Many of the most popular diets today, including the so-called “Paleo

Question

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Passage # 53, Date: 27-Apr-2020
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Many of the most popular diets today, including
the so-called “Paleo diet,” are premised on the dubious
assumption that increased consumption of meat and meat
by-products pose minimal health risks to the human
 (5)  body. Proponents of such diets correctly observe that
cholesterol intake does not directly correlate with the
concentration of harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
cholesterol particles in the blood plasma. Studies show,
however, that cholesterol intake exacerbates the negative
 (10)  effect of saturated fatty acids on LDL concentrations,
thus increasing LDL levels indirectly. Furthermore, there
is evidence suggesting that the oxidation of low-density
lipoproteins in human beings is itself atherogenic, and
there appears to be a consistent positive association
 (15)  between the consumption of saturated animal fats and
the oxidation of LDL particles. Although antioxidants and
dietary fiber can help prevent oxidative modification of
LDL, most diets fail to recommend sufficient amounts of
either supplement.    1 
 1. In the passage, the author is primarily interested in

(A) proposing a solution to a health problem.
(B) recommending a particular nutritional plan.
(C) discrediting an erroneous belief.
(D) evaluating the benefits of a dietary regimen.
(E) criticizing the shortcomings of modern diets.

2 
 2. Which one of the following most accurately states the main point of the passage?

(A) Increased consumption of meat and meat by-products may be harmful to one’s health.
(B) Cholesterol intake can exacerbate the negative effects of saturated fatty acids on LDL concentrations.
(C) Most diets are not as healthful as their proponents are led to believe.
(D) Although cholesterol intake is not directly responsible for increasing the concentration of LDL particles in the blood plasma, it can cause such an increase indirectly.
(E) The healthiest diets are those that eliminate meat and meat by-products.

3 
 3. Which one of the following most accurately describes the role played in the argument by the claim that cholesterol intake does not directly correlate with the concentration of harmful low-density lipoprotein (lines 6-8)?

(A) It is a claim on which the argument depends but for which no support is given.
(B) It is used to refute the causal explanation described by the conclusion of the argument.
(C) It summarizes a position that the argument as a whole is directed toward discrediting.
(D) It acknowledges a possible objection to the recommendation put forth in the argument.
(E) It is a proposition for which the argument seeks to advance a causal explanation.

4 
 4. Which one of the following, if true, would most strengthen the proponents’ argument that increased consumption of meat and meat by-products pose minimal health risks to the human body?

(A) Excessive consumption of salt, often found in meat by-products, is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
(B) Some animal fat contains large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which mitigate the ill effects of increased LDL concentrations.
(C) Of all plant-based diets, those that exclude meat and meat by-products are the most protective against atherosclerosis.
(D) Drugs that lower cholesterol levels can also prevent cardiovascular disease, but carry the risk of adverse side effects.
(E) Antioxidants and dietary fiber are not the only substances that can prevent oxidative modification of LDL.

ksht · Answer

1. In the passage, the author is primarily interested in
 (A) proposing a solution to a health problem.  - no solution is proposed
 (B) recommending a particular nutritional plan.  - no plan is recommended
 (C) discrediting an erroneous belief.  - Correct
 (D) evaluating the benefits of a dietary regimen.  - rather opposite
 (E) criticizing the shortcomings of modern diets.  - rather highlighting the shortcomings of modern diets

2. Which one of the following most accurately states the main point of the passage?
 (A) Increased consumption of meat and meat by-products may be harmful to one’s health.  - Correct
 (B) Cholesterol intake can exacerbate the negative effects of saturated fatty acids on LDL concentrations . - too specific
 (C) Most diets are not as healthful as their proponents are led to believe.  - talked about diets containing meats and meat by-products only
 (D) Although cholesterol intake is not directly responsible for increasing the concentration of LDL particles in the blood plasma, it can cause such an increase indirectly . - too specific
 (E) The healthiest diets are those that eliminate meat and meat by-products.  - Elimination is not discussed rather increased consumption is harmful

3. Which one of the following most accurately describes the role played in the argument by the claim that cholesterol intake does not directly correlate with the concentration of harmful low-density lipoprotein (lines 6-8)?
 (A) It is a claim on which the argument depends but for which no support is given.  - Argument discredits this claim
 (B) It is used to refute the causal explanation described by the conclusion of the argument . - rather the claim is refuted
 (C) It summarizes a position that the argument as a whole is directed toward discrediting.  - argument as a whole is not directed solely to discredit this. Last line in general discusses where most diets fail.
 (D) It acknowledges a possible objection to the recommendation put forth in the argument . - Correct
 (E) It is a proposition for which the argument seeks to advance a causal explanation.
 
