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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 6): Flexible scheduling allows employees 07 Jul 2025, 09:52
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The first boldface states a recommendation made by consultants based on the goal of maximizing productivity, while the second boldface offers a conclusion that sometimes fixed schedules better serve that goal. Option A says the first is a recommendation and the second a qualification of it, which fits but misses that the second is really the main conclusion. Option B says the first is a general claim supported by experts and the second is the main conclusion, which matches well since the first is a viewpoint the author challenges and the second is the final claim. Option C incorrectly states the argument defends flexible scheduling, but it actually critiques it. Option D wrongly claims the second boldface challenges the goal itself, but it only questions the best way to achieve it, so that’s inaccurate. Option E mislabels the first boldface as a conclusion and the second as a prediction, neither of which fits. Overall, B best captures the roles of the two parts.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 6): Flexible scheduling allows employees 07 Jul 2025, 09:58
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Flexible scheduling allows employees to choose their work hours within certain limits and is widely believed to increase productivity. Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible. However, this recommendation may not always serve that goal. Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently. Without that, delays and communication breakdowns can occur, undermining team effectiveness. Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

In the argument above, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation. => Ok so we can say first is recommendation based on goal. and we can also say second is consideration that qualifies the recommendation so lets keep this

B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument. => Ok first itself is not the general claim. first is recommendation based on general claim so eliminate this and Not the ans

C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach. =>argument is not trying to defend the first as we can see however just after it with the reasons. so again eliminate this. Not the ans

D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal. => We can say first is goal and strategy but on second it does not challeneges "Validity" of goal. it challenges strategy so
Not the ans

E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion. => Argument is not supporting first with the the evidence and second is also not the prediction so
not the ans

Hence Ans A
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we clearly know that, both the boldfaced portions oppose each other, and D is the only option conveying the same.
Bunuel
Flexible scheduling allows employees to choose their work hours within certain limits and is widely believed to increase productivity. Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible. However, this recommendation may not always serve that goal. Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently. Without that, delays and communication breakdowns can occur, undermining team effectiveness. Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

In the argument above, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.

 


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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 6): Flexible scheduling allows employees 07 Jul 2025, 10:15
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Background: Flexible scheduling allows employees to choose their work hours within certain limits and is widely believed to increase productivity.
Premise1: Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible.
Intermediate conclusion: this recommendation may not always serve that goal
Premise2: Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently. Without that, delays and communication breakdowns can occur, undermining team effectiveness.
Main Conclusion: Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

Author is concluding fixed working hours is best way to maximize productivity in some cases. He is not denying the recommendation put out by some consultants which is generally believed.

Choice A defines the role of these two bold faces perfectly
The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
Bunuel
Flexible scheduling allows employees to choose their work hours within certain limits and is widely believed to increase productivity. Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible. However, this recommendation may not always serve that goal. Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently. Without that, delays and communication breakdowns can occur, undermining team effectiveness. Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

In the argument above, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.

 


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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 6): Flexible scheduling allows employees 07 Jul 2025, 10:23
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First thing to note is that the two boldfaces portions contradicts each other, so we can eliminate any choice stating that the two portions are in the same direction or supporting one another

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation. = Eliminated based on above
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument. = KEEP
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach. = Eliminated. The argument also doesn't defend the approach in first BF
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal. = KEEP
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion. = Eliminated. The argument does not support the first BF

Between B and D. If we break it down to each portion of the statement
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; = Nothing to argue here
the second presents the main conclusion of the argument. = Indeed it is the conclusion

D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; = Nothing to argue here
the second challenges the validity of that goal. = The BF portion doesn't really challenge the validity but simply stating a better way. The sentences before that actually provide the explanation that can challenge the validity. And while it does challenges in a way, the 'in some cases' within second BF implies that this might not always be the case and therefore may not fully challenge it but provide an alternative approach in some cases

Between B and D, I like B better


ANSWER = B
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 6): Flexible scheduling allows employees 07 Jul 2025, 10:31
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A. The first is a recommendation (by consultants) based on maximizing productivity.
The second qualifies that recommendation — saying flexible schedules don’t always help.

B. The first is a recommendation, not just a "general claim." The second is the main conclusion.
But this doesn’t highlight that the second challenges the first.

C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.

D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.

