I28-09

Question

Chef: The flavor of our signature dish has become inconsistent because some of our key ingredients have been spoiling too quickly. The issue arises because the spices we use lose their potency when exposed to humidity. I believe that ____1____. Although these spices are less aromatic than many other flavoring agents (for example, dried herbs), freeze-dried spices retain their potency much longer. Furthermore, ____2____.
 
Select for Statement 1 and for Statement 2 the two sentences that best complete the argument. Make only two selections, one in each column.

Bunuel · Answer

Official Solution:

The chef is concerned with the inconsistency in the flavor of the signature dish, caused by key spices losing potency due to humidity. The chef suggests a potential solution that addresses both the issue of potency and the long-term viability of the spices.
 
 Statement 1:  
 
The chef needs to suggest a practical way to maintain the potency of the spices. Among the options,  “we should use freeze-dried spices instead”  directly addresses the issue, as freeze-dried spices retain their potency much longer, aligning with the argument’s focus on solving the humidity problem.
 
 Statement 2: 
 
The second part of the argument supports the use of freeze-dried spices by emphasizing their cost-effectiveness in the long run. Thus,  “when considering long-term storage, freeze-dried spices are more cost-effective”  reinforces the idea that using freeze-dried spices is a viable and beneficial choice.

Correct answer:

1  "we should use freeze-dried spices instead "

2  "when considering long-term storage, freeze-dried spices are more cost-effective "

Shivang29 · Answer

I am not sure I understand why statement 2 is what it is. The support for using dry spices is already given in the passage, secondly why is cost a factor that would influence the argument if we need to support the fact that humidity is also an issue. For statement 2 I put we should store them in an airtight container to support the fact that humidity would not be an issue.

Bunuel · Answer

The phrase "Furthermore" indicates that Statement 2 must reinforce Statement 1, not introduce a separate fix. Statement 1 is "We should use freeze-dried spices instead." Statement 2 must support that choice. Storing spices in airtight containers addresses humidity but does not justify switching to freeze-dried spices. Instead, it suggests keeping the current ones, which contradicts the argument’s direction. Cost-effectiveness strengthens the case for freeze-dried spices by adding a practical reason for making the switch. That’s why it fits better than airtight containers. If you're still in doubt, check this discussion: https://gmatclub.com/forum/12-days-of-c ... 39232.html Hope it helps.

yzhou0523 · Answer

To solve this question, we first need to understand the  structure of the argument .

In this argument, the  main idea  comes after " I believe (Blank 1) ",
and this main idea should directly address the issue mentioned earlier—the loss of potency due to humidity.

After stating the main idea, the argument provides  two supporting points :

Support A  comes first; Then " furthermore " introduces  Support B .

The word "furthermore" signals that Support B is a different point, but it is still used to strengthen the same main idea stated in Blank 1.

So, when choosing the answers, we should look for a statement in Blank 1 that solves the humidity problem, and a statement in Blank 2 that adds a different but relevant benefit.

Rishab2409 · Answer

When I read "freeze-dried spices" after blank 1, it was evident for me that the answer to blank 1 would contain the term "freeze-dried spices". Hence, blank 1 is C.

For blank 2, the word "furthermore' gave the hint, that the answer would be the option that would further speak about a advantage of freeze-dried spices, hence marked F for blank 2.

Experts kindly let me know, if solving questions in this manner would be helpful.

Bunuel · Answer

Yes, that approach can be helpful, especially as a  quick first filter .

Here, noticing that “freeze-dried spices” appears right after blank 1 and that “furthermore” introduces an additional advantage gives you a good clue about the direction of both blanks.

However, do not rely only on keywords. Always confirm that the selected sentence fits the logic of the argument as a whole. Keywords can guide you, but the final decision should still be based on meaning.

1	2
		we should switch to a different signature dish
		we should store the spices in airtight containers
		we should use freeze-dried spices instead
		using dried herbs would reduce the dish's flavor intensity
		fresh spices spoil even faster than dried ones
		when considering long-term storage, freeze-dried spices are more cost-effective

1	2
		we should switch to a different signature dish
		we should store the spices in airtight containers
		we should use freeze-dried spices instead
		using dried herbs would reduce the dish's flavor intensity
		fresh spices spoil even faster than dried ones
		when considering long-term storage, freeze-dried spices are more cost-effective

I28-09

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