4. Which one of the following, if true, would most strengthen the proponents’ argument that increased consumption of meat and meat by-products pose minimal health risks to the human body?
 (A) Excessive consumption of salt, often found in meat by-products, is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease . - weakens
 (B) Some animal fat contains large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which mitigate the ill effects of increased LDL concentrations.  - strengthens
 (C) Of all plant-based diets, those that exclude meat and meat by-products are the most protective against atherosclerosis.  - weakens
 (D) Drugs that lower cholesterol levels can also prevent cardiovascular disease, but carry the risk of adverse side effects.  - doesn't discuss about meat
 (E) Antioxidants and dietary fiber are not the only substances that can prevent oxidative modification of LDL. -  doesn't discuss about meat

shubhampathak1sp · Answer

Correct answer in bold

1. In the passage, the author is primarily interested in
(A) proposing a solution to a health problem.>>> too broad for the passage 
(B) recommending a particular nutritional plan.>>> very small part of the passage 
(C)  discrediting an erroneous belief . >>>  Correct 
(D) evaluating the benefits of a dietary regimen. >>> No benefits shown
(E) criticizing the shortcomings of modern diets.>>> No criticizing of any modern diet

2. Which one of the following most accurately states the main point of the passage?

(A)  Increased consumption of meat and meat by-products may be harmful to one’s health.>>> Correct - entire passage revolves around this theme 
(B) Cholesterol intake can exacerbate the negative effects of saturated fatty acids on LDL concentrations.>>>. it can but only a part of passage 
(C) Most diets are not as healthful as their proponents are led to believe. too strong a statement
(D) Although cholesterol intake is not directly responsible for increasing the concentration of LDL particles in the blood plasma, it can cause such an increase indirectly. >>>>thats the proponents position and not the main point of the passage.
(E) The healthiest diets are those that eliminate meat and meat by-products.

3. Which one of the following most accurately describes the role played in the argument by the claim that cholesterol intake does not directly correlate with the concentration of harmful low-density lipoprotein (lines 6-8)?

(A) It is a claim on which the argument depends but for which no support is given.
(B) It is used to refute the causal explanation described by the conclusion of the argument.
 (C) It summarizes a position that the argument as a whole is directed toward discrediting. >> Correct - from thereon that entire passage is finding theories to refute the proponent's claim 
(D) It acknowledges a possible objection to the recommendation put forth in the argument.
(E) It is a proposition for which the argument seeks to advance a causal explanation.

4. Which one of the following, if true, would most strengthen the proponents’ argument that increased consumption of meat and meat by-products pose minimal health risks to the human body?

(A) Excessive consumption of salt, often found in meat by-products, is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
 (B) Some animal fat contains large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which mitigate the ill effects of increased LDL concentrations. >>> Correct as it states a remedy to the proponents claim  
(C) Of all plant-based diets, those that exclude meat and meat by-products are the most protective against atherosclerosis.
(D) Drugs that lower cholesterol levels can also prevent cardiovascular disease, but carry the risk of adverse side effects.
(E) Antioxidants and dietary fiber are not the only substances that can prevent oxidative modification of LDL.

AnirudhaS · Answer

Answers are in  bold .

1. In the passage, the author is primarily interested in
(A) proposing a solution to a health problem.
(B) recommending a particular nutritional plan.
 (C) discrediting an erroneous belief. 
(D) evaluating the benefits of a dietary regimen.
(E) criticizing the shortcomings of modern diets.

Explanation of question 1 
The passage is a short one and here the author starts of saying that many diets are based on dubious assumption. The moment we encounter the word dubious, we are sure that the author does not agree with popular "diets". Then the author goes on describing a lot of jargon about LDL and oxidation and so forth, which we are not really bothered too much about. The only point we have to understand is what the author intends to convey. The use of words like "however" and "furthermore" helps us understand the structure and the flow of author's argument. Anyways to cut a long story short, he ends by saying most diets fail. Cool now lets look at the answer choices 
A - author does not propose any solutions, he merely points out the problems.
B - if anything, he recommends not to follow diets as they may pose risk to humans. 
C - he discredits the erroneous belief that increased consumption of meat and meat by-products pose minimal health risks to the human body. But as yourself, is this really what the author is primarily interested in? I think yes. Check the passage again. He discredits this. Then the next sentence he says why the people who favour this think so. And then comes up with his own argument and proves how LDL levels are increased indirectly. HE goes on saying there is a positive correlation between consumption of saturated animal fats and the oxidation of LDL. See what I did there? Yes this is our answer.
D - he primarily describes why diets do not work. He is not evaluating the benefits of a particular diet.
E - this is a close choice, and the author does believe many of the most popular diets are bad. Are these shortcomings of modern diets? Sure. Is that the central idea of passage? No.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Which one of the following most accurately states the main point of the passage?
 (A) Increased consumption of meat and meat by-products may be harmful to one’s health. 
(B) Cholesterol intake can exacerbate the negative effects of saturated fatty acids on LDL concentrations.
(C) Most diets are not as healthful as their proponents are led to believe.
(D) Although cholesterol intake is not directly responsible for increasing the concentration of LDL particles in the blood plasma, it can cause such an increase indirectly.
(E) The healthiest diets are those that eliminate meat and meat by-products.

