Last visit was: 18 Nov 2025, 19:01 It is currently 18 Nov 2025, 19:01
Home
GMAT
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Rewards
Chat
My Profile
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
Back to Forum
Create Topic
   1   2   3   4   5   
655-705 Level|   Bold Face CR|         
User avatar
harishg
User avatar
Joined: 18 Dec 2018
Last visit: 18 Nov 2025
Posts: 85
Own Kudos:
100
 [1]
Given Kudos: 27
Products:
My Reviews
Posts: 85
Kudos: 100
 [1]
GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 8): Marketing Analyst: Despite the recent 17 Jul 2024, 09:22
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
­A - The first boldface statement is not a conclusion in any sense. Eliminate.

B - The analyst is not refuting or rejecting any explanation in the argument. He analyst sticks with a conclusion and provides evidence for it. Eliminate 

C - Similar to B, the analyst does not dispute with any fact in the argument. Eliminate.

D - Correct. The first statement does seem contradictory to expected outcome as one would have expected a decrease in market share with decreasing spending in digital marketing. Indeed, the second boldface acts as further evidence in supporting the argument.

E - The second boldface is in no way refuting any potential objection to the conclusion.

Therefore, D
User avatar
AthulSasi
User avatar
Joined: 25 Jun 2019
Last visit: 04 Nov 2025
Posts: 55
Own Kudos:
77
 [1]
Given Kudos: 22
Location: India
Concentration: Marketing, Strategy
Schools: Booth '27 (S) Fuqua '27 (S) Haas '27 Darden '27 ISB '27 (I) Kellog '27 MIT '27 Yale '27
GMAT Focus 1: 695 Q88 V85 DI81
GPA: 8.5
WE:Marketing (Energy)
Schools: Booth '27 (S) Fuqua '27 (S) Haas '27 Darden '27 ISB '27 (I) Kellog '27 MIT '27 Yale '27
GMAT Focus 1: 695 Q88 V85 DI81
Posts: 55
Kudos: 77
 [1]
GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 8): Marketing Analyst: Despite the recent 17 Jul 2024, 09:27
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Correct answer D­(D) The first presents a scenario that seems contradictory to expected outcomes; the second provides supporting evidence that explains the actual outcome observed.

In this case, the first bold statement describes an unexpected situation (not increasing the budget despite competitors doing so) that might typically lead to a decrease in market share. The second bold statement offers evidence (increased customer engagement and satisfaction) that explains why the company's market position remains stable.

(A) The first is the analyst's main conclusion; the second provides evidence to support that conclusion.
First is not the main conclusion.

(B) The first is evidence that serves as the basis for rejecting one explanation; the second is the analyst's additional explanation.
First is not an evidence used to reject any explanation.

(C) The first is a statement of fact that the analyst disputes; the second provides an alternative explanation that the analyst offers.
Analyst is not disputing anything in the first boldface. He presents a puzzling scenario.

(E) The first outlines an initial observation that is under question; the second provides evidence to refute a potential objection to the analyst's final conclusion.
First can be treated as an observation under question. However the second is providing support to analyst's conclusion, not objecting it. 
User avatar
Abhijeet24
User avatar
Joined: 06 Apr 2023
Last visit: 23 Feb 2025
Posts: 48
Own Kudos:
54
 [1]
Given Kudos: 30
GMAT Focus 1: 615 Q83 V79 DI80
GPA: 3.94
Products:
My Reviews
GMAT Focus 1: 615 Q83 V79 DI80
Posts: 48
Kudos: 54
 [1]
GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 8): Marketing Analyst: Despite the recent 17 Jul 2024, 09:28
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Bunuel
­Marketing Analyst: Despite the recent spike in online advertising by most competitors, our company has not increased its digital marketing budget and has seen no decrease in market share. Given that the cost of online advertising has significantly increased due to higher demand, we can conclude that our existing marketing strategies are still effective. Furthermore, our sales team has reported an increase in customer engagement and satisfaction with current marketing efforts.

In the analyst's reasoning, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

(A) The first is the analyst's main conclusion; the second provides evidence to support that conclusion.

(B) The first is evidence that serves as the basis for rejecting one explanation; the second is the analyst's additional explanation.

(C) The first is a statement of fact that the analyst disputes; the second provides an alternative explanation that the analyst offers.

(D) The first presents a scenario that seems contradictory to expected outcomes; the second provides supporting evidence that explains the actual outcome observed.

(E) The first outlines an initial observation that is under question; the second provides evidence to refute a potential objection to the analyst's final conclusion.