E. The first is not the author's conclusion. The second is also not a prediction, it's the author's actual conclusion.

Answer A
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 6): Flexible scheduling allows employees 07 Jul 2025, 10:37
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Boldface 1 = B1, Boldface 2 = B2
B1--> Some consultants say that implementing flexible schedules would lead to achieving a company's goal of maximizing productivity. This is based on a widely accepted belief.
B2--> Main conclusion of the passage --> To achieve the goal mentioned in B1, fixed work schedules should be implemented instead of flexible schedules. Gives an alternate path to achieve the goal by giving reasons in the passage.

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
B1 is based on a widely accepted belief not a goal; B2 is the main conclusion of the passage
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
Correct. B1 is a general recommendation given by "some" consultants; B2 is the main conclusion of the passage
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
B1 is a general recommendation given by "some" consultants, it is not a popular approach and the argument opposes it instead of defending it; B2 is the main conclusion of the passage and provides evidence against the approach in B1 not in support of it
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
B1 does provide a goal and a strategy for achieving it (this is correct); B2 does not challenge the validity of the goal, instead it challenges the strategy to achieve that goal
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.
B1 gives a conclusion that the argument refutes; B2 is not a prediction, it gives an alternate conclusion
Bunuel
Flexible scheduling allows employees to choose their work hours within certain limits and is widely believed to increase productivity. Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible. However, this recommendation may not always serve that goal. Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently. Without that, delays and communication breakdowns can occur, undermining team effectiveness. Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

In the argument above, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.

 


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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 6): Flexible scheduling allows employees 07 Jul 2025, 10:45
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BF1: It is a statement that has been presented as support for a position that the author tries to qualify later. please note that in GMAT/LSAT the word "qualify" means when the author tells the pros and cons of a certain subject (E.g., lamborghini makes really fast cars but their cars are usually really expensive; the author by telling both positives and negatives of the subject here is "qualifying" the claim)
BF2: This statement is how he/she qualifies the claim made earlier by the consultants.

Looking at answer choices:

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
  • This works since this tells us that first is a recommendation and the second one is a statement that qualifies the recommendation. Keep
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
  • The second statement is not the main conclusion of the argument. The main conclusion is "this recommendation may not always serve that goal". Eliminate
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
  • The argument by the author is not defending the first statement. Elminiate
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
  • Extreme. The author uses terms like "not always serve the goal" and "in some cases", so he/she is not challenging the validity of the first statement. Elminiate
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.
  • The first is not the conclusion. Elminate

A seems to be the best choice.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 6): Flexible scheduling allows employees 07 Jul 2025, 10:47
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Correct answer choice is (B)
Marked why I thought the answer choice was wrong by highlighting it with red

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.

Bunuel
Flexible scheduling allows employees to choose their work hours within certain limits and is widely believed to increase productivity. Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible. However, this recommendation may not always serve that goal. Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently. Without that, delays and communication breakdowns can occur, undermining team effectiveness. Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

In the argument above, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.

 


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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 6): Flexible scheduling allows employees 07 Jul 2025, 10:55
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A. "First line's a productivity tip everyone digs; second line's a heads-up about exceptions."
It turns out that the second line is no small exception or reminder, but rather the author's main takeaway.

B. "First line's some consultant talk; second line's the author's final verdict."
Perfect match for the text: starts with consultant advice, then drops the author's own take. → CORRECT.

C. "First line's backing flexible scheduling; second line's using examples to show it's awesome."
Nope, author's not riding the flexible scheduling train, second line's actually against it.

D. "First line lays out the company's goal (boosting productivity) and how (flexible scheduling); second line questions if the 'boost productivity' goal itself is off."
But the author didn't say the 'max productivity' goal is wrong, just that flexible scheduling might not always cut it in some scenarios.

E. "First line's the author's conclusion, second line's a prediction based on that conclusion."
But first line's just consultant advice, not the author's conclusion; second line's not a prediction, but the author's final stance.
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A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation. based on popular belief & not goal. the second doesn't qualify it but oppose the claim.
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument. Correct
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
Argument oppose & not defend
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal. doesn't challenge the goal.
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion. first is not conclusion & it is not supported.

Ans B
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 6): Flexible scheduling allows employees 07 Jul 2025, 11:39
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Premise 1: Flexible scheduling allows employees to choose their work hours within certain limits and is widely believed to increase productivity.
(Bold face) Premise 2: Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible.
Sub conclusion by author: However, this recommendation may not always serve that goal.
Premise 3: Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently. Without that, delays and communication breakdowns can occur, undermining team effectiveness.
Conclusion: Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.