Explanation of question 2 
We discussed in details in answer 1 what the main idea of the passage was. So we can go straight to the answer choices
A - Do not need to go into the details of this as already discussed in q1, but yes this is the central idea of the passage. What is more interesting to understand why the next closest choice is NOT the answer. (the closest choice is C)
B - Too narrow
C - close choice, but not the answer. Why? Because the usage of the term MOST is incorrect. The author is of the opinion that many of most popular diets are bad. MOST POPULAR not MOST DIETS. There is a huge difference in meaning. Therefore this is not our answer.
D - Very specific
E - No, the author never mentions or implies this. He just says that modern diets that have meat in them are not good as most believe.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Which one of the following most accurately describes the role played in the argument by the claim that cholesterol intake does not directly correlate with the concentration of harmful low-density lipoprotein (lines 6-8)?
 (A) It is a claim on which the argument depends but for which no support is given. 
(B) It is used to refute the causal explanation described by the conclusion of the argument.
(C) It summarizes a position that the argument as a whole is directed toward discrediting.
(D) It acknowledges a possible objection to the recommendation put forth in the argument.
(E) It is a proposition for which the argument seeks to advance a causal explanation.

Explanation of question 3 
Author says that proponents of diets based on the dubious assumption observe that cholesterol intake does not correlate with LDL concentration. These are always tricky to answer. The main thing we can do is understand which one is our argument (just discussed) and look at the choices
A - it is a claim, yes. The argument depends on it, also yes. Is there any support for this claim? No. Looks good till now.
B - claim is used to refute the causal explanation
C - claim does not summarize a position.
D - claim helps to reason out the argument, not object it.
E - the claim is not a proposition. Furthermore, I cant locate any causal explanations here.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Which one of the following, if true, would most strengthen the proponents’ argument that increased consumption of meat and meat by-products pose minimal health risks to the human body?
(A) Excessive consumption of salt, often found in meat by-products, is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
 (B) Some animal fat contains large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which mitigate the ill effects of increased LDL concentrations. 
(C) Of all plant-based diets, those that exclude meat and meat by-products are the most protective against atherosclerosis.
(D) Drugs that lower cholesterol levels can also prevent cardiovascular disease, but carry the risk of adverse side effects.
(E) Antioxidants and dietary fiber are not the only substances that can prevent oxidative modification of LDL.

Explanation of question 4 
We have to strengthen a view point (not the author's viewpoint) that increased consumption of meat pose minimal health risk.
A - This weakens it. It increases risk.
B - okay mitigating ill effects of LDL, I am already liking this. Animal fat is an animal by-product. SO we can say increased consumption of meat by-products (animal fat) pose minimal health risks - because it mitigates the harmful LDL. Looking good!!
C - Not sure what this is, but from the context it is a BAD thing for humans! So this weakens it right, because it says the diets not having meat protects us against a BAD disease. 
D - I appreciate this information whole-heatedly but will never use this in my life. In fact I wont be able to use this information in this question as well. Nothing against you choice D, but you are irrelevant to wither strengthen or weaken the viewpoint. Are those drugs made of animal by-products - well nothing is mentioned. Pretty useless choice. 
E - Similar to D, this does not help us link the two - consumption of meat TO minimal health risk.

adstudy · Answer

1. In the passage, the author is primarily interested in

(A) proposing a solution to a health problem.    
(B) recommending a particular nutritional plan.   
(C) discrediting an erroneous belief.
(D) evaluating the benefits of a dietary regimen.   
(E) criticizing the shortcomings of modern diets.

Answer should be   C  , IMO. Elimination points mentioned in front of options

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 2. Which one of the following most accurately states the main point of the passage?

(A) Increased consumption of meat and meat by-products may be harmful to one’s health.
(B) Cholesterol intake can exacerbate the negative effects of saturated fatty acids on LDL concentrations.    
(C) Most diets are not as healthful as their proponents are led to believe.   
(D) Although cholesterol intake is not directly responsible for increasing the concentration of LDL particles in the blood plasma, it can cause such an increase indirectly.    
(E) The healthiest diets are those that eliminate meat and meat by-products.

Answer should be   A  , IMO. Elimination points mentioned in front of options

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 3. Which one of the following most accurately describes the role played in the argument by the claim that cholesterol intake does not directly correlate with the concentration of harmful low-density lipoprotein (lines 6-8)?