­
 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the GMAT Club Olympics Competition

Win over $30,000 in prizes such as Courses, Tests, Private Tutoring, and more

 

­
Show more
1. First Boldface Portion: Despite the recent spike in online advertising by most competitors, our company has not increased its digital marketing budget and has seen no decrease in market share.
   - This presents a scenario that seems contradictory to expected outcomes because normally, increasing online advertising by competitors would lead to a decrease in market share for those who do not increase their advertising.

2. Second Boldface Portion: Furthermore, our sales team has reported an increase in customer engagement and satisfaction with current marketing efforts.
   - This provides additional supporting evidence to explain why their market share has not decreased, reinforcing the intermediate conclusion about the effectiveness of their existing marketing strategies.

Evaluating Answer Choices:
(A) The first is the analyst's main conclusion; the second provides evidence to support that conclusion.
   - Incorrect. The first boldface portion is an observation, not the main conclusion.

(B) The first is evidence that serves as the basis for rejecting one explanation; the second is the analyst's additional explanation.
   - Incorrect. The first boldface portion is an observation, not evidence used to reject an explanation.

(C) The first is a statement of fact that the analyst disputes; the second provides an alternative explanation that the analyst offers.
   - Incorrect. The analyst does not dispute the first boldface portion.

(D) The first presents a scenario that seems contradictory to expected outcomes; the second provides supporting evidence that explains the actual outcome observed.
   - Correct. The first boldface portion describes a scenario that seems contradictory (not increasing budget yet not losing market share), and the second boldface portion provides supporting evidence (increase in customer engagement and satisfaction) to explain this observed outcome.

(E) The first outlines an initial observation that is under question; the second provides evidence to refute a potential objection to the analyst's final conclusion.
   - Incorrect. The first boldface portion is an observation but it is not under question. The second provides support, not refutation.

The correct answer is (D).
User avatar
Shwarma
User avatar
Joined: 10 Sep 2023
Last visit: 25 May 2025
Posts: 212
Own Kudos:
190
Given Kudos: 65
Location: India
Schools: Tepper '27 Ross '27 Foster '27 Kellogg
GMAT Focus 1: 655 Q82 V83 DI84
GPA: 4
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: Tepper '27 Ross '27 Foster '27 Kellogg
GMAT Focus 1: 655 Q82 V83 DI84
Posts: 212
Kudos: 190
GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 8): Marketing Analyst: Despite the recent 17 Jul 2024, 09:40
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Option A

the first statement is the conclusion
and the second statement (also has furthermore, is the premise given to support)
'thus, Option A Is the obvious option...
User avatar
Elite097
User avatar
Joined: 20 Apr 2022
Last visit: 08 Oct 2025
Posts: 771
Own Kudos:
553
 [1]
Given Kudos: 346
Location: India
Schools: Sloan '25 Columbia '27 Haas '27
GPA: 3.64
Schools: Sloan '25 Columbia '27 Haas '27
Posts: 771
Kudos: 553
 [1]
GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 8): Marketing Analyst: Despite the recent 17 Jul 2024, 10:07
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
(A) The first is the analyst's main conclusion; the second provides evidence to support that conclusion.

This is incorrect. The first boldface portion is not the main conclusion; it is an observation. The conclusion drawn from the observation is that the existing marketing strategies are still effective. The second boldface portion provides supporting evidence but is not the main conclusion.
(B) The first is evidence that serves as the basis for rejecting one explanation; the second is the analyst's additional explanation.

This is incorrect. The first boldface portion is an observation, not evidence used to reject an explanation. The second boldface portion provides supporting evidence but is not an additional explanation.
(C) The first is a statement of fact that the analyst disputes; the second provides an alternative explanation that the analyst offers.

This is incorrect. The analyst does not dispute the first boldface portion; it is accepted as a fact. The second boldface portion provides supporting evidence, not an alternative explanation.
(D) The first presents a scenario that seems contradictory to expected outcomes; the second provides supporting evidence that explains the actual outcome observed.

This is correct. The first boldface portion describes a scenario (no increase in digital marketing budget and no decrease in market share despite competitors' increased advertising) that seems contradictory to what one might expect. The second boldface portion provides evidence (increased customer engagement and satisfaction) that explains why the expected negative outcome (decrease in market share) did not occur.
(E) The first outlines an initial observation that is under question; the second provides evidence to refute a potential objection to the analyst's final conclusion.

This is incorrect. The first boldface portion is an observation, but it is not under question. The second boldface portion supports the observation rather than refuting an objection to the conclusion.

