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Question 1
B
Be sure to select an answer first to save it in the Error Log before revealing the correct answer (OA)!
Difficulty:
5%
(low)
Question Stats:
83% (02:15) correct
17%
(02:39) wrong
based on 121
sessions
History
Date
Time
Result
Not Attempted Yet
Question 2
A
Be sure to select an answer first to save it in the Error Log before revealing the correct answer (OA)!
Difficulty:
5%
(low)
Question Stats:
85% (00:55) correct 15%
(00:56) wrong
based on 124
sessions
History
Date
Time
Result
Not Attempted Yet
Question 3
E
Be sure to select an answer first to save it in the Error Log before revealing the correct answer (OA)!
Difficulty:
45%
(medium)
Question Stats:
56% (01:27) correct 44%
(01:15) wrong
based on 121
sessions
History
Date
Time
Result
Not Attempted Yet
Question 4
C
Be sure to select an answer first to save it in the Error Log before revealing the correct answer (OA)!
Difficulty:
35%
(medium)
Question Stats:
67% (01:09) correct 33%
(01:40) wrong
based on 117
sessions
History
Date
Time
Result
Not Attempted Yet
Question 5
D
Be sure to select an answer first to save it in the Error Log before revealing the correct answer (OA)!
Difficulty:
35%
(medium)
Question Stats:
62% (01:07) correct 38%
(01:16) wrong
based on 112
sessions
History
Date
Time
Result
Not Attempted Yet
Many observers believe that middle-class Americans are dogged by debt as a result of their own extravagant spending on luxury items. However, new research indicates that this is untrue. Harvard professor Elizabeth Warren demonstrates in her books, “The Fragile Middle Class” and "The Two-Income Trap,” that American families today have only about half as much discretionary income as their parents did, after paying for increasingly expensive basics like housing and health care. For instance, although nearly half of the money that the average American spends on food goes toward dining outside the home, most Americans still spend only 10% of their incomes on food. This is a drastic reduction from the 20% that they spent in the 1970s.
Skeptics of Warren's theory point to the rise in household incomes since the 1970s, but this is in many ways an illusion. Take as an example the “average” dual-income, two-child family; two wage earners means that their household income is about 75% higher than it would have been in the 1970s, but this is largely the result of the wife working outside the home, which also necessitates expenditures, like daycare and a second car, that would have been unnecessary to the same family a generation ago.
One reason that Americans appear to be spending more on items like electronics and clothing is that the prices of many consumer goods have gone down. Adjusted for inflation, the costs of some common items, like refrigerators and televisions, have decreased over 50% since the 1970s is allows middle-class Americans to achieve a higher standard of living than their parents, even as a much smaller percentage of their income is being spent on discretionary items.
However, this higher standard of living masks the real culprit behind the financial squeeze faced by the average American: skyrocketing costs for housing, health care, and education. Between 2000 and 2006, household incomes stagnated, while housing costs increased by 32%. Middle class financial anxiety isn't the product of too many lattes and designer shoes: it is the result of increased costs for the cornerstones of modern life.
Skeptics of Warren's theory point to the rise in household incomes since the 1970s, but this is in many ways an illusion. Take as an example the “average” dual-income, two-child family; two wage earners means that their household income is about 75% higher than it would have been in the 1970s, but this is largely the result of the wife working outside the home, which also necessitates expenditures, like daycare and a second car, that would have been unnecessary to the same family a generation ago.
One reason that Americans appear to be spending more on items like electronics and clothing is that the prices of many consumer goods have gone down. Adjusted for inflation, the costs of some common items, like refrigerators and televisions, have decreased over 50% since the 1970s is allows middle-class Americans to achieve a higher standard of living than their parents, even as a much smaller percentage of their income is being spent on discretionary items.
However, this higher standard of living masks the real culprit behind the financial squeeze faced by the average American: skyrocketing costs for housing, health care, and education. Between 2000 and 2006, household incomes stagnated, while housing costs increased by 32%. Middle class financial anxiety isn't the product of too many lattes and designer shoes: it is the result of increased costs for the cornerstones of modern life.