Lets go to options

1. first: recommendation based on widely accepted goal (maximizing productivity), the second presents a consideration that qualifies (rejecting in this case) that recommendation. Strong Option
2. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts (not general claim, its experts view); the second presents the main conclusion of the argument. True .
Weak option
3. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend (I would eliminate this option here); the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
4. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal (not challenging validity of goal but second challenging the strategy of achieving) ELIMINATE
5. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports (ELIMINATE) with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.

Out of A and B, I would choose A straightaway.

A is the answer


Bunuel
Flexible scheduling allows employees to choose their work hours within certain limits and is widely believed to increase productivity. Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible. However, this recommendation may not always serve that goal. Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently. Without that, delays and communication breakdowns can occur, undermining team effectiveness. Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

In the argument above, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.

 


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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 6): Flexible scheduling allows employees 07 Jul 2025, 11:44
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The answer as per me is B.

However, there's some confusion with option D. It also looks pretty close.
Goal - Max Productivity
Strategy - Flexible Schedule
Challenges validity of the Goal - i.e. maxing Productivity

I would have chosen this as an answer if it had 'Challenges the validity of Strategy for the Goal' instead of 'Challenging the validity of Goal'.
Hence, I'm choosing B.

Bunuel
Flexible scheduling allows employees to choose their work hours within certain limits and is widely believed to increase productivity. Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible. However, this recommendation may not always serve that goal. Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently. Without that, delays and communication breakdowns can occur, undermining team effectiveness. Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

In the argument above, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.

 


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Bunuel
Flexible scheduling allows employees to choose their work hours within certain limits and is widely believed to increase productivity. Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible. However, this recommendation may not always serve that goal. Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently. Without that, delays and communication breakdowns can occur, undermining team effectiveness. Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

In the argument above, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.

 


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The first boldface is a fact that the author states, and the second boldface is a conclusion that the author makes.

Option A is incorrect, and the first part is not a recommendation.

Option C is incorrect as the author is not defending the statement.

Option E is incorrect as the first boldface is not a conclusion.

B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.

Both part of this is correct.

D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.

The second part is incorrect.

Option B
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 6): Flexible scheduling allows employees 07 Jul 2025, 11:48
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Bunuel
Flexible scheduling allows employees to choose their work hours within certain limits and is widely believed to increase productivity. Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible. However, this recommendation may not always serve that goal. Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently. Without that, delays and communication breakdowns can occur, undermining team effectiveness. Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

In the argument above, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.

 


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Let’s first look at the question stem:

Flexible scheduling allows employees to choose their work hours within certain limits and is widely believed to increase productivity.

This explains a particular strategy of work called as Flexible Scheduling and it’s believed to increase productivity.

Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible.

The first bold face statement BF1: Put-forth the view of consultants who support the earlier statement, recommended (it-should) that implementing flexible schedule will help achieve the company’s goal.

However, this recommendation may not always serve that goal. Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently.

The next statement following BF1 is a contradiction- begins with However. This recommendation may not always serve. This means it’s not opposing BF1 entirely, but says this might not yield fruitful results every time. Then explains a scenario where BF1 might fail.

Without that, delays and communication breakdowns can occur, undermining team effectiveness. Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

The subsequent statements portrays the outcome of adapting BF1. Thus, BF2: it concludes ( therefore ) to maximise productivity we may in some cases , best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

BF1: recommends a particular approach and BF2 doesn’t contradict entirely, but mentions cases where it might not be efficient and proposes an alternative approach to resolve such situations.


let’s look into the options :

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.

The BF1 suggests the common belief or goal. The second BF2 represents a situation that makes the BF1 less suitable in this scenario. This is exactly what is happening in the question stem. Hence, correct answer.

B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.

The First part holds good , the second one is not the main conclusion, hence eliminating it.

C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.

BF1 is a widely accepted method. And BF2 doesn’t provide evidences to support the BF1, but provides a different way to approach a problem. Hence, we eliminate it.

D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.

The second statement BF2 doesn’t challenge the validity, but proposes an alternative approach to resolve the problem. Hence, eliminated.

E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.