Ans D
User avatar
mialanknox
User avatar
Joined: 15 May 2019
Last visit: 19 Oct 2025
Posts: 141
Own Kudos:
194
 [1]
Given Kudos: 99
Location: Switzerland
Concentration: Finance, General Management
Schools: Wharton '26 CBS '26 Kellogg '26 Booth '26
GPA: 4
WE:Investment Banking (Finance: Investment Banking)
Schools: Wharton '26 CBS '26 Kellogg '26 Booth '26
Posts: 141
Kudos: 194
 [1]
GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 8): Marketing Analyst: Despite the recent 17 Jul 2024, 10:33
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Bunuel
­Marketing Analyst: Despite the recent spike in online advertising by most competitors, our company has not increased its digital marketing budget and has seen no decrease in market share. Given that the cost of online advertising has significantly increased due to higher demand, we can conclude that our existing marketing strategies are still effective. Furthermore, our sales team has reported an increase in customer engagement and satisfaction with current marketing efforts.

In the analyst's reasoning, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

(A) The first is the analyst's main conclusion; the second provides evidence to support that conclusion.

(B) The first is evidence that serves as the basis for rejecting one explanation; the second is the analyst's additional explanation.

(C) The first is a statement of fact that the analyst disputes; the second provides an alternative explanation that the analyst offers.

(D) The first presents a scenario that seems contradictory to expected outcomes; the second provides supporting evidence that explains the actual outcome observed.

(E) The first outlines an initial observation that is under question; the second provides evidence to refute a potential objection to the analyst's final conclusion.



­
 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the GMAT Club Olympics Competition

Win over $30,000 in prizes such as Courses, Tests, Private Tutoring, and more

 

­
Show more
­(A) The first is the analyst's main conclusion; the second provides evidence to support that conclusion.


  • Incorrect. The first portion is not the main conclusion; it presents a scenario or observation.
(B) The first is evidence that serves as the basis for rejecting one explanation; the second is the analyst's additional explanation.


  • Incorrect. The first portion does not reject an explanation; it presents an unexpected scenario.
(C) The first is a statement of fact that the analyst disputes; the second provides an alternative explanation that the analyst offers.


  • Incorrect. The analyst does not dispute the first statement; it is presented as a fact.
(D) The first presents a scenario that seems contradictory to expected outcomes; the second provides supporting evidence that explains the actual outcome observed.


  • Correct. The first portion presents a scenario that seems contradictory (no decrease in market share despite not increasing the budget), and the second portion provides supporting evidence (increase in customer engagement and satisfaction) to explain why this unexpected outcome occurred.
(E) The first outlines an initial observation that is under question; the second provides evidence to refute a potential objection to the analyst's final conclusion.


  • Incorrect. The first portion is not an observation under question; it is a scenario that leads to the analyst's conclusion.
Therefore, option D is the correct answer.
User avatar
Michael909
User avatar
Joined: 13 Jun 2023
Last visit: 07 Nov 2025
Posts: 31
Own Kudos:
49
 [1]
Given Kudos: 73
Status:Aspirant
Location: Singapore
Concentration: Entrepreneurship, Strategy
Schools: CBS INSEAD Jan'25 intake Booth (Chicago)
WE:Asset Management (Finance)
Schools: CBS INSEAD Jan'25 intake Booth (Chicago)
Posts: 31
Kudos: 49
 [1]
GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 8): Marketing Analyst: Despite the recent 17 Jul 2024, 10:35
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Bunuel
­Marketing Analyst: Despite the recent spike in online advertising by most competitors, our company has not increased its digital marketing budget and has seen no decrease in market share. Given that the cost of online advertising has significantly increased due to higher demand, we can conclude that our existing marketing strategies are still effective. Furthermore, our sales team has reported an increase in customer engagement and satisfaction with current marketing efforts.

In the analyst's reasoning, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

(A) The first is the analyst's main conclusion; the second provides evidence to support that conclusion.

(B) The first is evidence that serves as the basis for rejecting one explanation; the second is the analyst's additional explanation.

(C) The first is a statement of fact that the analyst disputes; the second provides an alternative explanation that the analyst offers.

(D) The first presents a scenario that seems contradictory to expected outcomes; the second provides supporting evidence that explains the actual outcome observed.

(E) The first outlines an initial observation that is under question; the second provides evidence to refute a potential objection to the analyst's final conclusion.



­
 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the GMAT Club Olympics Competition

Win over $30,000 in prizes such as Courses, Tests, Private Tutoring, and more

 

­
Show more
­
  • First Boldface Portion: "Despite the recent spike in online advertising by most competitors, our company has not increased its digital marketing budget and has seen no decrease in market share."


    • This portion presents a scenario that might seem contradictory to expected outcomes. Normally, if competitors are increasing their online advertising, a company that does not follow suit might be expected to lose market share. However, in this case, the company has not seen a decrease in market share despite not increasing its digital marketing budget.
  • Second Boldface Portion: "Furthermore, our sales team has reported an increase in customer engagement and satisfaction with current marketing efforts."