1. The author's main purpose in writing the passage is to:
A. Discuss a problem that has been resolved
B. Rebut a popular view
C. Suggest a solution to a problem
D. Question research methods
E. Discredit experts
2. The passage implies which of the following about dual-income, two-child middle class families?
A. They would have fewer expenses if the wife did not work outside the home.
B. They should reduce their expenditures on luxury items in order to eliminate their consumer debt.
C. Expenditures for college education often mean that these families need to take out a second mortgage on their homes.
D. They spend more of their household income on food than on medical care.
E. They have a lower standard of living than did families in the 1970s.
3. It is reasonable to infer from the passage that “discretionary” purchases:
A. Account for a larger percentage of the average middle-class family’s expenditures than they did a generation ago.
B. Make up an increasing percentage of a family’s expenses as its household income increases.
C. Are things like health insurance, daycare, and automobile expenses.
D. Are not critical to a family's well-being, and can be eliminated when necessary.
E. Include consumer electronics like television sets.
4. According to the passage, since the 1970s the fixed expenditures of middle-class Americans:
A. have expanded to include costs like student loan debt that were not generally included in the budgets of families in the 1970s.
B. have become more manageable due to the increase in average household incomes that can be attributed to the addition of a second wage-earner in most families.
C. have increased at a greater rate than the average household income.
D. have become a smaller percentage of total household expenditures compared to housing costs for families living at or below the poverty line.
E. Have become less of a burden on the household income than the costs of food and clothing.
5. The organization of the passage can best be described by which of the following?
A. A thesis is stated, an example is cited in support of the thesis, and a counterexample is cited and then rebutted.
B. A searcher's methodologies are explored, statistics are debunked, and then a counterclaim is established.
C. A problem is examined, two possible solutions are discussed and then rebutted, and a third solution is advocated.
D. A possible explanation for a problem is presented, the explanation is debunked with examples and statistics, and an opposing explanation is presented.
E. A claim is made about a problem, examples of the problem are given, and then a solution discussed and ultimately advocated.
A. Discuss a problem that has been resolved
B. Rebut a popular view
C. Suggest a solution to a problem
D. Question research methods
E. Discredit experts
2. The passage implies which of the following about dual-income, two-child middle class families?
A. They would have fewer expenses if the wife did not work outside the home.
B. They should reduce their expenditures on luxury items in order to eliminate their consumer debt.
C. Expenditures for college education often mean that these families need to take out a second mortgage on their homes.
D. They spend more of their household income on food than on medical care.
E. They have a lower standard of living than did families in the 1970s.
3. It is reasonable to infer from the passage that “discretionary” purchases:
A. Account for a larger percentage of the average middle-class family’s expenditures than they did a generation ago.
B. Make up an increasing percentage of a family’s expenses as its household income increases.
C. Are things like health insurance, daycare, and automobile expenses.
D. Are not critical to a family's well-being, and can be eliminated when necessary.
E. Include consumer electronics like television sets.
4. According to the passage, since the 1970s the fixed expenditures of middle-class Americans:
A. have expanded to include costs like student loan debt that were not generally included in the budgets of families in the 1970s.
B. have become more manageable due to the increase in average household incomes that can be attributed to the addition of a second wage-earner in most families.
C. have increased at a greater rate than the average household income.
D. have become a smaller percentage of total household expenditures compared to housing costs for families living at or below the poverty line.
E. Have become less of a burden on the household income than the costs of food and clothing.
5. The organization of the passage can best be described by which of the following?
A. A thesis is stated, an example is cited in support of the thesis, and a counterexample is cited and then rebutted.
B. A searcher's methodologies are explored, statistics are debunked, and then a counterclaim is established.
C. A problem is examined, two possible solutions are discussed and then rebutted, and a third solution is advocated.
D. A possible explanation for a problem is presented, the explanation is debunked with examples and statistics, and an opposing explanation is presented.
E. A claim is made about a problem, examples of the problem are given, and then a solution discussed and ultimately advocated.