(A) It is a claim on which the argument depends but for which no support is given.
(B) It is used to refute the causal explanation described by the conclusion of the argument.
(C) It summarizes a position that the argument as a whole is directed toward discrediting.
(D) It acknowledges a possible objection to the recommendation put forth in the argument.
(E) It is a proposition for which the argument seeks to advance a causal explanation.

Answer should be   C  , IMO.

It can answered by understanding the passage.
The lines mentioned in the question are used in the passage to show what propenents believe and then to refute that part in the rest of the passage by using medical findings for the same.

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 4. Which one of the following, if true, would most strengthen the proponents’ argument that increased consumption of meat and meat by-products pose minimal health risks to the human body?

(A) Excessive consumption of salt, often found in meat by-products, is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.    
(B) Some animal fat contains large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which mitigate the ill effects of increased LDL concentrations.
(C) Of all plant-based diets, those that exclude meat and meat by-products are the most protective against atherosclerosis.   
(D) Drugs that lower cholesterol levels can also prevent cardiovascular disease, but carry the risk of adverse side effects.   
(E) Antioxidants and dietary fiber are not the only substances that can prevent oxidative modification of LDL.

Answer should be   B  , IMO. Elimination points mentioned in front of options

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varun325 · Answer

1. In the passage, the author is primarily interested in

The author has introduced a popular diet regime and explained what it is. Then he states the reason (relation) given by proponents of the diet plan. He then presents another casual relation relation which undermines the belief of the proponents. Suggests a possible solution which is not yet followed. 
(A) proposing a solution to a health problem.
(B) recommending a particular nutritional plan.
(C) discrediting an erroneous belief.
 (D) evaluating the benefits of a dietary regimen.( correct).  
(E) criticizing the shortcomings of modern diets.

2. Which one of the following most accurately states the main point of the passage?

(A) Increased consumption of meat and meat by-products may be harmful to one’s health.
(B) Cholesterol intake can exacerbate the negative effects of saturated fatty acids on LDL concentrations.
(C) Most diets are not as healthful as their proponents are led to believe.
 (D) Although cholesterol intake is not directly responsible for increasing the concentration of LDL particles in the blood plasma, it can cause such an increase indirectly.(Correct). This is the conclusion the author wanted to state in the passage. 
(E) The healthiest diets are those that eliminate meat and meat by-products.

3. Which one of the following most accurately describes the role played in the argument by the claim that cholesterol intake does not directly correlate with the concentration of harmful low-density lipoprotein (lines 6-8)?

(A) It is a claim on which the argument depends but for which no support is given.
(B) It is used to refute the causal explanation described by the conclusion of the argument.
( C) It summarizes a position that the argument as a whole is directed toward discrediting.( correct)
This is the reason given by proponents for that particular diet regime. The author in the following lines presents a fact/casual relation which is also the main point of the passage that undermines this proponents view.  
(D) It acknowledges a possible objection to the recommendation put forth in the argument.
(E) It is a proposition for which the argument seeks to advance a causal explanation.

4. Which one of the following, if true, would most strengthen the proponents’ argument that increased consumption of meat and meat by-products pose minimal health risks to the human body?

(A) Excessive consumption of salt, often found in meat by-products, is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
 (B) Some animal fat contains large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which mitigate the ill effects of increased LDL concentrations.( Correct)
IF LDL can be maintained then the meat diet is not unhealthy. Author gives two solutions. Antioxidants ( Omega-3) and fibres.  
(C) Of all plant-based diets, those that exclude meat and meat by-products are the most protective against atherosclerosis.
(D) Drugs that lower cholesterol levels can also prevent cardiovascular disease, but carry the risk of adverse side effects.
(E) Antioxidants and dietary fiber are not the only substances that can prevent oxidative modification of LDL.

Yashika123 · Answer

1. In the passage, the author is primarily interested in

(A) proposing a solution to a health problem.
(B) recommending a particular nutritional plan.
(C) discrediting an erroneous belief.(CORRECT) Because the author is talking about a belief that meat and meat by products can be good for health which is wrong assumption
(D) evaluating the benefits of a dietary regimen.
(E) criticizing the shortcomings of modern diets.

2. Which one of the following most accurately states the main point of the passage?

(A) Increased consumption of meat and meat by-products may be harmful to one’s health.
(B) Cholesterol intake can exacerbate the negative effects of saturated fatty acids on LDL concentrations.(CORRECT)though in start the passage is linked with meat and meat by products but ultimately is talking about the discussion is majorly on cholesterol intake effects.
(C) Most diets are not as healthful as their proponents are led to believe.
(D) Although cholesterol intake is not directly responsible for increasing the concentration of LDL particles in the blood plasma, it can cause such an increase indirectly.
(E) The healthiest diets are those that eliminate meat and meat by-products.

