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Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce cro 30 Oct 2022, 04:42
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KarishmaB
sondenso
Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce crop plants that are highly resistant to insect damage. Unfortunately, the seeds themselves are quite expensive, and the plants require more fertilizer and water to grow well than normal ones. Thus, for most farmers the savings on pesticides would not compensate for the higher seed costs and the cost of additional fertilizer. However,since consumer demand for grains, fruits, and vegetables grown without the use of pesticides continues to rise, the use of genetically engineered seeds of this kind is likely to become widespread.

In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

(A) The first supplies a context for the argument; the second is the argument's main conclusion.
(B) The first introduces a development that the argument predicts will have a certain outcome; the second is a state of affairs that the argument denies will be part of that outcome.
(C) The first presents a development that the argument predicts will have a certain outcome; the second acknowledges a consideration that weighs againstthat prediction.
(D) The first provides a certain outcome that the agrument seeks to weigh against; the second is a consideration that support the main conclusion.
(E) The first and the second each provide evidence to support the argument's main conclusion.

Responding to a pm:

What is the essence of the argument?
Genetically modified seeds are highly resistant to insects. But they are more expensive and need more fertilizer and water. So farmers won't save money by using them (prediction).
But people like them so their use will keep increasing (conclusion).

So what part is in bold? Let me underline it to show clearly...

Genetically modified seeds are highly resistant to insects. But they are more expensive and need more fertilizer and water. So farmers won't save money by using them (prediction).
But people like them so [i]their use will keep increasing (conclusion)

(A) The first supplies a context for the argument; the second is the argument's main conclusion.
Wrong - second is not the main conclusion

(B) The first introduces a development that the argument predicts will have a certain outcome; the second is a state of affairs that the argument denies will be part of that outcome.
Wrong - the second is not related to the outcome at all. It cannot accept or deny whether it is a part of that outcome

(C) The first presents a development that the argument predicts will have a certain outcome; the second acknowledges a consideration that weighs against that prediction.
Wrong - second is not a consideration against the prediction. Prediction is about saving money by using modified seeds. Just because people like modified seeds, farmers won't save money by using them i.e. the cost will not go down. Note that the revenue farmers earn may increase because people like these seeds but the cost of using them will not decrease.

(D) The first provides a certain outcome that the agrument seeks to weigh against; the second is a consideration that support the main conclusion.
Correct.

(E) The first and the second each provide evidence to support the argument's main conclusion.
Wrong - First does not provide evidence to support conclusion
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KarishmaB hello expert, I read through your explanation, but I am so confused cuz I met another question, and the part of BF and option C are both the same, but in that question, C is OA. Could you help yo explain? Thanks in advance.
Another question is here: https://gmatclub.com/forum/plant-scient ... 59269.html
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Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce cro 31 Oct 2022, 00:22
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KarishmaB
sondenso
Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce crop plants that are highly resistant to insect damage. Unfortunately, the seeds themselves are quite expensive, and the plants require more fertilizer and water to grow well than normal ones. Thus, for most farmers the savings on pesticides would not compensate for the higher seed costs and the cost of additional fertilizer. However,since consumer demand for grains, fruits, and vegetables grown without the use of pesticides continues to rise, the use of genetically engineered seeds of this kind is likely to become widespread.

In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

(A) The first supplies a context for the argument; the second is the argument's main conclusion.
(B) The first introduces a development that the argument predicts will have a certain outcome; the second is a state of affairs that the argument denies will be part of that outcome.
(C) The first presents a development that the argument predicts will have a certain outcome; the second acknowledges a consideration that weighs againstthat prediction.
(D) The first provides a certain outcome that the agrument seeks to weigh against; the second is a consideration that support the main conclusion.
(E) The first and the second each provide evidence to support the argument's main conclusion.

Responding to a pm:

What is the essence of the argument?
Genetically modified seeds are highly resistant to insects. But they are more expensive and need more fertilizer and water. So farmers won't save money by using them (prediction).
But people like them so their use will keep increasing (conclusion).

So what part is in bold? Let me underline it to show clearly...

