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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 4): Manager: Our company's annual leaders

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SaanjK26

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1. We should add supplementary lectures to explain the old case studies
➡ Weak — doesn’t address the main problem (outdated material).

2. We should continue using the printed casebooks but update them slightly
➡ too weak for a conclusion starting with "Therefore" after poor feedback.

3. Correct option for blank 1.
Matches the problem and aligns with the sentence that follows about simulations.

4. Online casebooks remain the most cost-effective solution
Irrelevant — the argument supports online simulations, not just casebooks.

5. Correct option for blank 2.
➡ Strong support — acknowledges cost but justifies it through better outcomes.

6.Not correct as this contradicts the argument’s direction.

Blank 1: we should replace the printed casebooks with interactive online simulations.

Blank 2:when factoring in employee performance improvements, online simulations offer better long-term value than printed casebooks.

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04 Jul 2025, 04:33

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Post the first blank the merits of online casebooks are discussed over printed so it would imply that we should replace the printed casebooks with interactive online simulations. This is framed as a suggestion & hence that would make the most sense as the first blank.

Going with the theme of preference of online casebooks, the statement online casebooks remain the most cost-effective solution can be rebutted by the previous line. The other statement while the initial cost of online simulations is higher, the return on investment through improved training outcomes does not justify the expense is a negative statement against online casebooks. So this blank is also not correct.

Hence the correct answer for the second blank is when factoring in employee performance improvements, online simulations offer better long-term value than printed casebooks

Hence the correct answers are :

First Blank - we should replace the printed casebooks with interactive online simulations

Second Blank - when factoring in employee performance improvements, online simulations offer better long-term value than printed casebooks

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Bunuel

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From the para structure, it is clear that author is suggesting new material that too interactive online simulation despite being expensive but more engaging
and he might add something positive after furthermore... as well.

we should add supplementary lectures to explain the old case studies - adding more lectures won’t solve the issue.

we should continue using the printed casebooks but update them slightly- how update will help, should have been mentioned, doesn’t fit.

we should replace the printed casebooks with interactive online simulations -Exactly statement 1.

online casebooks remain the most cost-effective solution - cost was mentioned already, further discussion won’t be about casebooks to.

when factoring in employee performance improvements, online simulations offer better long-term value than printed casebooks- provides further motivation to go for online simulations, hence fits second statement.

while the initial cost of online simulations is higher, the return on investment through improved training outcomes does not justify the expense- online simulations won’t be selected if expenses are not justified. While the para seems to suggest something.

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Blank 1 seems to be suggesting using online simulations instead of printed casebooks as the following sentence acknowledges a limitation of online simulations but ultimately points out its advantages over printed casebooks.

Blank 2 seems to be something positive about online simulations because of the word "moreover" - which indicates that the author wants to emphasize why online simulations should be used instead.

1. we should add supplementary lectures to explain the old case studies - nothing about supplementary lectures mentioned or hinted at in the passage.

2. we should continue using the printed casebooks but update them slightly - nothing about updating playbooks, but rather about replacing them with online simulations

3. we should replace the printed casebooks with interactive online simulations - this fits into the Blank 1 as per our prethinking.

4. online casebooks remain the most cost-effective solution - This is more like a conclusion that won't fit either Blank 1 or Blank 2.

5. when factoring in employee performance improvements, online simulations offer better long-term value than printed casebooks - this is an added advantage that fits into Blank 2.

6. while the initial cost of online simulations is higher, the return on investment through improved training outcomes does not justify the expense - this is a negative statement about online simulations, while we want something positive.