    • This portion provides additional evidence that supports the analyst's explanation for the observed outcome. It suggests that the current marketing strategies are still effective because customer engagement and satisfaction are increasing, despite the lack of increased spending on digital marketing.
Option D: The first presents a scenario that seems contradictory to expected outcomes; the second provides supporting evidence that explains the actual outcome observed. Correct. The first portion presents a scenario that seems contradictory (no decrease in market share despite not increasing the budget), and the second portion provides supporting evidence (increase in customer engagement and satisfaction) to explain why this unexpected outcome occurred.

Therefore, option D is the current answer.
User avatar
HarshaBujji
User avatar
Joined: 29 Jun 2020
Last visit: 16 Nov 2025
Posts: 695
Own Kudos:
885
 [1]
Given Kudos: 247
Location: India
Products:
My Reviews
Posts: 695
Kudos: 885
 [1]
GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 8): Marketing Analyst: Despite the recent 17 Jul 2024, 10:48
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
 
Bunuel
­Marketing Analyst: Despite the recent spike in online advertising by most competitors, our company has not increased its digital marketing budget and has seen no decrease in market share. Given that the cost of online advertising has significantly increased due to higher demand, we can conclude that our existing marketing strategies are still effective. Furthermore, our sales team has reported an increase in customer engagement and satisfaction with current marketing efforts.

In the analyst's reasoning, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

(A) The first is the analyst's main conclusion; the second provides evidence to support that conclusion.

(B) The first is evidence that serves as the basis for rejecting one explanation; the second is the analyst's additional explanation.

(C) The first is a statement of fact that the analyst disputes; the second provides an alternative explanation that the analyst offers.

(D) The first presents a scenario that seems contradictory to expected outcomes; the second provides supporting evidence that explains the actual outcome observed.

(E) The first outlines an initial observation that is under question; the second provides evidence to refute a potential objection to the analyst's final conclusion.



­
 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the GMAT Club Olympics Competition

Win over $30,000 in prizes such as Courses, Tests, Private Tutoring, and more

 

­
Show more
Pre-Thinking:
Despite the recent spike in online advertising by most competitors, our company has not increased its digital marketing budget and has seen no decrease in market

Hmm this is just a stmt, That some  unusual trend happened.


Our sales team has reported an increase in customer engagement and satisfaction with current marketing 
Reasoning why the above stmt is mentioned. Basis of that stmt. 


POE
Strighhtly can be eliminated :: 
­(A) The first is the analyst's main conclusion; the second provides evidence to support that conclusion.

(B) The first is evidence that serves as the basis for rejecting one explanation; the second is the analyst's additional explanation.

(C) The first is a statement of fact that the analyst disputes; the second provides an alternative explanation that the analyst offers.

(D) The first presents a scenario that seems contradictory to expected outcomes; the second provides supporting evidence that explains the actual outcome observed.

(E) The first outlines an initial observation that is under question; the second provides evidence to refute a potential objection to the analyst's final conclusion.Not questioned

IMO D­
avatar
Rider210
avatar
Joined: 07 Jul 2024
Last visit: 13 Dec 2024
Posts: 34
Own Kudos:
39
 [1]
Given Kudos: 25
Location: India
Posts: 34
Kudos: 39
 [1]
GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 8): Marketing Analyst: Despite the recent 17 Jul 2024, 10:52
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
(A) The first is the analyst's main conclusion; the second provides evidence to support that conclusion. Not the main conclusion.

(B) The first is evidence that serves as the basis for rejecting one explanation; the second is the analyst's additional explanation. No

(C) The first is a statement of fact that the analyst disputes; the second provides an alternative explanation that the analyst offers. second explanation is not alternate

(D) The first presents a scenario that seems contradictory to expected outcomes; the second provides supporting evidence that explains the actual outcome observed. this serves the purpose

(E) The first outlines an initial observation that is under question; the second provides evidence to refute a potential objection to the analyst's final conclusion.Second does not refute.­
User avatar
Purnank
User avatar
Joined: 05 Jan 2024
Last visit: 15 Nov 2025
Posts: 680
Own Kudos:
585
 [1]
Given Kudos: 166
Location: India
Concentration: General Management, Strategy
GMAT Focus 1: 635 Q88 V76 DI80
Products:
My Reviews
GMAT Focus 1: 635 Q88 V76 DI80
Posts: 680
Kudos: 585
 [1]
GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 8): Marketing Analyst: Despite the recent 17 Jul 2024, 11:25
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
­First BF - This presents a scenario that seems contradictory to expected outcomes. Typically, one would expect that not increasing the digital marketing budget while competitors are increasing theirs might lead to a decrease in market share. However, the company has not seen a decrease in market share.

Second BF - This provides supporting evidence that explains the actual outcome observed (i.e., why the company did not see a decrease in market share despite not increasing its digital marketing budget).

