Whenever GMAT says:
“Problem exists → therefore policy X”
immediately ask:
“Why should X actually solve it?”
That is a classic policy-gap flaw.
Prethinking Before Options
Before options, expect criticism like:
* smaller lots may not reduce water use
* another effect may offset the intended benefit
* proposed solution may worsen the problem
* missing mechanism between policy and outcome
Expect wording like:
* “takes for granted”
* “fails to consider”
* “overlooks possibility”
Do NOT expect:
* political objections
* whether UHI is important generally
* whether other environmental problems exist
Focus only on:
Does the proposed solution logically conserve water?
- Full Option-by-Option Elimination
(A) takes for granted that reducing the size of residential lots would reduce the UHI effect and thus reduce water consumption
Wrong.
The argument does not assume smaller lots reduce the UHI effect itself.
The reasoning is:
- UHI already causes more watering
- smaller lawns may reduce water use
The author never says:
smaller lots → less UHI.
Trap type:
Adds an unnecessary causal step
(B) takes for granted that the UHI effect is the main environmental challenge faced by the city of Phoenix
Wrong.
The argument never compares UHI with other environmental challenges.
It only argues:
this policy may help conserve water.
Trap type:
Outside scope / comparison never made
(C) fails to consider that there are ways of obtaining additional reductions in water consumption
Wrong.
The existence of OTHER methods does not weaken THIS proposal.
An argument does not fail merely because alternatives also exist.
Trap type:
Alternative solution trap
(D) fails to envisage the possibility that many Phoenix residents may be opposed to the plan
Wrong.
Public opposition affects practicality/politics, not logical reasoning.
The question asks about flaw in the argument itself.
Trap type:
Attacks feasibility, not logic
(E) fails to consider the possible impact on water consumption if having a smaller proportion of grassy area were to increase the UHI effect
Correct.
This directly attacks the reasoning gap.
The argument assumes:
- less grassy area → less water use
But grassy areas may reduce heat.
So reducing grass could worsen the UHI effect, increasing temperatures and potentially increasing water consumption elsewhere.
This exposes an overlooked consequence that weakens the proposed solution.
- Final Answer
Correct Answer: (E)
(E) is best because it directly challenges the assumption that reducing grassy/lawn area will necessarily conserve water.
(A) is the closest trap because it discusses UHI and water consumption, but it incorrectly claims the author assumes smaller lots reduce the UHI effect itself. The argument never requires that assumption.