3. Which one of the following most accurately describes the role played in the argument by the claim that cholesterol intake does not directly correlate with the concentration of harmful low-density lipoprotein (lines 6-8)?

(A) It is a claim on which the argument depends but for which no support is given.
(B) It is used to refute the causal explanation described by the conclusion of the argument.
(C) It summarizes a position that the argument as a whole is directed toward discrediting.
(D) It acknowledges a possible objection to the recommendation put forth in the argument.
(E) It is a proposition for which the argument seeks to advance a causal explanation.(CORRECT) NOT SURE

4. Which one of the following, if true, would most strengthen the proponents’ argument that increased consumption of meat and meat by-products pose minimal health risks to the human body?

(A) Excessive consumption of salt, often found in meat by-products, is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
(B) Some animal fat contains large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which mitigate the ill effects of increased LDL concentrations.(CORRECT) OTHER ALL THE options wre not satisfying the minimal effect so this option.
(C) Of all plant-based diets, those that exclude meat and meat by-products are the most protective against atherosclerosis.
(D) Drugs that lower cholesterol levels can also prevent cardiovascular disease, but carry the risk of adverse side effects.
(E) Antioxidants and dietary fiber are not the only substances that can prevent oxidative modification of LDL.

bM22 · Answer

1. In the passage, the author is primarily interested in

(A) proposing a solution to a health problem.
(B) recommending a particular nutritional plan.
 (C) discrediting an erroneous belief.
 (D) evaluating the benefits of a dietary regimen.
(E) criticizing the shortcomings of modern diets.

Correct Answer - C 
 Explanation - as mentioned in the passage: "“Paleo diet,” are premised on the dubious assumption that increased consumption of meat and meat by-products pose minimal health risks to the human (5) body.Proponents of such diets correctly observe that cholesterol intake does not directly correlate with the concentration of harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol particles in the blood plasma. Studies show, however, that cholesterol intake exacerbates the negative (10) effect of saturated fatty acids on LDL concentrations, thus increasing LDL levels indirectly. ", and so further on author takes up this wrong/partially correct belief and presents various observations, which actually try to discredit the proponents's observations.
Option A, B - incorrect, as author proposes no solution, or any nutritional plan, the passage is just about an incorrect belief, and proofs discrediting it.
Option D - incorrect, no benefits have been realised.
Option E - incorrect, but close enough, as the author doesnt seem to be criticizing the shortcomings, he just discusses the belief held by proponents, and why its wrong.

2. Which one of the following most accurately states the main point of the passage?

(A) Increased consumption of meat and meat by-products may be harmful to one’s health.
(B) Cholesterol intake can exacerbate the negative effects of saturated fatty acids on LDL concentrations.
 (C) Most diets are not as healthful as their proponents are led to believe.
 (D) Although cholesterol intake is not directly responsible for increasing the concentration of LDL particles in the blood plasma, it can cause such an increase indirectly.
(E) The healthiest diets are those that eliminate meat and meat by-products.

Correct Answer - C
 Explanation - as mentioned in the passage: "Many of the most popular diets today, including the so-called “Paleo diet,” are premised on the dubious assumption that increased consumption of meat and meat by-products pose minimal health risks to the human(5) body. "
and further on also, the passage, the proponents believe that cholesterol in such diets doesnt increase the LDL, which is correct, however, further, we can see author, discrediting this belief. So the main point to take from the passage is: option C.
Option A, E - incorrect, true, but not the main point, as cannot be directly inferred from the passage.
Option B,D - incorrect, true, but just an argument to support the main point of the passage.

3. Which one of the following most accurately describes the role played in the argument by the claim that cholesterol intake does not directly correlate with the concentration of harmful low-density lipoprotein (lines 6-8)?

(A) It is a claim on which the argument depends but for which no support is given.
(B) It is used to refute the causal explanation described by the conclusion of the argument.
 (C) It summarizes a position that the argument as a whole is directed toward discrediting.
 (D) It acknowledges a possible objection to the recommendation put forth in the argument.
(E) It is a proposition for which the argument seeks to advance a causal explanation.

Correct Answer - C
 Explanation - Its the best option that explains the claim, the author throughout the passage, explains, why the belief held by proponents of most mordern, diets is only partially correct, since they dont see the indirect negative effects of cholesterol on health.
Option A - incorrect, as a support is not needed as the author mentions that they are not wrong in their belief.
Option B - incorrect, not to refute the casual explanation but to continue the argument further to conclusion.
Option D - incorrect, it is the objection.
Option E - incorrect, as not related to what's asked.