Lets evaluate each options.

(A) The first is the analyst's main conclusion; the second provides evidence to support that conclusion. - Incorrect - The first bold portion is not the main conclusion but rather an observation.

(B) The first is evidence that serves as the basis for rejecting one explanation; the second is the analyst's additional explanation. - Incorrect - The first bold portion does not reject an explanation but presents an observation.

(C) The first is a statement of fact that the analyst disputes; the second provides an alternative explanation that the analyst offers. - Incorrect - Again same for first bold portion.

(D) The first presents a scenario that seems contradictory to expected outcomes; the second provides supporting evidence that explains the actual outcome observed. - Correct - The first bold portion presents a scenario that seems contradictory (not increasing the budget but not losing market share), and the second provides evidence (increased customer engagement and satisfaction) to explain this outcome.

(E) The first outlines an initial observation that is under question; the second provides evidence to refute a potential objection to the analyst's final conclusion. - Close but does not capture whole like option D. Plus the use of "refute" in option implies that the second statement directly counteracts or disproves a particular objection or alternative explanation. The second bold portion does provide evidence to support the conclusion but i dont think it uses refuting language or directly counter an explicit objection. It adds context and evidence but is not framed as a refutation.

D better than E.
I think Answer is D.­
User avatar
ThatIndianGuy
User avatar
Joined: 18 Mar 2020
Last visit: 15 Oct 2025
Posts: 80
Own Kudos:
65
 [1]
Given Kudos: 385
Location: India
Concentration: Strategy, Technology
Schools: Schulich '27 (A$) IE (A) Bocconi (I) Rotman '27 (A$) IESE '27 (D) ESADE (A)
WE:General Management (Technology)
Schools: Schulich '27 (A$) IE (A) Bocconi (I) Rotman '27 (A$) IESE '27 (D) ESADE (A)
Posts: 80
Kudos: 65
 [1]
GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 8): Marketing Analyst: Despite the recent 17 Jul 2024, 11:43
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
(A) The first is the analyst's main conclusion; the second provides evidence to support that conclusion. - first is not MC of argyment. WRONG

(B) The first is evidence that serves as the basis for rejecting one explanation; the second is the analyst's additional explanation. - First is not rejecting any explanation. WRONG

(C) The first is a statement of fact that the analyst disputes; the second provides an alternative explanation that the analyst offers. - ANalyst is not disputing the first Bold face. WRONG

(D) The first presents a scenario that seems contradictory to expected outcomes; the second provides supporting evidence that explains the actual outcome observed. - YES. CORRECT

(E) The first outlines an initial observation that is under question; the second provides evidence to refute a potential objection to the analyst's final conclusion. - first part is ok. second part is opposite. Second BF supports author's MC. WRONG­
avatar
d_patel
avatar
Joined: 16 May 2024
Last visit: 24 Nov 2024
Posts: 57
Own Kudos:
70
 [1]
Given Kudos: 13
Schools: ESSEC MFin "26 (A)
GMAT Focus 1: 685 Q89 V84 DI79
Schools: ESSEC MFin "26 (A)
GMAT Focus 1: 685 Q89 V84 DI79
Posts: 57
Kudos: 70
 [1]
GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 8): Marketing Analyst: Despite the recent 17 Jul 2024, 12:03
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
­From the question stem we can see that,
First boldface gives us initial observation which was a little bit unexpected. If company is not increasing its digital marketing budget while there is a recent spike in online advertising by most competitors, there should be negative affect on market share. But that's not the case here. 

Second boldface is providing additional support which we can also see by use of word furthermore. It provides support to the claim  that current marketing strategies are effective because of increase in customer engagement and satisfaction with current marketing efforts.

Let's look at the options: 

A. The first is the analyst's main conclusion; the second provides evidence to support that conclusion.
First boldface is not a conclusion. Eliminate

B. The first is evidence that serves as the basis for rejecting one explanation; the second is the analyst's additional explanation.
First boldface could be right, we can assume that explaination should be increase in digital advertising to compete. But second boldface is not an addational explaination. It is a supporting evidence for effectivness of existing marketing strategies. Eliminate

C. The first is a statement of fact that the analyst disputes; the second provides an alternative explanation that the analyst offers.
Second boldface is not an alternative explanation. Eliminate

D. The first presents a scenario that seems contradictory to expected outcomes; the second provides supporting evidence that explains the actual outcome observed.
The first does present a scenario that seems contradictory. If digital marketing budget is not improved, then how is it that market share is not decreased by competition. Second boldface gives us evidence. Increase in customer engagement and satisfaction with current marketing efforts led to effectivness of existing marketing strategies. Correct

E. The first outlines an initial observation that is under question; the second provides evidence to refute a potential objection to the analyst's final conclusion.
Second boldface does not refute an objection. It is supporting analyst's argument. Eliminate
 ­
User avatar
temulenbatbayr90
User avatar
Joined: 06 Sep 2022
Last visit: 18 Nov 2025
Posts: 45
Own Kudos:
53
 [1]
Given Kudos: 2
Posts: 45
Kudos: 53
 [1]
GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 8): Marketing Analyst: Despite the recent 17 Jul 2024, 12:35
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
(A) The first boldface portion is identified as the analyst's main conclusion, while the second provides supporting evidence.

