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605-655 Level|   Bold Face CR|         
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 6): Flexible scheduling allows employees 07 Jul 2025, 22:48
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I initially chose option B quickly because it seemed to fit with my pre-thinking. But after reviewing more carefully, the phrase “general claim” felt a bit odd. Is it really a general claim, or is it actually the consultant’s viewpoint or recommendation? For that reason, option A might be the correct answer.
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Company's goal: Increased productivity

Consultant's claim: implement flexible schedules whenever possible to maximize productivity

Premise: flexible schedules undermines team effectiveness in companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently

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

A. Second is against the first recommendation. It is not qualifying the claim. Eliminate

B. First is a claim by some experts. Second is the main conclusion of the argument against the first claim. Correct

C. The second statement is against the first one, not in support of that. Eliminate

D. First is a recommendation to achieve a already identified goal. Eliminate

E. There is no supporting evidence presented in the argument for the first statement. The argument develops against the first statement. Eliminate

Answer: B
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The first boldface presents a position of some consultants based on the previous sentence. However the argument changes completely after the first boldface. It gives premise to support the final conclusion of the argument which is opposite to the first boldface.

lets check the options now:

A: First part is correct but second part is wrong.
B: Correct. fits our analysis. second boldface is the main conclusion
C: Incorrect, the argument is not defending the first boldface, it is just a claim of some consultants. in fact the argument goes against it
D: second is not challenging the validity of goal. Goal of achieving maximum productivity is not challenged in the argument.
E: the first conclusion is not supported later in the argument. later on, the argument goes against it.

Clearly B is the correct answer
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 6): Flexible scheduling allows employees 08 Jul 2025, 00:22
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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?

First boldface: Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible is a recommendation based on widely accepted goal of maximising / increasing productivity.

Second boldface: Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules challenges/ qualifies the recommendation

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

B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
There first is not a general claim supported by some experts.
Incorrect

C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
The first is not a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend but is a recommendation based on a wide accepted goal. The second contradicts the first.
Incorrect

D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
The first does not identify a goal and a strategy for achieving it but is a recommendation based on a wide accepted goal. The second does not challenge the validity of that goal but the way to achieve the goal.
Incorrect

E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.
The first does not present a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence but is a recommendation which is later challenged; the second is not a prediction based on that conclusion but challenges the recommendation.
Incorrect

IMO A
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 6): Flexible scheduling allows employees 08 Jul 2025, 00:32
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The question asks about the roles of the two boldfaced statements, Let's evaluate the options one by one;
A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation. The second boldface is not qualifiying the first one. Infact, it is contradicting it.
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument. This seems like a tempting answer, but let's hold for a while.
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach. Again this option is similar to option A in the sense that it says the second boldface is in agreement with the first one. But in actuality, it is not supporting, nor providing any evidence in support.
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal. This again seems very close to an answer but again let's evaluate this at last.
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 not supported by any statement in the passage. We can discard this option.
Now onto options B and D,
B. says that the second boldface presents the main conclusion, although this might be partially true. It also contradicts the first boldface by saying that fixing schedules works better.
D. This option says that the second boldface challenges the validity, which seems better, as it is in contrast with the first boldface. This seems the best out of the lot.
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 08 Jul 2025, 01:24
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For Bold Face, I often breaks down the logical structure of the stimulus by paraphrasing:
- 1st sentence: A benefit of a particular strategy
- 2nd sentence (1st BF): A recommendation for that strategy base on a goal
- 3rd sentence: Author's main conclusion AGAINST that recommendation
- 4th & 5th sentence: Author's premises to support his/her claim
- 6th sentence (2nd BF): Intermediary conclusion follows the author's premises and in turn helps support author's claim

With that structure in mind, lets check the answer choice:
- Choice (A): 1st part sounds good; 2nd part indeed qualifies (or weakens) that recommendation - KEEP
- Choice (B): 1st part sounds good, 2nd part IS NOT the main conclusion - OUT
- Choice (C): both parts are INCORRECT - OUT
- Choice (D): 1st part sounds good, 2nd part is INCORRECT - the author doesn't challenge the idea that company should pursue maximizing productivity - OUT
- Choice (E): both parts are INCORRECT - OUT
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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. - This is correct as the first one is a recommendation given, and the author later says this is not always applicable, so the second boldface 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.- First part is incorrect, this is not a claim but a recommendation, as it is mentioned it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible.
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.- The second doesn't support the first, hence false
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.- There is only strategy discussed, so false
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 hence false
IMO :A
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A. First part matches exactly. Second part also correct — the argument qualifies when flexible schedules are not ideal.

B. Tricky. not the main conclusion

C. Author not defending

D. Second doesn't challenge goal

E. Author not supporting

Ans A
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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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I think B is the answer.
Initially I thought “ However, this recommendation may not always serve that goal” this is the main conclusion. But later realised that though it is a conclusion, but not the main one.
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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.
--> Correct. This first is stating a recommendation. The second, though is the main conclusion, also qualifies the recommendation

B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
--> First, is not a general claim. The second is the conclusion.

C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
--> It does not defend it, rather qualifies it.

