electricity costs were rising at a rate above the national average in the years immediately before the Clean Energy Bill was implemented.
This is actually undermining our conclusion,
If the Electricity costs were rising at a rate above the national average in the years immediately before the Clean Energy Bill was implemented then, then it may be not the bill that was responsible for the reduced electricity costs for consumers but rather, the rising trend of the cost of traditional energy.

(C) Some of the renewable energy projects started under the Clean Energy Bill have been discontinued due to technological inefficiencies.
This answer choice is irrelevant to the impact of the bill on the reduced cost of energy,

(D) The average cost of electricity generated from conventional (non-renewable) sources has remained consistently higher than the national average during the same period.
This is actually undermining our conclusion, since, it suggests that it is not our bill that is impacting the reduced cost of electricity but rather the higher trend of national average during that period. If it is verry high, then the cost of renewable energy could still be higher and the a reduced electricity costs for consumers, False

(E) The price of electricity in areas outside the influence of the Clean Energy Bill has risen due to increased costs of non-renewable energy resources.
If it is the case, then clearly the bill would have an effect on the reduced price of electricity. Since in areas outside of the bill, we saw increased costs of non-renewable energy sources, and in the areas under the scope of the bill the cost of electricity has decreased, simply because renewable energy costs has decreased thus decreasing the globale average of electricity costs

Correct answer is E
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Environmental Policy Speech: Critics 15 Jul 2024, 12:37
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(A) The cost of setting up renewable energy projects has decreased globally due to technological advancements over the last five years. Positive argument in support.

(B) Electricity costs were rising at a rate above the national average in the years immediately before the Clean Energy Bill was implemented. Negativ argument.

(C) Some of the renewable energy projects started under the Clean Energy Bill have been discontinued due to technological inefficiencies. Negative

(D) The average cost of electricity generated from conventional (non-renewable) sources has remained consistently higher than the national average during the same period. Negative

(E) The price of electricity in areas outside the influence of the Clean Energy Bill has risen due to increased costs of non-renewable energy resources. Negative.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Environmental Policy Speech: Critics 15 Jul 2024, 12:38
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­To strengthen the argument in the policy speech that the Clean Energy Bill has been effective in both increasing renewable energy usage and reducing electricity costs for consumers, we need to find a statement that directly supports this claim. Let's evaluate each option in detail.

(A) The cost of setting up renewable energy projects has decreased globally due to technological advancements over the last five years. - Side tracks - This option supports the argument that the cost of renewable energy projects has decreased, however, it does not directly tie the reduced costs to the Clean Energy Bill itself.

(B) Electricity costs were rising at a rate above the national average in the years immediately before the Clean Energy Bill was implemented. - Irrelevant - This option suggests that the bill might have helped reverse this trend. However, it does not directly address the effectiveness of the bill in reducing costs or increasing renewable energy usage.

(C) Some of the renewable energy projects started under the Clean Energy Bill have been discontinued due to technological inefficiencies. - Weakner.

(D) The average cost of electricity generated from conventional (non-renewable) sources has remained consistently higher than the national average during the same period. - This is restatement, ".....However, since the bill was passed, not only has the number of renewable energy projects increased significantly, but the average cost of electricity from these sources has been lower than the national average cost of electricity every year." so if electricity cost produced by renewable is lowered than national avg then it is indirectly saying average cost of electricity generated from conventional (non-renewable) sources has remained consistently higher than national avg as these both terms related with national avg. and plus it does not directly address the effectiveness of the bill in reducing costs or increasing renewable energy usage.

(E) The price of electricity in areas outside the influence of the Clean Energy Bill has risen due to increased costs of non-renewable energy resources. - Correct - This option strengthens the argument by providing a comparison. It shows that areas not influenced by the Clean Energy Bill face higher costs due to reliance on non-renewable sources, suggesting that the bill has had a positive impact in reducing costs where it is implemented. Better than B.

I think answer is Option E.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Environmental Policy Speech: Critics 15 Jul 2024, 13:23
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Bunuel
Environmental Policy Speech: Critics of the new Clean Energy Bill argue that it will lead to higher energy costs due to the implementation of expensive renewable energy technologies. However, since the bill was passed, not only has the number of renewable energy projects increased significantly, but the average cost of electricity from these sources has been lower than the national average cost of electricity every year. Thus, it is clear that the Clean Energy Bill has been effective in not only increasing renewable energy usage but also in reducing electricity costs for consumers.

Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument in the policy speech?