Genetically modified seeds are highly resistant to insects. But they are more expensive and need more fertilizer and water. So farmers won't save money by using them (prediction).
But people like them so [i]their use will keep increasing (conclusion)

(A) The first supplies a context for the argument; the second is the argument's main conclusion.
Wrong - second is not the main conclusion

(B) The first introduces a development that the argument predicts will have a certain outcome; the second is a state of affairs that the argument denies will be part of that outcome.
Wrong - the second is not related to the outcome at all. It cannot accept or deny whether it is a part of that outcome

(C) The first presents a development that the argument predicts will have a certain outcome; the second acknowledges a consideration that weighs against that prediction.
Wrong - second is not a consideration against the prediction. Prediction is about saving money by using modified seeds. Just because people like modified seeds, farmers won't save money by using them i.e. the cost will not go down. Note that the revenue farmers earn may increase because people like these seeds but the cost of using them will not decrease.

(D) The first provides a certain outcome that the agrument seeks to weigh against; the second is a consideration that support the main conclusion.
Correct.

(E) The first and the second each provide evidence to support the argument's main conclusion.
Wrong - First does not provide evidence to support conclusion
KarishmaB hello expert, I read through your explanation, but I am so confused cuz I met another question, and the part of BF and option C are both the same, but in that question, C is OA. Could you help yo explain? Thanks in advance.
Another question is here: https://gmatclub.com/forum/plant-scient ... 59269.html
Show more

The question and the solution given in this thread are correct. The answer is option (D) as mentioned here.

In the other thread you mention, the answer is not option (C). Option (C) is incorrect for the reason I have given in my explanation above. Option (D) is different in that thread and is not the answer either. Ignore that thread.
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Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce cro 01 Aug 2023, 10:02
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This question is also available as EASY in OG2022 676 (id CR05080) but underlined are different
Using this question and the question in OG2022, I have added the official answers.

Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce crop plants that are highly resistant to insect damage. [1] Unfortunately, the seeds themselves are quite expensive, and the plants require more fertilizer and water to grow well than normal ones [2]. Thus, for most farmers the savings on pesticides would not compensate for the higher seed costs and the cost of additional fertilizer.[3] However, since consumer demand for grains, fruits, and vegetables grown without the use of pesticides continues to rise [4], the use of genetically engineered seeds of this kind is likely to become widespread.[5]

[1] The first presents a [technological] development that the argument predicts will have a certain outcome. (OG2022)
[2] provides a certain outcome that the argument seeks to weigh against
[3] Acknowlodges a consideration that tends to weigh against that predicition (OG2022)
[4] a consideration that support the main conclusion
[5] Main Conclusion
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Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce cro 24 Sep 2023, 10:35
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Argument analysis

Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce crop plants that are highly resistant to insect damage. - Fact
Unfortunately, the seeds themselves are quite expensive, and the plants require more fertilizer and water to grow well than normal ones. - counter-premise/fact
Thus, for most farmers the savings on pesticides would not compensate for the higher seed costs and the cost of additional fertilizer. - Prediction/intermediate conclusion (savings will not compensate for the higher costs)
However, since consumer demand for grains, fruits, and vegetables grown without the use of pesticides continues to rise, (premise. Bringing a different aspect of demand that may in turn affect the revenues positively even if the costs are higher)
the use of genetically engineered seeds of this kind is likely to become widespread. (main conclusion)

In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?
Option Elimination -

(A) The first supplies a context for the argument (OK); the second is the argument's main conclusion(NO. It's a premise supporting the main conclusion).

(B) The first introduces a development that the argument predicts will have a certain outcome (ok. A certain outcome is that savings will not be more than costs); the second is a state of affairs that the argument denies will be part of that outcome (No. The author does not deny that BF2 is a part of the outcome. Even if costs stay higher, the BF2 brings a different aspect of demand that may impact on revenue).

(C) The first presents a development that the argument predicts will have a certain outcome (ok); the second acknowledges a consideration that weighs against that prediction (It neither goes against nor supports the earlier prediction. It either goes against the implication of that prediction i.e. demand for genetically engineered seeds may fall or it just brings a different aspect that has not been discussed so far).

(D) The first provides a certain outcome that the argument seeks to weigh against (yes, it provides an outcome, i.e., costs may be more than savings, but the conclusion of the argument goes against in a way to an implication from the prediction - the implication from a prediction is that may be that as the costs are higher than savings the demand for the genetic engineering seeds may go down, but the conclusion goes against that saying that the demand for genetically engineered seeds will increase); the second is a consideration that support the main conclusion (ok).

(E) The first and the second each provide evidence to support the argument's main conclusion. The 1st doesn't support the main conclusion.
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Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce cro 09 Oct 2024, 11:52
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Argument Breakdown:
First Boldface: "Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce crop plants that are highly resistant to insect damage."