GMAT Club's Reading Comprehension Challenge 2022
10 Days | 20 Passages | Win Prizes | Get Better at GMAT
Passage # 16 | Date: 09 March 2022
Click here for more details and master thread
10 Days | 20 Passages | Win Prizes | Get Better at GMAT
Passage # 16 | Date: 09 March 2022
Click here for more details and master thread
09 Mar 2022, 23:41
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1. The author's main purpose in writing the passage is to:
The passage starts with "Many observers believe that middle-class Americans are dogged by debt as a result of their own extravagant spending on luxury items."
However, new research indicates that this is untrue.
A. Discuss a problem that has been resolved
It can be said as a problem but it has not been resolved just a different view or explanation has been presented for the problem.
B. Rebut a popular view
As can be seen from the pre-text it perfectly fits.
C. Suggest a solution to a problem
We are not providing solution to a problem just indicating what can be the real reason behind that cause.
D. Question research methods
We are not questioning any research methods.
E. Discredit experts
Partialy true.
2. The passage implies which of the following about dual-income, two-child middle class families?
A. They would have fewer expenses if the wife did not work outside the home.
The second paragraph is indicative of the same.
B. They should reduce their expenditures on luxury items in order to eliminate their consumer debt.
We cannot infer that from anywhere.
C. Expenditures for college education often mean that these families need to take out a second mortgage on their homes.
We cannot infer that.
D. They spend more of their household income on food than on medical care.
If anything just the opposite is true.
E. They have a lower standard of living than did families in the 1970s.
If anything just the opposite is true.
3. It is reasonable to infer from the passage that “discretionary” purchases:
A. Account for a larger percentage of the average middle-class family’s expenditures than they did a generation ago.
We cannot account for actual number or percentage. Hence we cannot infer that.
B. Make up an increasing percentage of a family’s expenses as its household income increases.
Even though the families spend more and more on these items and it allows middle-class Americans to achieve a higher standard of living than their parents, it accounts for a much smaller percentage of their income is being spent on discretionary items. So they are not the real pocket burners.
C. Are things like health insurance, daycare, and automobile expenses.
Not at all.
D. Are not critical to a family's well-being, and can be eliminated when necessary.
We cannot infer that.
E. Include consumer electronics like television sets.
Third paragraph is indicative of the same.
4. According to the passage, since the 1970s the fixed expenditures of middle-class Americans:
A. have expanded to include costs like student loan debt that were not generally included in the budgets of families in the 1970s.
We cannot infer that, in fact the only cost that has been mentioned in the passage which might not have been included in the fixed cost of families 1970's are expenditures, like daycare and a second car.
B. have become more manageable due to the increase in average household incomes that can be attributed to the addition of a second wage-earner in most families.
If anything just the opposite is true because it has lead to the addition of new expenses.
C. have increased at a greater rate than the average household income.
Middle class financial anxiety isn't the product of too many lattes and designer shoes: it is the result of increased costs for the cornerstones of modern life.
also a data has been presented: Between 2000 and 2006, household incomes stagnated, while housing costs increased by 32%.
D. have become a smaller percentage of total household expenditures compared to housing costs for families living at or below the poverty line.
Comparison between the people on or below poverty line has not been discussed.
E. Have become less of a burden on the household income than the costs of food and clothing.
If anything just the opposite is true.
5. The organization of the passage can best be described by which of the following?
A. A thesis is stated, an example is cited in support of the thesis, and a counterexample is cited and then rebutted.
We are debuting a claim, so even if I consider a claim to be a thesis we are trying to disapprove it rather than providing examples in support of the same.
B. A searcher's methodologies are explored, statistics are debunked, and then a counterclaim is established.
Its to confined, it dosent sum up the passage in general.
C. A problem is examined, two possible solutions are discussed and then rebutted, and a third solution is advocated.
No solution is provided in entire passage possible explanations of the problem has been discussed.
D. A possible explanation for a problem is presented, the explanation is debunked with examples and statistics, and an opposing explanation is presented.
Perfect.!
E. A claim is made about a problem, examples of the problem are given, and then a solution discussed and ultimately advocated.
No solution has been provided.
The passage starts with "Many observers believe that middle-class Americans are dogged by debt as a result of their own extravagant spending on luxury items."
However, new research indicates that this is untrue.
A. Discuss a problem that has been resolved
It can be said as a problem but it has not been resolved just a different view or explanation has been presented for the problem.