4. Which one of the following, if true, would most strengthen the proponents’ argument that increased consumption of meat and meat by-products pose minimal health risks to the human body?

(A) Excessive consumption of salt, often found in meat by-products, is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
 (B) Some animal fat contains large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which mitigate the ill effects of increased LDL concentrations.
 (C) Of all plant-based diets, those that exclude meat and meat by-products are the most protective against atherosclerosis.
(D) Drugs that lower cholesterol levels can also prevent cardiovascular disease, but carry the risk of adverse side effects.
(E) Antioxidants and dietary fiber are not the only substances that can prevent oxidative modification of LDL.

Correct Answer - B
 Explanation - if B is true, it would imply that the directly or indirectly, whatever be the effects of cholesterol on the concentration of LDL is getting reduced, so that would mean that there is no harm in consuming increased meat products.
Option A,D - incorrect, as it would not help in strengthening the argrument by the proponents.
Option B,E - incorrect, as are irrelevant to what's asked.

Gowtham91 · Answer

Q1.
A. No solution proposed.
B. No such recommendation. 
 C. Correct  The main idea of the passage is to criticise/ disprove the premise on which paleo diet is based, with the experiemental studies and evidence. 
D. No benefits are discussed.
E. Again, no shortcomings of paleo diet are discussed.

Q2.
The same passage in simple terms.

1. Paleo diet is based on a assumption. 
2. Assumption is "increase in meat consumption results in better health"
3. Proponents of paleo diet are correct.
4. Proponenets say - "cholestrol in meat does not increase LDL". LDL are harmful things in blood. Basically no direct relationship.
5. But studies prove otherwise. 
6. Studies say there is indirect relationship. 
7. Indirect relationship is - "cholestrol increases -ve effects of saturated fatty acids in the blood, which in turn affects increased LDL"
8. Another evidence found.
9. Oxidation of LDL is harmful. And cholestrol in meat results in increased oxidation of LDL.
10. It is technically called atherogenic
11. A counterpremise to author's view. Supplements (antioxidants & fibre) can reduce oxidation of LDL, but diets fail to recommend required quantitied.

Bottomline - The  dubious assumption  on which paleo diet is based is  wrong . Increased meat consumption results in -ve health. And hence the proponents of these diets are wrong.

A. True as per the bottomline, but its not the main point of the passage.
B. True as per point7 above, but its not the main point of the passage.
 C. Correct  This is inline with the bottomline mentioned. The author is trying to disprove the proponents of these diets.
D. Same as B.
E. This is not mentioned and is an extreme answer.

Q3.
A. Wrong. Support is given in terms of evidencies and studies. 
 B. Correct  Conclusion is that "Diets such as Paleo diet are good." To support this - " dubious assumption that increased consumption of meat and meat by-products pose minimal health risks to the human body." This sentence is refuting the causal relationship above. 
C. This option would be correct if 'discredit' is replaced by 'disprove'. 
D. There is no recommendation in the passage.
E. No propostition in the passage.

Q4. 
A. This is supporting the author's view 
 B. Correct  It negates the point 7 thereby supporting point4 (proponents view), in the passage above.
C. This is true for the additional info presented by the author. This is not proposed by the proponents. And hence will not support the proponents view although it is correct. 
D. Side effects and cardio vascular diseases are not in question. 
E. So ? It does not help strengthen the proponents view.

m3p3 · Answer

Passage Summary:

Most of the popular diets are basis for the doubtful assumption that increased consumption of meat/meat by products do not pose much risks to human body
 
 Support:  Cholesterol intake is not directly correlated with harmful LDS particles in blood plasma

Oppose: 
1. Cholesterol intake worsens the negative impact of saturated fatty acids on LDL concentrations ( causing increase in LDL levels )
2. Consumption of saturated animal fats and the oxidation of LDL particles is  Positively correlated : There is evidence that oxidation of low-density lipoproteins is athrogenic ( tending to promote the formation of fatty deposits in the arteries ) . 
 
Author's take:  Although antioxidants and dietary fiber can help prevent oxidative modification of LDL, most diets fail to recommend sufficient amounts of either supplement.

1. In the passage, the author is primarily interested in

(A)  proposing a solution to a health problem.  – No solution provided by the author to any health problem
(B) recommending a particular nutritional plan . – Nowhere is any nutritional plan recommended.
(C)  discrediting an erroneous belief.  – Author clearly mentioned in the beginning of the passage Doubtful Assumption and Weakened that assumption by the end of passage. 
(D)  evaluating the benefits of a dietary regimen.  – Benefits of any diet are not discussed in the passage
(E)  criticizing the shortcomings of modern diets.  – Criticizing the shortcoming is too generic whereas author has his focus on undermining the doubtful assumption related to modern diets.