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Statement 1: Should propose a solution that aligns with the manager’s claim that current materials are outdated and ineffective.
=> Answer for Statement 1: We should replace the printed casebooks with interactive online simulation

Statement 2: Should provide support for previous suggestion.
=> Answer for Statement 2: When factoring in employee performance improvements, online simulations offer better long-term value than printed casebooks

Final Answer:
1. We should replace the printed casebooks with interactive online simulation
2. When factoring in employee performance improvements, online simulations offer better long-term value than printed casebooks

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04 Jul 2025, 04:50

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The manager says: Case studies are outdated, online simulations are better.
Statement 1 needs the main point:

we should replace the printed casebooks with interactive online simulations

Statement 2 needs to address the cost issue:

when factoring in employee performance improvements, online simulations offer better long-term value than printed casebooks

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General structure: Marker "therefore" indicates the conclusion that the author is making in (1) that follows the first sentence and last two sentences as premises, including (2)
- For (1): Choice A &B doesn't logically follow since the traditional printed casebooks "outdated and no longer reflect current business challenges."
Choice (D) - sound logical but one words off "online casebooks"; the premise is about "interactive online simulation"
The last two choices are obviously wrong for this position, and hence we left with the best choice (C)

- For (2): We need a premise/evidence to support the claim (1), and choice (E) fits best

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1) Since it is followed immediately by "Although traditional printed casebooks are less expensive upfront than many alternatives (such as updated e-books), interactive online simulations are far more engaging and better tailored to modern leadership needs", the statement must have contained something that talked about adding interactive online simulations. Option C- we should replace the printed casebooks with interactive online simulations
2) Now, that he has suggested the best option to shift to, he would be stating another advantage of that. Looking through the options it is : Option E- when factoring in employee performance improvements, online simulations offer better long-term value than printed casebooks

Bunuel

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Reading the statement provided, its clear that 1st blank will have something which points out that interactive online submissions are better and 2nd will state some advantage of it as Furthermore is used.
Going through the answer choices, we get those 2 answer choices as: 1: we should replace the printed casebooks with interactive online simulations AND 2: when factoring in employee performance improvements, online simulations offer better long-term value than printed casebooks

[align=left]My Answer:

[/align]

Bunuel

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Bunuel

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[color=#000000]we should add supplementary lectures to explain the old case studies[/color]
		[color=#000000]we should continue using the printed casebooks but update them slightly[/color]
		[color=#000000]we should replace the printed casebooks with interactive online simulations[/color]
		[color=#000000]online casebooks remain the most cost-effective solution[/color]
		[color=#000000]when factoring in employee performance improvements, online simulations offer better long-term value than printed casebooks[/color]
		[color=#000000]while the initial cost of online simulations is higher, the return on investment through improved training outcomes does not justify the expense[/color]

I am copying this part over to make it easier. 1. afterward its talking about the benefits of interactive online simulations. There are 3 lines that talk about that. The last one being anti, so lets cross that out. The one talking about factoring in improvements seems to detailed, and looking at line (2) is actually a better fit there. So for 1 we get " W[color=#000000]e should replace the printed casebooks with interactive online simulations" and for 2. when factoring in employee performance improvements, online simulations offer better long-term value than printed casebooks[/color]

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Incorrect ones:

+ we should add supplementary lectures to explain the old case studies
+ we should continue using the printed casebooks but update them slightly
-> adding lectures or slightly updating still keeps the outdated core materials

+ online casebooks remain the most cost-effective solution
-> is vague and doesn't support the simulation recommendation

+ while the initial cost of online simulations is higher, the return on investment through improved training outcomes does not justify the expense
-> "does not justify the expense" contradicts the manager's position

Statement 1 = we should replace the printed casebooks with interactive online simulations
Statement 2 = when factoring in employee performance improvements, online simulations offer better long-term value than printed casebooks

These two statements together create a coherent argument for adopting online simulations despite higher upfront costs. The first states the action, while the second provides the financial justification to overcome the cost objection.