This is a factual statement about a development (the creation of genetically engineered seeds that are resistant to insect damage). It's a positive outcome, but it's not the final conclusion of the argument.

Second Boldface: "The use of genetically engineered seeds of this kind is likely to become widespread."

This is a predictive statement about the future, indicating that the use of these seeds is expected to become common due to rising consumer demand for pesticide-free produce. It serves as a key point in reaching the final conclusion of the argument.
Now, let's go through (D) carefully:

Option (D):
First part: "The first provides a certain outcome that the argument seeks to weigh against."

The first boldface presents a positive result (resistance to insect damage), but it comes with significant trade-offs (higher costs and additional resource needs). The argument then weighs these benefits against the drawbacks (high seed cost, increased need for fertilizer and water), leading to the main conclusion.
Second part: "The second is a consideration that supports the main conclusion."

The second boldface (predicting that genetically engineered seeds will become widespread) is part of the argument's final conclusion and is supported by the fact that consumer demand for pesticide-free produce is increasing.
Thus, the first boldface provides a result (insect resistance) that must be considered alongside its drawbacks, and the second boldface is a prediction supported by growing consumer demand, which strengthens the conclusion.

Conclusion:
(D) is correct because the first boldface presents an outcome that the argument evaluates, while the second boldface presents a factor (consumer demand) that supports the argument's conclusion.
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Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce cro 19 Mar 2025, 08:11
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Hi Karishma

On similar lines, what does "development" refer to ? Is it similar to "outcome" ? How is it different from "evidence" or "fact" ? I felt like the first bold face was a fact but all the answer choices have either development or outcome.

Thanks
KarishmaB
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Another bad CR question. People are saying the second half of C is wrong, when the first half of D is even more wrong.

" the seeds themselves are quite expensive, and the plants require more fertilizer and water to grow well than normal ones" is not an outcome... The sentence after that is the outcome. I can see why C is wrong, but D is also wrong. Maybe the test makers fell asleep on this question.

It is an outcome of "Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce crop plants that are highly resistant to insect damage."
They have created seeds that are resistant to insect damage. The outcome of modifying the seeds is that these modified seeds are expensive and need more fertilizer and water.

You cannot brush aside official questions as bad questions. Try to understand what is going on. You could get something very similar on your test too.
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Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce cro 20 Mar 2025, 05:08
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With the plethora of options English language provides, we cannot look for one specific word to call it the correct option.

Take this statement for example:
The company's rating has gone up.

It is a fact.
It can be used as evidence to show that the company's stock is a good investment.
It can be called a development e.g. Are you aware of the latest development? No, what is it? The company's rating has gone up.
It can be called an outcome e.g. The company's quarterly result was much better than expected. Its outcome is that the company's rating has gone up.

You see, the same fact can be called many things based on the context. Look at the context in the question. GMAT won't call it a fact every time; it will give contextual words.



Pablopikachu
Hi Karishma

On similar lines, what does "development" refer to ? Is it similar to "outcome" ? How is it different from "evidence" or "fact" ? I felt like the first bold face was a fact but all the answer choices have either development or outcome.

Thanks
KarishmaB
r0ckst4r
Another bad CR question. People are saying the second half of C is wrong, when the first half of D is even more wrong.

" the seeds themselves are quite expensive, and the plants require more fertilizer and water to grow well than normal ones" is not an outcome... The sentence after that is the outcome. I can see why C is wrong, but D is also wrong. Maybe the test makers fell asleep on this question.

It is an outcome of "Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce crop plants that are highly resistant to insect damage."
They have created seeds that are resistant to insect damage. The outcome of modifying the seeds is that these modified seeds are expensive and need more fertilizer and water.

You cannot brush aside official questions as bad questions. Try to understand what is going on. You could get something very similar on your test too.
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Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce cro 07 May 2025, 07:04
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Quote:
Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce crop plants that are highly resistant to insect damage. Unfortunately, the seeds themselves are quite expensive, and the plants require more fertilizer and water to grow well than normal ones. Thus, for most farmers the savings on pesticides would not compensate for the higher seed costs and the cost of additional fertilizer. However, since consumer demand for grains, fruits, and vegetables grown without the use of pesticides continues to rise, the use of genetically engineered seeds of this kind is likely to become widespread.