2. Which one of the following most accurately states the main point of the passage?

(A)  Increased consumption of meat and meat by-products may be harmful to one’s health:  The entire passage is based on this statement (refer to passage summary above)
(B)  Cholesterol intake can exacerbate the negative effects of saturated fatty acids on LDL concentrations.  This is rather one side of explained by the author while opposing the assumption. Not the main idea
(C)  Most diets are not as healthful as their proponents are led to believe  – This is rather one side of explained by the author while opposing the assumption. Not the main idea
(D)  Although cholesterol intake is not directly responsible for increasing the concentration of LDL particles in the blood plasma, it can cause such an increase indirectly.  These are 2 sides of assumptions explained by the author but not the main purpose
(E)  The healthiest diets are those that eliminate meat and meat by-products.  - Author has not come to any such conclusion

3. Which one of the following most accurately describes the role played in the argument by the claim that cholesterol intake does not directly correlate with the concentration of harmful low-density lipoprotein (lines 6-8)?

Line:  Proponents of such diets correctly observe that cholesterol intake does not directly correlate with the concentration of harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol particles in the blood plasma.   Studies show, however,  
Take note of Contrast marker: However - The above mentioned Lines are going to be opposed in the following ones (Option D)

(A) It is a claim on which the argument depends but for which no support is given. 
(B) It is used to refute the causal explanation described by the conclusion of the argument.
(C) It summarizes a position that the argument as a whole is directed toward discrediting.
(D)  It acknowledges a possible objection to the recommendation put forth in the argument. 
(E) It is a proposition for which the argument seeks to advance a causal explanation.

dreamscore800 · Answer

1. In the passage, the author is primarily interested in

(A) proposing a solution to a health problem.
(B) recommending a particular nutritional plan.
 (C) discrediting an erroneous belief. 
(D) evaluating the benefits of a dietary regimen.
(E) criticizing the shortcomings of modern diets.

The author starts by saying that most diets today are based on dubious assumption and towards the middle of the passage provided how proponents are not seeing in the indirect impact of Saturated food on the LDL levels.

2. Which one of the following most accurately states the main point of the passage?

(A) Increased consumption of meat and meat by-products may be harmful to one’s health.
(B) Cholesterol intake can exacerbate the negative effects of saturated fatty acids on LDL concentrations.
(C) Most diets are not as healthful as their proponents are led to believe.
 (D) Although cholesterol intake is not directly responsible for increasing the concentration of LDL particles in the blood plasma, it can cause such an increase indirectly. 
(E) The healthiest diets are those that eliminate meat and meat by-products.

Author tries to provide the reasoning from the studies and the evidence to tell that there is an indirect problem due to the cholesterol intake.

3. Which one of the following most accurately describes the role played in the argument by the claim that cholesterol intake does not directly correlate with the concentration of harmful low-density lipoprotein (lines 6-8)?

(A) It is a claim on which the argument depends but for which no support is given.
(B) It is used to refute the causal explanation described by the conclusion of the argument.
 (C) It summarizes a position that the argument as a whole is directed toward discrediting. 
(D) It acknowledges a possible objection to the recommendation put forth in the argument.
(E) It is a proposition for which the argument seeks to advance a causal explanation.

Author tries to provide the reasoning from the studies and the evidence to discredit the claim by the proponents.

4. Which one of the following, if true, would most strengthen the proponents’ argument that increased consumption of meat and meat by-products pose minimal health risks to the human body?

(A) Excessive consumption of salt, often found in meat by-products, is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
 (B) Some animal fat contains large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which mitigate the ill effects of increased LDL concentrations. 
(C) Of all plant-based diets, those that exclude meat and meat by-products are the most protective against atherosclerosis.
(D) Drugs that lower cholesterol levels can also prevent cardiovascular disease, but carry the risk of adverse side effects.
(E) Antioxidants and dietary fiber are not the only substances that can prevent oxidative modification of LDL.

This choice will strengthen the claim by stating that there is a health benefit of consuming meat and meat by-products.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

First of all sorry for the late reply, i am not feeling well from yesterday. As you all know the correct answers of this RC now i will go to announce the best reply here.

Perfect result here is by ksht but truly speaking i like the explanations by AnirudhaS and m3p3. Welcome m3p3 to GMAT Club and welcome to the RC butler 2020.

takozzz · Answer

Can anyone explain Q3? I choose C , I can not find out why D is correct?
Thank you so much!

AnirudhaS · Answer

For this you need to understand what does the "argument" stand for in this question. 
It is clear that the claim is as stated in the question -  "cholesterol intake does not directly correlate with the concentration of harmful low-density lipoprotein" 
But what is the argument? The argument is actually the argument of the author in the passage. 
So what is the author's argument? - DIETS ARE BAD! (because it is not balanced to put in simple words).