BF1 is not a conclusion, and this BF1 is not supported throughout the argument. The second statement BF2, is not a prediction based on BF1. So, eliminating it.

Option A
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 6): Flexible scheduling allows employees 07 Jul 2025, 12:01
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The 2 boldface statements lie in contradiction to each other so I rule our C and E in the initial read. D doesn't not challenge the validity of the goal and is hence out too.

Between A & B both seem good answers but the 2nd part of A actually is a better fit for the sentence "However, this recommendation may not always serve that goal. Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently." rather than the boldface. I choose B because the relationship between the statements is better represented.
Bunuel
Flexible scheduling allows employees to choose their work hours within certain limits and is widely believed to increase productivity. Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible. However, this recommendation may not always serve that goal. Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently. Without that, delays and communication breakdowns can occur, undermining team effectiveness. Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

In the argument above, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.

 


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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 6): Flexible scheduling allows employees 07 Jul 2025, 12:01
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We will evaluate the Bolfaces:

BF-1:
Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible

This is a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal. It's a position that the argument will go on to qualify or challenge.

BF-2:
Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules

This is the author’s main conclusion that fixed schedules may sometimes better serve the goal of productivity than flexible ones. This qualifies or contradicts the consultants' recommendation in BF 1.

Therefore,

Option A) The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 6): Flexible scheduling allows employees 07 Jul 2025, 12:20
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A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
First boldface is indeed a recommendation. The second one qualifies it by saying it's not always the best path to the goal, suggesting fixed schedules might be better in some cases.

B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
The first is a claim/recommendation, not just a general claim. While the second is a conclusion, calling the first "a general claim supported by some experts" doesn't capture its full role as a recommendation being debated.

C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
The argument does not seek to defend the popular approach (flexible schedules); it argues against its universal application. The second boldface is a conclusion, not evidence supporting the flexible schedule approach.

D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
The first does identify a goal and a strategy. However, the second boldface does not challenge the validity of the goal (maximizing productivity). It challenges the strategy for achieving it in certain contexts.

E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.
The first is a consultant's recommendation, not the argument's main conclusion. The argument actually presents evidence against the universal application of that recommendation. The second is the argument's conclusion, not a prediction based on the first conclusion.

Regards,
Lucas

Bunuel
Flexible scheduling allows employees to choose their work hours within certain limits and is widely believed to increase productivity. Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible. However, this recommendation may not always serve that goal. Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently. Without that, delays and communication breakdowns can occur, undermining team effectiveness. Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

In the argument above, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.

 


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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 6): Flexible scheduling allows employees 07 Jul 2025, 12:24
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Solution:

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation. Incorrect. It is for sure that the second piece of information is not a recommendation, but rather a main conclusion, and also the first one is not a recommendation
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument. Correct, yeah, seems to be a correct one as the first boldface is a claim and that is supported by the expert in the first line of the prompt. And, the second is the main conclusion that is supported by the premise, stating that Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours.
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach. Incorrect. The first one is not an approach, but rather a claim that cannot be questioned. And the second one definitely does not seem to be evidence in support of that approach.
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal. Incorrect. No, that's not true; that first one is not a strategy to achieve, and the second boldface does not challenge the validity of that goal.
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion. Incorrect. No, not true, the first boldface is not the conclusion, but rather a fact, and the second one is not a prediction based on that conclusion.

Bunuel
Flexible scheduling allows employees to choose their work hours within certain limits and is widely believed to increase productivity. Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible. However, this recommendation may not always serve that goal. Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently. Without that, delays and communication breakdowns can occur, undermining team effectiveness. Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

In the argument above, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.

 


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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 6): Flexible scheduling allows employees 07 Jul 2025, 12:59
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Bunuel
Flexible scheduling allows employees to choose their work hours within certain limits and is widely believed to increase productivity. Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible. However, this recommendation may not always serve that goal. Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently. Without that, delays and communication breakdowns can occur, undermining team effectiveness. Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

In the argument above, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.

 


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A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.

The second bold face goes against the first. Hence, this option is incorrect.

B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.

Both parts of the bold face is correct. We can keep this option.

C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.

The second part doesn't provide any evidence. Its the conclusion. Hence, eliminate C.

D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.

The second bold face doesn't challenge. Its a conclusion. Eliminate D.

E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.

The first boldface is a premise, and not a conclusion. We can eliminate E.

Option B
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