Option D: The first provides a certain outcome that the argument seeks to weigh against; the second is a consideration that support the main conclusion.
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KarishmaB

I have a doubt: how does the argument weigh against BF1 as suggested in option D?

The outcome in BF1 is: GE seeds are expensive, plants require more fertilizer and water than normal ones.
While the argument tries to establish the position that GE seeds' usage will increase.

The argument doesn't say that GE will become less expensive or plants will require less water and fertilizer than normal ones.
Nor does BF1 try to make the claim that GE seeds won't be used widely.
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Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce cro 07 May 2025, 22:29
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The argument weighs against the implication of BF1, not the facts given in BF1.
There are two opposing sides and the argument takes the opposite side to BF1. Hence it is acceptable to say that the argument weights against BF1. It is the best option of the given lot.


SudsMeister
Quote:
Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce crop plants that are highly resistant to insect damage. Unfortunately, the seeds themselves are quite expensive, and the plants require more fertilizer and water to grow well than normal ones. Thus, for most farmers the savings on pesticides would not compensate for the higher seed costs and the cost of additional fertilizer. However, since consumer demand for grains, fruits, and vegetables grown without the use of pesticides continues to rise, the use of genetically engineered seeds of this kind is likely to become widespread.

Option D: The first provides a certain outcome that the argument seeks to weigh against; the second is a consideration that support the main conclusion.
KarishmaB

I have a doubt: how does the argument weigh against BF1 as suggested in option D?

The outcome in BF1 is: GE seeds are expensive, plants require more fertilizer and water than normal ones.
While the argument tries to establish the position that GE seeds' usage will increase.

The argument doesn't say that GE will become less expensive or plants will require less water and fertilizer than normal ones.
Nor does BF1 try to make the claim that GE seeds won't be used widely.
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Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce cro 26 May 2025, 17:03
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Hi, Karishma! Why can't Option D be read as "the first is a certain outcome...", instead of "the first results in a certain outcome...".

The former interpretation is similar to Option C, so I wonder why the interpretation does not remain the same. If the interpretation is changed to the former, than Option D is out, because it is NOT an outcome.

Thank you again for all that you do!

KarishmaB
sondenso
Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce crop plants that are highly resistant to insect damage. Unfortunately, the seeds themselves are quite expensive, and the plants require more fertilizer and water to grow well than normal ones. Thus, for most farmers the savings on pesticides would not compensate for the higher seed costs and the cost of additional fertilizer. However,since consumer demand for grains, fruits, and vegetables grown without the use of pesticides continues to rise, the use of genetically engineered seeds of this kind is likely to become widespread.

In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

(A) The first supplies a context for the argument; the second is the argument's main conclusion.
(B) The first introduces a development that the argument predicts will have a certain outcome; the second is a state of affairs that the argument denies will be part of that outcome.
(C) The first presents a development that the argument predicts will have a certain outcome; the second acknowledges a consideration that weighs againstthat prediction.
(D) The first provides a certain outcome that the agrument seeks to weigh against; the second is a consideration that support the main conclusion.
(E) The first and the second each provide evidence to support the argument's main conclusion.

Responding to a pm:

What is the essence of the argument?
Genetically modified seeds are highly resistant to insects. But they are more expensive and need more fertilizer and water. So farmers won't save money by using them (prediction).
But people like them so their use will keep increasing (conclusion).

So what part is in bold? Let me underline it to show clearly...

Genetically modified seeds are highly resistant to insects. But they are more expensive and need more fertilizer and water. So farmers won't save money by using them (prediction).
But people like them so [i]their use will keep increasing (conclusion)

(A) The first supplies a context for the argument; the second is the argument's main conclusion.
Wrong - second is not the main conclusion

(B) The first introduces a development that the argument predicts will have a certain outcome; the second is a state of affairs that the argument denies will be part of that outcome.
Wrong - the second is not related to the outcome at all. It cannot accept or deny whether it is a part of that outcome

(C) The first presents a development that the argument predicts will have a certain outcome; the second acknowledges a consideration that weighs against that prediction.
Wrong - second is not a consideration against the prediction. Prediction is about saving money by using modified seeds. Just because people like modified seeds, farmers won't save money by using them i.e. the cost will not go down. Note that the revenue farmers earn may increase because people like these seeds but the cost of using them will not decrease.

(D) The first provides a certain outcome that the agrument seeks to weigh against; the second is a consideration that support the main conclusion.
Correct.