D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
--> First if a recommendation, not a goal. The second does not challenge the validity of 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 the conclusion

Option A
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A) First can be taken as recommendation, but second statement states exceptions
B) First statement is not claim; second can be taken as conclusion
C) Argument is not defending the first statement; second statement is not in support of first
D) Roles of both boldfaced portions are correctly defined (correct)
E) First is not conclusion, neither there is any evidence in support of it; second is not prediction
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?
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The first statement discusses a generally accepted approach to maximize productivity which the argument is discarding.
The second statement is conclusion for which support is provided.

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation. - the second statement doesn't present the consideration rather it is against the recommendation given in first statement.
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. - The second does not provide any support to the approach discussed in first statement.
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal. - The goal is to maximize productivity and accepted by both statements.
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion. - First is a approach not conclusion and second is conclusion not prediction.
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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 recommendation of flexible schedules is based on the goal, which is productivity. The second qualifies it, it says fixed schedules might sometimes be better for productivity.

B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
The first is not just a general claim, it's a recommendation. The second is not clearly the main conclusion, but a counterpoint to the first.

C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
The second challenges, not defends, the popular approach.

D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
The goal (maximize productivity) is not challenged, it's accepted.

E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.
The second boldfaced portion doesn't follow as a prediction from the first, it opposes the first.

The right answer is A
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BF1 - seems to be a recommendation given by a few people, to achieve a goal. The argument however is against this recommendation
BF2 - seems to be proposing an alternative recommendation to achieve the goal : opp direction of BF1


A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation - correct. This matches prethinking. BF2 does qualify the recommendation in BF1
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument - is a weaker choice than A. BF1 is more of a recommendation not a "general claim".
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach - wrong. The argument is not defending the approach of flexible schedules, its doing the opposite.
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal - wrong. BF2 is not challenging the validity of the goal, its supporting the goal but with a different approach.
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion. - wrong. BF1 is not a conclusion and it is also not supported by the argument with any evidence.


Answer is A
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Let's first see what role each boldface play in the argument :

1st BF : Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible
-> This is the claim put forward by consultants. It serves as a premise and is not the author’s own conclusion.

2nd BF : Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.
-> This is a counter consideration that qualifies the above recommendation.

Based upon this analysis,
B can be eliminated because 1st BF is not just a claim but is actually a recommendation.
C & E can be very easily eliminated since they treat the two statements as if they’re in agreement, while in reality, they are in disagreement.
D can be eliminated because 2nd BF is not attacking the goal but is rather limiting the strategy for it.

We are only left with A and it also fits our requirements

Answer : A
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B.
Identifying the conclusion first, the last sentence serves as the main conclusion of the argument, and the 1st boldface kind of goes against the conclusion, and also can be said to be a statement argued by consultants. B matches right with thus, so 1st is a claim supported by experts i.e. consultants and the 2nd boldface is the 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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Sentence structure:
Generalization, Consultants' point of view in favor of that generalization, author's point of view opposing the generalization introduced, premise to support the opposing view then conclusion of the author.

Pre-thinking:
Both boldfaces are on opposite side, One is consultants acceptance and recommendation for generalization and second is author's conclusion against the generalization.

Lets see the answers:

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation. (No, this is incorrect, first is correct but second part is not)
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument. (This seems about what we summed up in our pre-thinking)
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.(The author is attacking consultant's point of view not defending)
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.(First portion is true but second is not, the author doesnt challenge the validity of goal rather it challenges the strategy of the goal)
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.(Argument is attacking not supporting the arguement so this is incorrect)

Answer 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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A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
The recommendation is to use flexible schedules to maximize productivity based on a widely accepted goal, increasing productivity.
The second boldfaced portion introduces a counterpoint that limits the initial recommendation.

B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
It's partially correct, but the second boldfaced portion is more than just the main conclusion because it directly responds to and restricts the first claim.

C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
It's wrong because the argument doesn't defend flexible scheduling rather it critiques it in some cases.

D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
It's wrong because the second boldfaced portion doesn't challenge the goal (productivity) but the method (flexible schedules).

E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.
It's wrong because the first boldfaced portion isn't the argument's conclusion;

Correct answer is A
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Boldface 1: Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible.
Boldface 2: Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.


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

B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
Incorrect. The first boldface isn’t a general claim the author supports but a recommendation.

C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
Incorrect. The argument disagrees with the first bold and the second bold doesent support that approach.

D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
Incorrect. The second bold doesn’t challenge the goal but challenges the method.

E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.
Incorrect. The first bold isnt the author’s conclusion, and the second bold isnt a prediction but the main point.


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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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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1st boldface:
Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible.
This is a statement made by some consultants to achieve a goal.

2nd boldface:
Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.
This statement is like a conclusion to the argument made previously.

Let's consider the options:

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
The first part is fine, but the second statement doesn't present a consideration or any limitation of the recommendation.
Incorrect.

B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
The first part does express a general claim made by some consultants (experts) and the second part is the conclusion of the argument which is presented later. This is in line with the roles which we had identified for the statements before.
Correct.

C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
The argument doesn't defend the approach; on the contrary, it argues against it.
Incorrect.

D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
The first part is fine; the second statement doesn't challenge the validity, it is simply a conclusion made based on the argument above.
Incorrect.

E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.
The first doesn't present any conclusion or any evidence to support the argument.
Incorrect.

ANSWER: B
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