The first part is not the main conclusion but rather an observation or scenario presented by the analyst.
Although the second part does offer evidence, this description doesn’t correctly identify the role of the first part.
Incorrect.
(B) The first boldface portion is described as evidence used to reject a specific explanation, with the second part being an additional explanation from the analyst.

The first part does serve as evidence that counters the idea that increased competitor advertising would decrease market share.
The second part does give further explanation supporting the analyst's position.
However, this choice doesn't perfectly capture the role of the first part.
Not the best fit.
(C) The first boldface portion is claimed to be a statement of fact that the analyst disputes, and the second is an alternative explanation.

The analyst is not disputing the first part; it’s an observation presented as a fact.
Incorrect.
(D) The first boldface portion is presented as a scenario that appears to contradict expected outcomes, with the second part providing evidence to explain the actual observed outcome.

The first part does describe a situation that seems to go against expected results.
The second part gives evidence that clarifies why the market share did not decline.
This option accurately describes the roles of both parts.
Correct.
(E) The first boldface portion is described as an initial observation that is under question, and the second part offers evidence to refute a potential objection to the analyst’s conclusion.

The first part is not specifically under question, although it is an observation.
The second part does provide evidence supporting the analyst's conclusion but isn't focused on refuting an objection.
This option is close but not as precise as (D).
Incorrect.
THe correct answer (D)
User avatar
jpowwow
User avatar
Joined: 13 Mar 2024
Last visit: 11 Sep 2025
Posts: 9
Own Kudos:
9
 [1]
Posts: 9
Kudos: 9
 [1]
GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 8): Marketing Analyst: Despite the recent 17 Jul 2024, 12:45
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Interesting one. I will explain my strategy down below. Answer D.

So here we have 2 answers that need to match (2 sentences). I started with the first one which automatically eliminated A and C since they are not accurate.

E was a question mark for me so I skipped it for now.

Then, B and D seemed the more plausible so I proceeded to check for the second senteces. B made sense so I kept it. However, D seemed like a perfect match. First sentence explains a surprising, yet true observation. The secnd sentence was the analyst's main argument. And the third provided evidence to back that argument and add more information.

Let me know if this makes sense !
User avatar
BGbogoss
User avatar
Joined: 27 Jan 2024
Last visit: 30 Sep 2025
Posts: 38
Own Kudos:
58
 [1]
Given Kudos: 2
Posts: 38
Kudos: 58
 [1]
GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 8): Marketing Analyst: Despite the recent 17 Jul 2024, 13:22
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
(A) The first statement is not the main conclusion; it is an observation that sets up the context.
(B) The first statement does not serve as evidence to reject an explanation.
(C) The analyst does not dispute the first statement; it is presented as a fact.
(D) Correct. The first statement presents a scenario that appears contradictory to the expected outcomes (not increasing the budget but still maintaining market share), and the second statement provides supporting evidence (increased customer engagement and satisfaction) that explains the actual outcome.
(E) The first statement is an observation but not necessarily under question, and the second statement provides supporting evidence rather than refuting an objection.

Answer D.­
User avatar
wwcd
User avatar
Joined: 21 Apr 2024
Last visit: 12 May 2025
Posts: 46
Own Kudos:
52
 [1]
Given Kudos: 83
Posts: 46
Kudos: 52
 [1]
GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 8): Marketing Analyst: Despite the recent 17 Jul 2024, 13:28
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Bunuel
­Marketing Analyst: Despite the recent spike in online advertising by most competitors, our company has not increased its digital marketing budget and has seen no decrease in market share. Given that the cost of online advertising has significantly increased due to higher demand, we can conclude that our existing marketing strategies are still effective. Furthermore, our sales team has reported an increase in customer engagement and satisfaction with current marketing efforts.

In the analyst's reasoning, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

(A) The first is the analyst's main conclusion; the second provides evidence to support that conclusion.

(B) The first is evidence that serves as the basis for rejecting one explanation; the second is the analyst's additional explanation.

(C) The first is a statement of fact that the analyst disputes; the second provides an alternative explanation that the analyst offers.