(E) The first and the second each provide evidence to support the argument's main conclusion.
Wrong - First does not provide evidence to support conclusion

Answer (D)
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Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce cro 14 Nov 2025, 11:04
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Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce crop plants that are highly resistant to insect damage. Unfortunately, the seeds themselves are quite expensive, and the plants require more fertilizer and water to grow well than normal ones. Thus, for most farmers the savings on pesticides would not compensate for the higher seed costs and the cost of additional fertilizer. However, [color=#0f0f0f]since consumer demand for grains, fruits, and vegetables grown without the use of pesticides continues to rise, the use of genetically engineered seeds of this kind is likely to become widespread.[/color]

In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?


(A) The first supplies a context for the argument; the second is the argument's main conclusion.

(B) The first introduces a development that the argument predicts will have a certain outcome; the second is a state of affairs that the argument denies will be part of that outcome.

(C) The first presents a development that the argument predicts will have a certain outcome; the second acknowledges a consideration that weighs against that prediction.

(D) The first provides evidence to support a prediction that the argument seeks to defend; the second is that prediction. .

(E) The first and the second each provide evidence to support the argument's main conclusion.

[color=#0f0f0f]Related question, can you please explain how C is the correct answer here and not A and also what is the main conclusion if its not last sentence? How is last part not the main conclusion?[/color]

KarishmaB


It is an outcome of "Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce crop plants that are highly resistant to insect damage."
They have created seeds that are resistant to insect damage. The outcome of modifying the seeds is that these modified seeds are expensive and need more fertilizer and water.

You cannot brush aside official questions as bad questions. Try to understand what is going on. You could get something very similar on your test too.
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Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce cro Updated on: 18 Nov 2025, 03:56
Originally posted by miag on 18 Nov 2025, 03:55.
Last edited by miag on 18 Nov 2025, 03:56, edited 3 times in total.
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Hi,

The MC is the last part of the last sentence. The use of these genetically engineered seeds will continue to increase/become widespread.
A) is wrong because as identified above the last part of the last sentence is the main conclusion however the entire BF2 isnt the main conclusion.
C) is not the correct answer here, it is D). I would recommend going through KarishmaB 's above response again as it is quite a clear explanation.

Hope this helps clarify!

sakshijjw
Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce crop plants that are highly resistant to insect damage. Unfortunately, the seeds themselves are quite expensive, and the plants require more fertilizer and water to grow well than normal ones. Thus, for most farmers the savings on pesticides would not compensate for the higher seed costs and the cost of additional fertilizer. However, [color=#0f0f0f]since consumer demand for grains, fruits, and vegetables grown without the use of pesticides continues to rise, the use of genetically engineered seeds of this kind is likely to become widespread.[/color]

In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?


(A) The first supplies a context for the argument; the second is the argument's main conclusion.

(B) The first introduces a development that the argument predicts will have a certain outcome; the second is a state of affairs that the argument denies will be part of that outcome.

(C) The first presents a development that the argument predicts will have a certain outcome; the second acknowledges a consideration that weighs against that prediction.

(D) The first provides evidence to support a prediction that the argument seeks to defend; the second is that prediction. .

(E) The first and the second each provide evidence to support the argument's main conclusion.

[color=#0f0f0f]Related question, can you please explain how C is the correct answer here and not A and also what is the main conclusion if its not last sentence? How is last part not the main conclusion?[/color]


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Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce cro 28 Jan 2026, 03:52
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In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

(A) The first supplies a context for the argument; the second is the argument's main conclusion.
→ second statement is not the main conclusion

(B) The first introduces a development that the argument predicts will have a certain outcome; the second is a state of affairs that the argument denies will be part of that outcome.
→ seems tempting, since the first part is true. however, the second statement does not "DENY" anything

(C) The first presents a development that the argument predicts will have a certain outcome; the second acknowledges a consideration that weighs against that prediction.
→ YES. The first sentence predicts that newly engineered seeds will be "highly resistant to insect damage". But the second claims that the cost will be too high for farmers, hence a possible obstacle).

(D) The first provides a certain outcome that the argument seeks to weigh against; the second is a consideration that support the main conclusion.
→ the two statements oppose each other; they do'nt go in the same direction

(E) The first and the second each provide evidence to support the argument's main conclusion.
→ no, they are going in opposite ways
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Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce cro 04 Feb 2026, 13:05
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for the same kinda question the OA is given as C and here you are saying that its not C?