B. Rebut a popular view
As can be seen from the pre-text it perfectly fits.
C. Suggest a solution to a problem
We are not providing solution to a problem just indicating what can be the real reason behind that cause.
D. Question research methods
We are not questioning any research methods.
E. Discredit experts
Partialy true.
2. The passage implies which of the following about dual-income, two-child middle class families?
A. They would have fewer expenses if the wife did not work outside the home.
The second paragraph is indicative of the same.
B. They should reduce their expenditures on luxury items in order to eliminate their consumer debt.
We cannot infer that from anywhere.
C. Expenditures for college education often mean that these families need to take out a second mortgage on their homes.
We cannot infer that.
D. They spend more of their household income on food than on medical care.
If anything just the opposite is true.
E. They have a lower standard of living than did families in the 1970s.
If anything just the opposite is true.
3. It is reasonable to infer from the passage that “discretionary” purchases:
A. Account for a larger percentage of the average middle-class family’s expenditures than they did a generation ago.
We cannot account for actual number or percentage. Hence we cannot infer that.
B. Make up an increasing percentage of a family’s expenses as its household income increases.
Even though the families spend more and more on these items and it allows middle-class Americans to achieve a higher standard of living than their parents, it accounts for a much smaller percentage of their income is being spent on discretionary items. So they are not the real pocket burners.
C. Are things like health insurance, daycare, and automobile expenses.
Not at all.
D. Are not critical to a family's well-being, and can be eliminated when necessary.
We cannot infer that.
E. Include consumer electronics like television sets.
Third paragraph is indicative of the same.
4. According to the passage, since the 1970s the fixed expenditures of middle-class Americans:
A. have expanded to include costs like student loan debt that were not generally included in the budgets of families in the 1970s.
We cannot infer that, in fact the only cost that has been mentioned in the passage which might not have been included in the fixed cost of families 1970's are expenditures, like daycare and a second car.
B. have become more manageable due to the increase in average household incomes that can be attributed to the addition of a second wage-earner in most families.
If anything just the opposite is true because it has lead to the addition of new expenses.
C. have increased at a greater rate than the average household income.
Middle class financial anxiety isn't the product of too many lattes and designer shoes: it is the result of increased costs for the cornerstones of modern life.
also a data has been presented: Between 2000 and 2006, household incomes stagnated, while housing costs increased by 32%.
D. have become a smaller percentage of total household expenditures compared to housing costs for families living at or below the poverty line.
Comparison between the people on or below poverty line has not been discussed.
E. Have become less of a burden on the household income than the costs of food and clothing.
If anything just the opposite is true.
5. The organization of the passage can best be described by which of the following?
A. A thesis is stated, an example is cited in support of the thesis, and a counterexample is cited and then rebutted.
We are debuting a claim, so even if I consider a claim to be a thesis we are trying to disapprove it rather than providing examples in support of the same.
B. A searcher's methodologies are explored, statistics are debunked, and then a counterclaim is established.
Its to confined, it dosent sum up the passage in general.
C. A problem is examined, two possible solutions are discussed and then rebutted, and a third solution is advocated.
No solution is provided in entire passage possible explanations of the problem has been discussed.
D. A possible explanation for a problem is presented, the explanation is debunked with examples and statistics, and an opposing explanation is presented.
Perfect.!
E. A claim is made about a problem, examples of the problem are given, and then a solution discussed and ultimately advocated.
No solution has been provided.
10 Mar 2022, 03:46
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1. The author's main purpose in writing the passage is to:
A. Discuss a problem that has been resolved
B. Rebut a popular view
C. Suggest a solution to a problem
D. Question research methods
E. Discredit experts
My Answer is B
A says that problem is resolved but the passage mentions no data on that aspect whether it is resolved or not.
C says suggesting solution but Author mentions the causes and provides a description ,no solution is provided.
No research methods are questioned and blamed ,so D is wrong too.
E says discrediting experts ,Author only is refuting the statement mentioned by many observers .So discrediting is extreme and wrong .
For the answer B ,Author in the first line mentions that he is not agreeing to the popular opinion of many observers and that clearly is correct option.