(A) The cost of setting up renewable energy projects has decreased globally due to technological advancements over the last five years.

(B) Electricity costs were rising at a rate above the national average in the years immediately before the Clean Energy Bill was implemented.

(C) Some of the renewable energy projects started under the Clean Energy Bill have been discontinued due to technological inefficiencies.

(D) The average cost of electricity generated from conventional (non-renewable) sources has remained consistently higher than the national average during the same period.

(E) The price of electricity in areas outside the influence of the Clean Energy Bill has risen due to increased costs of non-renewable energy resources.


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­Critics argue new Clean Energy Bill will lead to higher energy costs due to the implementation of expensive renewable energy technologies
however
Since the bill was passed, not only has the number of renewable energy projects increased significantly, but the average cost of electricity from these sources has been lower than the national average cost of electricity every year

Conclusion: Clean Energy Bill has been effective not only in increasing renewable energy usage but also in reducing electricity costs for consumers

(A) The cost of setting up renewable energy projects has decreased globally due to technological advancements over the last five years.
-- this says cost of setting has decreased however critics argument could still be true it is still expensive.So it does not seem to strengthen 

(B) Electricity costs were rising at a rate above the national average in the years immediately before the Clean Energy Bill was implemented.
-- this says Electricity costs were rising above national average before bill was implemented and since then average cost has been lower. so it givees more belief to keep faith in conclusion.Lets keep this

(C) Some of the renewable energy projects started under the Clean Energy Bill have been discontinued due to technological inefficiencies.
-- this says technological inefficiency resulted in projects getting discountinued and does not impact conclusion ...so out

(D) The average cost of electricity generated from conventional (non-renewable) sources has remained consistently higher than the national average during the same period.
-- this option talks about average cost from conventional has remained higher but does not talk about clean energy bringing down the cost so its out

(E) The price of electricity in areas outside the influence of the Clean Energy Bill has risen due to increased costs of non-renewable energy resources.
-- price outside area of clean bill has risen due to increased costs of non-renewable energy source , however renewable is lower so it gives more belief in conclusion. Lets keep this

Compare B and E
B says before clean energy electricity rate was rising above national average but after bill it could be that it was at average but not lower.
E says price outside clean bill area has risen and giving a strong belief in conclusion that it will help in reducing electricity costs for consumers

so E is the answer
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Environmental Policy Speech: Critics 15 Jul 2024, 13:42
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Bunuel
Environmental Policy Speech: Critics of the new Clean Energy Bill argue that it will lead to higher energy costs due to the implementation of expensive renewable energy technologies. However, since the bill was passed, not only has the number of renewable energy projects increased significantly, but the average cost of electricity from these sources has been lower than the national average cost of electricity every year. Thus, it is clear that the Clean Energy Bill has been effective in not only increasing renewable energy usage but also in reducing electricity costs for consumers.

Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument in the policy speech?

(A) The cost of setting up renewable energy projects has decreased globally due to technological advancements over the last five years.

(B) Electricity costs were rising at a rate above the national average in the years immediately before the Clean Energy Bill was implemented.

(C) Some of the renewable energy projects started under the Clean Energy Bill have been discontinued due to technological inefficiencies.

(D) The average cost of electricity generated from conventional (non-renewable) sources has remained consistently higher than the national average during the same period.

(E) The price of electricity in areas outside the influence of the Clean Energy Bill has risen due to increased costs of non-renewable energy resources.


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­


- A: Technological advancements globally reducing setup costs doesn't directly strengthen the bill's effectiveness locally.
- B: Rising electricity costs before the bill doesn't directly relate to its current impact on costs.
- C: Discontinuation due to inefficiencies doesn't necessarily affect the overall success of the bill's initiatives.
- D: Shows that conventional electricity costs are consistently higher, supporting the bill's role in lowering costs through renewable energy.
- E: Increased costs elsewhere due to non-renewable resources doesn't strengthen the argument specifically about the Clean Energy Bill's impact.

Therefore,D  is the best choice as it directly reinforces the argument's central point about cost reduction and effectiveness of the Clean Energy Bill.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Environmental Policy Speech: Critics 15 Jul 2024, 13:58
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­After resting at the weekend.
We're back to business.
I feel the luck is going to shift to our Green team as we get closer to the end of the Champions.
Let's get started with our explanation for this topic:


Identify the Question:
We are dealing with Strengthen question. We should focus on premises and the conclusion of the argument.
Deconstruct the Argument:

­Environmental Policy Speech: Critics of the new Clean Energy Bill argue that it will lead to higher energy costs due to the implementation of expensive renewable energy technologies. - Counter Conclusion

However, since the bill was passed, not only has the number of renewable energy projects increased significantly, but the average cost of electricity from these sources has been lower than the national average cost of electricity every year. - Premise

Thus, it is clear that the Clean Energy Bill has been effective in not only increasing renewable energy usage but also in reducing electricity costs for consumers. - Conclusion 

State the goal:

We are looking for answer choice, which enhance our conclusion.The conclusion will be a bit more reasonable.