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Bunuel

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Statement 1 talks about a new suggestion hence, out of the options that are presented the first three are suggestions.

we should add supplementary lectures to explain the old case studies

* Not correct as the part that follows doesn't go well.

we should continue using the printed casebooks but update them slightly

* Not correct as the part that follows doesn't go well.

we should replace the printed casebooks with interactive online simulations

* This is a valid candidate for the blank

Statement 2 talks about a added benefit. Out of the options presented two offer benefits

when factoring in employee performance improvements, online simulations offer better long-term value than printed casebooks

* This is a valid candidate for the blank

while the initial cost of online simulations is higher, the return on investment through improved training outcomes does not justify the expense

* Doesn't outline a benefit

Final Answers:

(1) = we should replace the printed casebooks with interactive online simulations
(2) = when factoring in employee performance improvements, online simulations offer better long-term value than printed casebooks

RedYellow

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For Statement 1:
"we should replace the printed casebooks with interactive online simulations"

It completely solves the "outdated materials" problem and matches the benefits mentioned next (more engaging, modern).

For Statement 2:
"when factoring in employee performance improvements, online simulations offer better long-term value than printed casebooks"

Answers the cost objection and shows the higher price is worth it for better results.

The others are incorrect:
"we should add supplementary lectures to explain the old case studies", "we should continue using the printed casebooks but update them slightly" and "online casebooks remain the most cost-effective solution" don't fully fix the outdated problem
"while the initial cost of online simulations is higher, the return on investment through improved training outcomes does not justify the expense" argues against the manager's own position

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Bunuel

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For the 1st blank:
We need to read the line following it.
" Although traditional printed casebooks are less expensive upfront than many alternatives (such as updated e-books), interactive online simulations are far more engaging and better tailored to modern leadership needs. "
This line tells us that the Manager proposes that online simulations must be used in place of traditional printed casebooks despite the casebooks being cheaper. Online simulations are more engaging.

Hence blank one: 1. we should replace the printed casebooks with interactive online simulations

For the 2nd blank:
The word "Furthermore" tells us that the Manager continues to speak about the online simulations.
Since, the manager is in favor of the idea of casebooks, we must look for the option which provides support it.
The option closest according to our analysis is:
2. when factoring in employee performance improvements, online simulations offer better long-term value than printed casebooks

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04 Jul 2025, 06:51

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For statement 1, look at the sentence right after the blank. it says "although traditional printed casebooks xxxx, interactive online simulations are xxxxx". This clearly indicates that in the first blank we need to have mentioned "interactive online simulations". Consider this sentence: I think that A can be used to replace B. Although B is okay in some ways, A is better.

So the option we select is C, we should replace the printed casebooks with interactive online simulations.

For statement 2, the use of "Furthermore" indicates that the author is providing another positive for online simulations. D we know is not true from the para itself, and F will go against the author's suggestion. so the answer is D, when factoring in employee performance improvements, online simulations offer better long-term value than printed casebooks.

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Manager: Our company's annual leadership training sessions have recently received poor feedback. A major issue seems to be that the case study materials we use are outdated and no longer reflect current business challenges. Therefore, I suggest that ____1____. Although traditional printed casebooks are less expensive upfront than many alternatives (such as updated e-books), interactive online simulations are far more engaging and better tailored to modern leadership needs. Furthermore, ____2____.

What we observe is that for statement 1 the manager is suggesting a solution and for statement 2 there needs to be a support statement which helps the manager's case for investment in interactive solutions

we should add supplementary lectures to explain the old case studies
Not usable since it talks about keeping old materials which doesent solve the issue

we should continue using the printed casebooks but update them slightly
Even though it helps a bit but doesent align with the interactive alternative statements

we should replace the printed casebooks with interactive online simulations
The argument praises interactive simulations as more engaging and up to date. This is the most logical recommendation. This is used for statement 1 as it matches with reasoning in second part

online casebooks remain the most cost-effective solution
Not usable since the argument praises interactive simulations, not online casebooks

when factoring in employee performance improvements, online simulations offer better long-term value than printed casebooks
Usable since this directly supports the previous claim that simulations are worth the cost. It reinforces the benefit-to-cost justification. This can be used for statement 2

while the initial cost of online simulations is higher, the return on investment through improved training outcomes does not justify the expense
Not usable since this contradicts the earlier point that simulations are better tailored to modern needs. It weakens the manager’s recommendation

Statement 1: we should replace the printed casebooks with interactive online simulations
Statement 2: when factoring in employee performance improvements, online simulations offer better long-term value than printed casebooks

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1. The manager's justification strongly points towards replacing the current materials with interactive online simulations. Only one option: "we should replace the printed casebooks with interactive online simulations" talks about replacing the current material with an updated alternative.