2. The passage implies which of the following about dual-income, two-child middle class families?
A. They would have fewer expenses if the wife did not work outside the home.
B. They should reduce their expenditures on luxury items in order to eliminate their consumer debt.
C. Expenditures for college education often mean that these families need to take out a second mortgage on their homes.
D. They spend more of their household income on food than on medical care.
E. They have a lower standard of living than did families in the 1970s.
My Answer is E
A mentions that the expenses could have been lower if wife isn't working outside home, but then there wouldn't be another source of income which is more worse than spending on expenses. So wrong.
B says about expenditure on luxury items ,but in 3rd paragraph , this higher standard of living masks the real culprit behind the financial squeeze faced by the average American: skyrocketing costs for housing, health care, and education ,this says that luxury items have no relevance on their consumer debts as well as standard of living.
C mentions about expenditure on education. Though author mentions a few points regarding education as being culprit ,but the extent to which it impacts is not provided in passage .May be it might have been 50% of their income or may be taking second mortgage ,but then the information is missing.
D mentions a comparison between two main causes. But then again the relation between those causes is not provided to draw this conclusion ,So strike off.
E is the essence of 2nd para mentioned by author and so it is correct.
3. It is reasonable to infer from the passage that “discretionary” purchases:
A. Account for a larger percentage of the average middle-class family’s expenditures than they did a generation ago.
B. Make up an increasing percentage of a family’s expenses as its household income increases.
C. Are things like health insurance, daycare, and automobile expenses.
D. Are not critical to a family's well-being, and can be eliminated when necessary.
E. Include consumer electronics like television sets.
My Answer is D
A mentions that larger percentage of average middle class family expenditure ,but then it is reverse older generation could not buy discretionary but the present generation could buy .
B says Make up an increasing percentage of a family’s expenses as its household income increases ,this is again not mentioned anywhere .
C mentions some other class ,but then these are not discretionary expenses.
E is true but the only problem with E is that ,discretionary expenses won't just include consumer electronics ,there could be other aspects too and other reason is that it is an inference question but this fact is directly mentioned in passage.
D can be inferred as this category is not that crucial to family well being and can be discarded as these might be just luxury items .
4. According to the passage, since the 1970s the fixed expenditures of middle-class Americans:
A. have expanded to include costs like student loan debt that were not generally included in the budgets of families in the 1970s.
B. have become more manageable due to the increase in average household incomes that can be attributed to the addition of a second wage-earner in most families.
C. have increased at a greater rate than the average household income.
D. have become a smaller percentage of total household expenditures compared to housing costs for families living at or below the poverty line.
E. Have become less of a burden on the household income than the costs of food and clothing.
My answer is C
The theme of the passage is more in line with option C ,which says the rate at which fixed expenditures are increasing is not matching with the rate at which household income is generating.
A includes some student loan debt information which is not mentioned anywhere in passage.
B is exactly opposite of author's intention that is mentioned in 2nd paragraph
D says about poverty line families which is not mentioned in passage.
E ,just like B , mentions opposite information and is wrong.
5. The organization of the passage can best be described by which of the following?
A. A thesis is stated, an example is cited in support of the thesis, and a counterexample is cited and then rebutted.
B. A searcher's methodologies are explored, statistics are debunked, and then a counterclaim is established.
C. A problem is examined, two possible solutions are discussed and then rebutted, and a third solution is advocated.
D. A possible explanation for a problem is presented, the explanation is debunked with examples and statistics, and an opposing explanation is presented.
E. A claim is made about a problem, examples of the problem are given, and then a solution discussed and ultimately advocated.
My Answer is D
The closest answer is option D as the author mentions about popular view and then refutes that view ,provides other examples and stats for his view and explains that.
No solution is mentioned so option C, option E are wrong and thesis is stated ,then refuted it and then gave examples for it so option A,B are wrong .
A. Discuss a problem that has been resolved
B. Rebut a popular view
C. Suggest a solution to a problem
D. Question research methods
E. Discredit experts
My Answer is B
A says that problem is resolved but the passage mentions no data on that aspect whether it is resolved or not.
C says suggesting solution but Author mentions the causes and provides a description ,no solution is provided.