Now the claim that cholesterol intake does not correlate with conc. of LDL is going against author's argument right? Because it gives an example to show that correlation between cholesterol and LDL is non-existent.

Look at D now
(D) It acknowledges a possible objection ( this example ) to the recommendation ( author's argument DIETS ARE BAD ) put forth in the argument.

Now look at C
(C) It summarizes a position that the argument as a whole is directed toward discrediting.
Actually it is only one example which goes against author's argument. But then on author is saying 2 more things in favour of this argument -
1. actually this INDIRECTLY increases LDL. 
2. there is evidence suggesting that the oxidation of LDL in human is itself atherogenic, and there appears to be a consistent positive association between the consumption of saturated animal fats and the oxidation of LDL particles.
So the "claim" is not summarizing a position that is directed towards discrediting the argument.

I hope this helps.

iamdivs · Answer

3:56 minutes in total, 3/4 correct.

Can you post the answer to the first question? Thank you!

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

1. In the passage, the author is primarily interested in

Difficulty Level:   650

Explanation

Answer choice (A)  is attractive, but incorrect. The solution presented in the last sentence  (“antioxidants and dietary fiber can help prevent oxidative modification of LDL,” lines 16-19)  is clearly of limited value, considering that most diets do not recommend sufficient amounts of either supplement  (lines 18-19) . Furthermore, the primary purpose of the passage is not to recommend a particular dietary regimen, but rather to criticize one as potentially unhealthy.

Answer choice (B)  is the Opposite answer. The author opposes, rather than recommends, a particular nutritional plan.

Answer choice (C)  is the correct answer choice. In the first sentence, the author describes the proponents’ beliefs as  “dubious,”  suggesting a definitive disagreement with their beliefs. The rest of the passage substantiates the author’s position by describing the results of various nutritional studies.

Answer choice (D)  is incorrect, because the author does not address any of the benefits of the Paleo diet. The primary focus of the passage is on the health risks posed by that diet.

Answer choice (E)  is incorrect, because the primary purpose of the passage is more limited in scope. Whereas the author does criticize the shortcomings of the Paleo diet, her line of criticism does not apply to most modern diets. Indeed, just because the author accuses most diets of not recommending enough antioxidants and fiber does not mean that the primary purpose of the passage is to criticize such modern diets. The latter point was mentioned only at the very end of the passage.

Answer: C

Hope it helps

Hoozan · Answer

It was a close call for me between C and D. I was almost convinced with (D) BUT use of the word "recommendation" seems off to me. I agree, the Author's main point is that over consumption of meat is bad. BUT this isn't a recommendation right? It is a straight out statement/claim made by the author. I fail to see how does it fall in the premise of a "recommendation"  Sajjad1994  could you please help me with this one?

Thank you!

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

3. Which one of the following most accurately describes the role played in the argument by the claim that cholesterol intake does not directly correlate with the concentration of harmful low-density lipoprotein (lines 6-8)?

Difficulty Level:   750

Explanation

The stem asks us to identify the role played in the argument by the claim that cholesterol intake does not directly correlate with the concentration of harmful low-density lipoprotein (lines 6-8). To answer this question correctly, it is imperative to have a solid understanding of argument structure. As described in our discussion of argumentation (above), the cited claim is simply a premise used by the proponents of the Paleo diet in support of their conclusion. Unfortunately, this prephrase does not produce a close match to any of the answer choices, as there are many ways to describe the function of any given argument part. Nevertheless, as long as you understand the broader function of the cited claim, you will be able to eliminate four of the five answer choices relatively quickly.

Answer choice (A)  is incorrect, because the claim in question supports a position that the argument as a whole is directed towards discrediting.

Answer choice (B)  is incorrect, because the cited claim does not refute the causal link between cholesterol intake and increased LDL levels. The author clearly believes that a causal link still exists.

Answer choice (C)  is incorrect, because the author acknowledges that the claim in question is factually correct. As such, it only provides support for the position that the argument as a whole is directed toward discrediting; it is not a summary of that position.

Answer choice (D)  is the correct answer choice. As mentioned above, the cited claim represents an observation advanced by the proponents of the Paleo diet in support of their conclusion. The author concedes that the observation is correct, but argues that their conclusion is not (cholesterol intake can still increase LDL concentrations indirectly). As such, the cited claim represents a possible objection to the recommendation put forth in the argument.

Answer choice (E):  The author makes no attempt at explaining why there is no direct correlation between cholesterol intake and increased LDL levels. Instead, she argues that the two are causally related despite the absence of such a direct correlation.

Answer: D

VerbalBot · Answer

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Many of the most popular diets today, including the so-called “Paleo

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GMAT Reading Comprehension (RC) Questions

Many of the most popular diets today, including the so-called “Paleo

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