2. We need to provide an additional reason to support the adoption of interactive online simulations despite the comparatively more expensive upfront cost.

[color=#34322d]"when factoring in employee performance improvements, online simulations offer better long-term value than printed casebooks" - This provides a strong support and justification for adopting online simulations, focusing on long-term value despite higher upfront costs. CORRECT.[/color]

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- we should add supplementary lectures to explain the old case studies
Doesn't solve the core problem, materials are still outdated

- we should continue using the printed casebooks but update them slightly
Still basically using old materials, just polished

- we should replace the printed casebooks with interactive online simulations
Statement 1: Actually solves the "outdated" problem completely

- online casebooks remain the most cost-effective solution
It doesn't address simulations specifically

- when factoring in employee performance improvements, online simulations offer better long-term value than printed casebooks
Statement 2: Directly answers the cost concern with real benefits

- while the initial cost of online simulations is higher, the return on investment through improved training outcomes does not justify the expense
Contradicts the manager's whole argument

Statement 1: "we should replace the printed casebooks with interactive online simulations"
Statement 2: "when factoring in employee performance improvements, online simulations offer better long-term value than printed casebooks"

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04 Jul 2025, 07:19

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For part 1 C aligns with the authors line of thought and provides an alternative solution that would address the major problem
For part 2 choice E provides additional usage for the online simulations that give them an even bigger advantage
ANS CE

Bunuel

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Statement 1: The proposed solution.
The manager states, "A major issue seems to be that the case study materials we use are outdated and no longer reflect current business challenges. Therefore, I suggest that 1." The goal is to solve the "outdated materials" problem.

"we should add supplementary lectures to explain the old case studies" - This doesn't update the materials, it just tries to work around their outdated nature. It doesn't seem like a direct solution to the core problem.

"we should continue using the printed casebooks but update them slightly" - This updates them but doesn't necessarily address the "engaging" and "tailored to modern leadership needs" aspects mentioned later.

"we should replace the printed casebooks with interactive online simulations" - This directly addresses the outdated nature and aligns with the subsequent reasoning about interactive online simulations being "far more engaging and better tailored to modern leadership needs." This is a strong fit.

"online casebooks remain the most cost-effective solution" - This is a claim about cost-effectiveness, not a direct suggestion for what to do about the outdated materials.

Therefore, for Statement 1, the best fit is: we should replace the printed casebooks with interactive online simulations

Statement 2: Further reasoning to support the proposed solution, especially concerning cost and value.
The manager then says, "Although traditional printed casebooks are less expensive upfront than many alternatives (such as updated e-books), interactive online simulations are far more engaging and better tailored to modern leadership needs. Furthermore, 2." This sentence needs to provide an additional reason to favor online simulations, especially considering the mention of cost.

"online casebooks remain the most cost-effective solution" - This contradicts the preceding statement that "traditional printed casebooks are less expensive upfront." Online simulations are being presented as having a higher initial cost.

"when factoring in employee performance improvements, online simulations offer better long-term value than printed casebooks" - This explains why the higher upfront cost of online simulations is acceptable, by highlighting their long-term benefits and better return on investment through improved performance. This fits perfectly with the discussion of upfront cost vs. benefits.

"while the initial cost of online simulations is higher, the return on investment through improved training outcomes does not justify the expense" - This contradicts the overall positive stance on online simulations implied by the suggestion to replace printed casebooks with them. The manager is arguing for online simulations, not against them based on ROI.

Therefore, for Statement 2, the best fit is: when factoring in employee performance improvements, online simulations offer better long-term value than printed casebooks