No research methods are questioned and blamed ,so D is wrong too.
E says discrediting experts ,Author only is refuting the statement mentioned by many observers .So discrediting is extreme and wrong .
For the answer B ,Author in the first line mentions that he is not agreeing to the popular opinion of many observers and that clearly is correct option.
2. The passage implies which of the following about dual-income, two-child middle class families?
A. They would have fewer expenses if the wife did not work outside the home.
B. They should reduce their expenditures on luxury items in order to eliminate their consumer debt.
C. Expenditures for college education often mean that these families need to take out a second mortgage on their homes.
D. They spend more of their household income on food than on medical care.
E. They have a lower standard of living than did families in the 1970s.
My Answer is E
A mentions that the expenses could have been lower if wife isn't working outside home, but then there wouldn't be another source of income which is more worse than spending on expenses. So wrong.
B says about expenditure on luxury items ,but in 3rd paragraph , this higher standard of living masks the real culprit behind the financial squeeze faced by the average American: skyrocketing costs for housing, health care, and education ,this says that luxury items have no relevance on their consumer debts as well as standard of living.
C mentions about expenditure on education. Though author mentions a few points regarding education as being culprit ,but the extent to which it impacts is not provided in passage .May be it might have been 50% of their income or may be taking second mortgage ,but then the information is missing.
D mentions a comparison between two main causes. But then again the relation between those causes is not provided to draw this conclusion ,So strike off.
E is the essence of 2nd para mentioned by author and so it is correct.
3. It is reasonable to infer from the passage that “discretionary” purchases:
A. Account for a larger percentage of the average middle-class family’s expenditures than they did a generation ago.
B. Make up an increasing percentage of a family’s expenses as its household income increases.
C. Are things like health insurance, daycare, and automobile expenses.
D. Are not critical to a family's well-being, and can be eliminated when necessary.
E. Include consumer electronics like television sets.
My Answer is D
A mentions that larger percentage of average middle class family expenditure ,but then it is reverse older generation could not buy discretionary but the present generation could buy .
B says Make up an increasing percentage of a family’s expenses as its household income increases ,this is again not mentioned anywhere .
C mentions some other class ,but then these are not discretionary expenses.
E is true but the only problem with E is that ,discretionary expenses won't just include consumer electronics ,there could be other aspects too and other reason is that it is an inference question but this fact is directly mentioned in passage.
D can be inferred as this category is not that crucial to family well being and can be discarded as these might be just luxury items .
4. According to the passage, since the 1970s the fixed expenditures of middle-class Americans:
A. have expanded to include costs like student loan debt that were not generally included in the budgets of families in the 1970s.
B. have become more manageable due to the increase in average household incomes that can be attributed to the addition of a second wage-earner in most families.
C. have increased at a greater rate than the average household income.
D. have become a smaller percentage of total household expenditures compared to housing costs for families living at or below the poverty line.
E. Have become less of a burden on the household income than the costs of food and clothing.
My answer is C
The theme of the passage is more in line with option C ,which says the rate at which fixed expenditures are increasing is not matching with the rate at which household income is generating.
A includes some student loan debt information which is not mentioned anywhere in passage.
B is exactly opposite of author's intention that is mentioned in 2nd paragraph
D says about poverty line families which is not mentioned in passage.
E ,just like B , mentions opposite information and is wrong.
5. The organization of the passage can best be described by which of the following?
A. A thesis is stated, an example is cited in support of the thesis, and a counterexample is cited and then rebutted.
B. A searcher's methodologies are explored, statistics are debunked, and then a counterclaim is established.
C. A problem is examined, two possible solutions are discussed and then rebutted, and a third solution is advocated.
D. A possible explanation for a problem is presented, the explanation is debunked with examples and statistics, and an opposing explanation is presented.
E. A claim is made about a problem, examples of the problem are given, and then a solution discussed and ultimately advocated.
My Answer is D
The closest answer is option D as the author mentions about popular view and then refutes that view ,provides other examples and stats for his view and explains that.
No solution is mentioned so option C, option E are wrong and thesis is stated ,then refuted it and then gave examples for it so option A,B are wrong .