(D) The first presents a scenario that seems contradictory to expected outcomes; the second provides supporting evidence that explains the actual outcome observed.

(E) The first outlines an initial observation that is under question; the second provides evidence to refute a potential objection to the analyst's final conclusion.
 
Show more
­A. The main conclusion : The company's existing marketing strategies are still effective.
So the first boldfacr cannot be the analyst's main conclusion.

B. Which explanation is being rejected? So, first boldface's description is inaccurate.

C. The analyst doesn't dispute anything in the paragraph.

D. Expected outcome : that the company might see a drop in sales as their competitiors increased their marketing budgets. BF 1 definitely is contrary to the expected outcome.
Actual outcome : No drop in market shares. Explanation - increased customer engagement and satisfaction. BF 2 does exactly this.

E - The initial observation isn't under question - It is stated as a fact/observation. We do not know what the potential objection might be - the paraghraph doesn't allude to anything.

OPTION D
User avatar
xhym
User avatar
Joined: 11 Jun 2024
Last visit: 20 Oct 2025
Posts: 65
Own Kudos:
83
 [1]
Given Kudos: 7
Location: Canada
Products:
My Reviews
Posts: 65
Kudos: 83
 [1]
GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 8): Marketing Analyst: Despite the recent 17 Jul 2024, 13:46
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Bunuel
­Marketing Analyst: Despite the recent spike in online advertising by most competitors, our company has not increased its digital marketing budget and has seen no decrease in market share. Given that the cost of online advertising has significantly increased due to higher demand, we can conclude that our existing marketing strategies are still effective. Furthermore, our sales team has reported an increase in customer engagement and satisfaction with current marketing efforts.

In the analyst's reasoning, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

(A) The first is the analyst's main conclusion; the second provides evidence to support that conclusion.

(B) The first is evidence that serves as the basis for rejecting one explanation; the second is the analyst's additional explanation.

(C) The first is a statement of fact that the analyst disputes; the second provides an alternative explanation that the analyst offers.

(D) The first presents a scenario that seems contradictory to expected outcomes; the second provides supporting evidence that explains the actual outcome observed.

(E) The first outlines an initial observation that is under question; the second provides evidence to refute a potential objection to the analyst's final conclusion.



­
 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the GMAT Club Olympics Competition

Win over $30,000 in prizes such as Courses, Tests, Private Tutoring, and more

 

­
Show more
­
Let's take a look at each statement:

(A) The first is the analyst's main conclusion; the second provides evidence to support that conclusion.

-> The first is not the main conclusion, this is incorrect.

(B) The first is evidence that serves as the basis for rejecting one explanation; the second is the analyst's additional explanation.

-> The first is not used to reject an explanation, this is incorrect.

(C) The first is a statement of fact that the analyst disputes; the second provides an alternative explanation that the analyst offers.

-> The analyst does not dispute the fact, this is incorrect.

(D) The first presents a scenario that seems contradictory to expected outcomes; the second provides supporting evidence that explains the actual outcome observed.

-> This is correct. The first describes an unexpected scenario and the second provides evidence to explain it.

(E) The first outlines an initial observation that is under question; the second provides evidence to refute a potential objection to the analyst's final conclusion.

-> The first is an observation that is not under question, and the second supports the conclusion. This is incorrect.

The answer imo is D.­
User avatar
Akkiiii
User avatar
Joined: 01 May 2022
Last visit: 16 Nov 2025
Posts: 109
Own Kudos:
63
 [1]
Given Kudos: 855
Location: India
Schools: Wharton '25 HBS '25 ISB '27
GPA: 4
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: Wharton '25 HBS '25 ISB '27
Posts: 109
Kudos: 63
 [1]
GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 8): Marketing Analyst: Despite the recent 17 Jul 2024, 14:29
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Bunuel
­Marketing Analyst: Despite the recent spike in online advertising by most competitors, our company has not increased its digital marketing budget and has seen no decrease in market share. Given that the cost of online advertising has significantly increased due to higher demand, we can conclude that our existing marketing strategies are still effective. Furthermore, our sales team has reported an increase in customer engagement and satisfaction with current marketing efforts.

In the analyst's reasoning, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

(A) The first is the analyst's main conclusion; the second provides evidence to support that conclusion.

(B) The first is evidence that serves as the basis for rejecting one explanation; the second is the analyst's additional explanation.

(C) The first is a statement of fact that the analyst disputes; the second provides an alternative explanation that the analyst offers.

(D) The first presents a scenario that seems contradictory to expected outcomes; the second provides supporting evidence that explains the actual outcome observed.

(E) The first outlines an initial observation that is under question; the second provides evidence to refute a potential objection to the analyst's final conclusion.