Elimination:

A) Correct - If the cost went down due to improvement of installation it enhancing our conclusion. the Bill not only increased the number of installations (pharps by tech  improvements), it also reduced the cost. exactly what this statement enhance.

B) No tie - what happend before the Bill is not relevant to our argument.

C) Opposite - This is in the opposite direction. if some of the project discontinued it weakens the conclusion.

D) Irrellevant Comparison - The comparison of conventional (non-renewable) sources and the national average is not what we are looking for. we are looking for Implementation of our BILL.

E) Irrellevant Comparison - Same as D, The comparison of The price of electricity in areas outside and non-renewable energy resources is not what we are looking for. We are looking for Implementation of our BILL. 

THE ENDI hope you liked the explanation, I have tried my best here. Let me know if you have any questions about this question or my explanation.­  ­
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Environmental Policy Speech: Critics 15 Jul 2024, 14:40
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Option A

Conclusion: Clean Energy Bill has been effective in not only increasing renewable energy usage but also in reducing electricity costs for consumers.
Premise that will strengthen this ..conclusion -- dependent on the premesis

(A) The cost of setting up renewable energy projects has decreased globally due to technological advancements over the last five years. - Yes means - implementation cost lowered, thus cost for currents lesser

(B) Electricity costs were rising at a rate above the national average in the years immediately before the Clean Energy Bill was implemented. - we care of national avg. nothing else- eliminate

(C) Some of the renewable energy projects started under the Clean Energy Bill have been discontinued due to technological inefficiencies. - not strengthen

(D) The average cost of electricity generated from conventional (non-renewable) sources has remained consistently higher than the national average during the same period. - Again we need to prove why clean is better, not why the other is worse, not in scope of the conclusion

(E) The price of electricity in areas outside the influence of the Clean Energy Bill has risen due to increased costs of non-renewable energy resources. - Not in scope
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Environmental Policy Speech: Critics 15 Jul 2024, 14:43
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Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument in the policy speech?
Argument in the policy speech

Not only has the number of renewable energy projects increased significantly, but the average cost of electricity from these sources has been lower than the national average cost of electricity every year.

(A) The cost of setting up renewable energy projects has decreased globally due to technological advancements over the last five years.
INCORRECT because even though it says that cost of implementation has decreased globally we do not know if this decrease means lower than the national average cost of electricity every year.

(B) Electricity costs were rising at a rate above the national average in the years immediately before the Clean Energy Bill was implemented.
INCORRECT
It strengths the argument because as the statement says that number of renewable energy projects increased significantly, and critics claim that this will lead to higher energy costs due to the implementation of expensive renewable energy technologies and the electricity costs actually are rising above the national average it would mean that critics are correct nevertheless the average cost of electricity from these sources has been lower than the national average cost of electricity

(C) Some of the renewable energy projects started under the Clean Energy Bill have been discontinued due to technological inefficiencies.
INCORRECT
out of scope, it does not explain or support that renewable energy cost energy is less than these of non-renewable.

(D) The average cost of electricity generated from conventional (non-renewable) sources has remained consistently higher than the national average during the same period.
CORRECT
this will strength the argument because it proves that the average cost of electricity from renewable projects has been lower than the national average cost of electricity as the average cost of national electricity takes in to consideration the cost of electricity of both sources proving that if one is higher than the average the other must be lower than the average

(E) The price of electricity in areas outside the influence of the Clean Energy Bill has risen due to increased costs of non-renewable energy resources.
INCORRECT
we do not know if this increased price and cost is higher or lower than cost of electricity in renewable sources to make a comparison to prove that a reduction electricity costs for consumers is happening.­

ANS
Letter D­
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Environmental Policy Speech: Critics 15 Jul 2024, 14:52
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­Environmental Policy Speech: Critics of the new Clean Energy Bill argue that it will lead to higher energy costs due to the implementation of expensive renewable energy technologies. However, since the bill was passed, not only has the number of renewable energy projects increased significantly, but the average cost of electricity from these sources has been lower than the national average cost of electricity every year. Thus, it is clear that the Clean Energy Bill has been effective in not only increasing renewable energy usage but also in reducing electricity costs for consumers.

Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument in the policy speech?

(A) The cost of setting up renewable energy projects has decreased globally due to technological advancements over the last five years. This will weaken the argument if technological advancement is responsible for cost reduction.

(B) Electricity costs were rising at a rate above the national average in the years immediately before the Clean Energy Bill was implemented. we are interested in what happened after  introduction of the bill

(C) Some of the renewable energy projects started under the Clean Energy Bill have been discontinued due to technological inefficiencies.It would weaken the argument.

(D) The average cost of electricity generated from conventional (non-renewable) sources has remained consistently higher than the national average during the same period.Correct.if the average cost of electricity generated from conventional (non-renewable) sources has remained consistently higher than the national average during the same period it means that renewable sources of energy has brought down the national average cost of electricity and thus colnlusion is strengthened.


(E) The price of electricity in areas outside the influence of the Clean Energy Bill has risen due to increased costs of non-renewable energy resources.We are not interested in the areas outside the influence of the bill


Ans=D
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Environmental Policy Speech: Critics 15 Jul 2024, 15:42
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Bunuel
Environmental Policy Speech: Critics of the new Clean Energy Bill argue that it will lead to higher energy costs due to the implementation of expensive renewable energy technologies. However, since the bill was passed, not only has the number of renewable energy projects increased significantly, but the average cost of electricity from these sources has been lower than the national average cost of electricity every year. Thus, it is clear that the Clean Energy Bill has been effective in not only increasing renewable energy usage but also in reducing electricity costs for consumers.

Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument in the policy speech?

(A) The cost of setting up renewable energy projects has decreased globally due to technological advancements over the last five years.

(B) Electricity costs were rising at a rate above the national average in the years immediately before the Clean Energy Bill was implemented.

(C) Some of the renewable energy projects started under the Clean Energy Bill have been discontinued due to technological inefficiencies.

(D) The average cost of electricity generated from conventional (non-renewable) sources has remained consistently higher than the national average during the same period.

(E) The price of electricity in areas outside the influence of the Clean Energy Bill has risen due to increased costs of non-renewable energy resources.


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Let's take a look at each statement to find which one strengthens the argument (that the Clean Energy Bill has been effective in increasing renewable energy usage and reducing electricity costs):

(A) The cost of setting up renewable energy projects has decreased globally due to technological advancements over the last five years.

-> This explains why prices have decreased but does not link the Bill to it or explore the Bill's effectiveness.

(B) Electricity costs were rising at a rate above the national average in the years immediately before the Clean Energy Bill was implemented.

-> This shows that costs were an issue before the Bill but also does not explore the Bill's effectiveness.

(C) Some of the renewable energy projects started under the Clean Energy Bill have been discontinued due to technological inefficiencies.

-> This shows that some projects were not successful and actually weakens the argument.

(D) The average cost of electricity generated from conventional (non-renewable) sources has remained consistently higher than the national average during the same period.

-> This strengthens the argument by providing a direct comparison showing that renewable energy is, in fact, more cost-effective than non-renewable energy sources. This is the correct answer.

(E) The price of electricity in areas outside the influence of the Clean Energy Bill has risen due to increased costs of non-renewable energy resources.

-> This indirectly supports the argument by showing that the areas outside of the realm of the Clean Energy Bill have experienced rising costs, implying that areas within the realm of the Bill have been shielded. However, option (D) is more relevant because it directly compares the costs of renewable vs non-renewable energy.

The answer imo is D.­
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Environmental Policy Speech: Critics 15 Jul 2024, 16:07
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(A) The cost of setting up renewable energy projects has decreased globally due to technological advancements over the last five years. > Looks good. Keep

(B) Electricity costs were rising at a rate above the national average in the years immediately before the Clean Energy Bill was implemented. > Wrong ! Does not explain why decrease every year.

(C) Some of the renewable energy projects started under the Clean Energy Bill have been discontinued due to technological inefficiencies. > Wrong ? Even it looks good but some is extreme word.

(D) The average cost of electricity generated from conventional (non-renewable) sources has remained consistently higher than the national average during the same period. > Wrong. if so, average cost should also increase.

(E) The price of electricity in areas outside the influence of the Clean Energy Bill has risen due to increased costs of non-renewable energy resources. > Wrong. We compare cost in the same nation.
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