­
 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the GMAT Club Olympics Competition

Win over $30,000 in prizes such as Courses, Tests, Private Tutoring, and more

 

­
Show more
­Of course! Let's briefly discuss why the other options are not correct:

A The first is not the analyst's main conclusion; it sets up the scenario. The second does provide evidence, but it's not supporting the first as a main conclusion.
  
B The first is not evidence to reject an explanation; it's a factual statement. The second does provide an explanation, but it's not additional to the first.
  
C The first statement is not something the analyst disputes. The second does provide an alternative explanation, but it's not contradicting the first statement.
  
E The first statement is not outlining an initial observation under question. The second does provide evidence, but it's not refuting an objection to a final conclusion.

Therefore, option D remains the most accurate.
User avatar
GuadalupeAntonia
User avatar
Yale Moderator
Joined: 04 May 2024
Last visit: 23 Aug 2025
Posts: 59
Own Kudos:
66
 [1]
Given Kudos: 22
Location: Mexico
Schools: Haas '27 Yale '27 Stanford '27 MIT '27 Wharton '27
GMAT Focus 1: 665 Q84 V83 DI80
GPA: 3.5
Schools: Haas '27 Yale '27 Stanford '27 MIT '27 Wharton '27
GMAT Focus 1: 665 Q84 V83 DI80
Posts: 59
Kudos: 66
 [1]
GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 8): Marketing Analyst: Despite the recent 17 Jul 2024, 14:34
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
In the analyst's reasoning, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?
ANS LETTER D

(A) The first is the analyst's main conclusion; the second provides evidence to support that conclusion.
INCORRECT
The first is not the main conclusion, but the second is evidence to support the main conclusion.

(B) The first is evidence that serves as the basis for rejecting one explanation; the second is the analyst's additional explanation.
INCORRECT
Netheir the first serves as a rejecting statement for the text nor the second is an analysis of anything.

(C) The first is a statement of fact that the analyst disputes; the second provides an alternative explanation that the analyst offers.
INCORRECT
Even though the first is a fact statement the analyst does not dispute about this. The second is not an alternative explanation, nor an explanation, it is evidence to support the conclusion.

(D) The first presents a scenario that seems contradictory to expected outcomes; the second provides supporting evidence that explains the actual outcome observed.
CORRECT
The word despite help to present a contradictory situation. The expected outcome of have not increased digital marketing budget is to seen a decrease in market share but despite that market share didn't decreased. The second bold statement is evidence to support that marketing strategy is still effective by using the claim made by sales team that the company reported an increase in customer engagement and satisfaction with current marketing efforts.

(E) The first outlines an initial observation that is under question; the second provides evidence to refute a potential objection to the analyst's final conclusion.
INCORRECT
Neither the first statement is an observation nor the second statement refutes any objections. Also there are not an observation under question in the statement and the conclusion objects anything, but the other way around, the final conclusion claims that the company has an effective marketing strategy.­
User avatar
sohailasif786
User avatar
Joined: 13 May 2024
Last visit: 07 Oct 2025
Posts: 43
Own Kudos:
50
 [1]
Given Kudos: 3
Posts: 43
Kudos: 50
 [1]
GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 8): Marketing Analyst: Despite the recent 17 Jul 2024, 14:59
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
­Marketing Analyst: 

Despite the recent spike in online advertising by most competitors, our company has not increased its digital marketing budget and
Conclusion
has seen no decrease in market share.
Premise
Given that the cost of online advertising has significantly increased due to higher demand, we can conclude that our existing marketing strategies are still effective.
Additional premise
Furthermore, our sales team has reported an increase in customer engagement and satisfaction with current marketing efforts.

In the analyst's reasoning, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

(A) The first is the analyst's main conclusion; the second provides evidence to support that conclusion.Conclusion is only a part of the first bold portion

(B) The first is evidence that serves as the basis for rejecting one explanation; the second is the analyst's additional explanation.There is no evidence given in the first bold face

(C) The first is a statement of fact that the analyst disputes; the second provides an alternative explanation that the analyst offers.There is no evidence given to determine whether its a fact or not.And second is not an alternative explanation as it is supporting the main conclusion.

(D) The first presents a scenario that seems contradictory to expected outcomes; the second provides supporting evidence that explains the actual outcome observed.CORRECT -As expected outcome would be decrease in the market share therefore first is contradictory ,second provide the support for the conclusion 'has seen no decrease in market share.'

(E) The first outlines an initial observation that is under question; the second provides evidence to refute a potential objection to the analyst's final conclusion.The second support the main conclusion not by refuting an objection.

ANS=D
   1   2   3   4   5   
Moderators:
GMATNinja
GMAT Club Verbal Expert
7445 posts
GMATNinjaTwo
GMAT Club Verbal Expert
234 posts
miag
188 posts