KarishmaB


Responding to a pm:



The conclusion of the argument is the author's opinion. It is the reason he writes the argument. I disagree with the explanation provided in the link above. The conclusion of this argument is "their use will keep increasing" - that is the final word of the author. He starts by giving the drawbacks but provides a reason which he believes will overshadow the drawbacks and arrives at the conclusion that the use of genetically modified seeds will keep increasing.

"Thus, for most farmers the savings on pesticides would not compensate for the higher seed costs and the cost of additional fertilizer." is a prediction based on the drawbacks he discusses, not the conclusion of the argument.

(C) is wrong as discussed above.
(C) The first presents a development that the argument predicts will have a certain outcome; the second acknowledges a consideration that weighs against that prediction.
Wrong - second is not a consideration against the prediction. Prediction is about saving money by using modified seeds. Just because people like modified seeds, farmers won't save money by using them i.e. the cost will not go down. Note that the revenue farmers earn may increase because people like these seeds but the cost of using them will not decrease.

(D) is correct
(D) The first provides a certain outcome that the agrument seeks to weigh against; the second is a consideration that support the main conclusion.

The argument says "their use will keep increasing". The argument weighs against the drawbacks in the first three lines.
The second bold face supports the main conclusion.
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Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce cro 16 Mar 2026, 04:21
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Hi KarishmaB
I wanted to confirm whether I understood the (B) elimination correctly or not.

(B) is wrong because the outcome (supported by first BF) talks about savings whereas second BF talks about consumer demand, hence, there is no link between them so we can't say "second is a state of affairs that the argument denies will be part of that outcome" is true. Am I correct here?

KarishmaB


Responding to a pm:

What is the essence of the argument?
Genetically modified seeds are highly resistant to insects. But they are more expensive and need more fertilizer and water. So farmers won't save money by using them (prediction).
But people like them so their use will keep increasing (conclusion).

So what part is in bold? Let me underline it to show clearly...

Genetically modified seeds are highly resistant to insects. But they are more expensive and need more fertilizer and water. So farmers won't save money by using them (prediction).
But people like them so [i]their use will keep increasing (conclusion)

(A) The first supplies a context for the argument; the second is the argument's main conclusion.
Wrong - second is not the main conclusion

(B) The first introduces a development that the argument predicts will have a certain outcome; the second is a state of affairs that the argument denies will be part of that outcome.
Wrong - the second is not related to the outcome at all. It cannot accept or deny whether it is a part of that outcome

(C) The first presents a development that the argument predicts will have a certain outcome; the second acknowledges a consideration that weighs against that prediction.
Wrong - second is not a consideration against the prediction. Prediction is about saving money by using modified seeds. Just because people like modified seeds, farmers won't save money by using them i.e. the cost will not go down. Note that the revenue farmers earn may increase because people like these seeds but the cost of using them will not decrease.

(D) The first provides a certain outcome that the agrument seeks to weigh against; the second is a consideration that support the main conclusion.
Correct.

(E) The first and the second each provide evidence to support the argument's main conclusion.
Wrong - First does not provide evidence to support conclusion

Answer (D)

Here is a discussion on another official Boldface question: https://youtu.be/U57vXdqujkY
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Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce cro 17 Mar 2026, 02:40
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Yes, that is correct. The second BF has nothing to do with the outcome.

agrasan
Hi KarishmaB
I wanted to confirm whether I understood the (B) elimination correctly or not.

(B) is wrong because the outcome (supported by first BF) talks about savings whereas second BF talks about consumer demand, hence, there is no link between them so we can't say "second is a state of affairs that the argument denies will be part of that outcome" is true. Am I correct here?


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Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce cro 18 Apr 2026, 03:47
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but the first is not providing any outcome right? its just stating whats true... so basically they are helping wiht the conclusion which follows up in the next sentence... why D is correct then? GMATNinja
sondenso
Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce crop plants that are highly resistant to insect damage. Unfortunately, the seeds themselves are quite expensive, and the plants require more fertilizer and water to grow well than normal ones. Thus, for most farmers the savings on pesticides would not compensate for the higher seed costs and the cost of additional fertilizer. However, since consumer demand for grains, fruits, and vegetables grown without the use of pesticides continues to rise, the use of genetically engineered seeds of this kind is likely to become widespread.

In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?


(A) The first supplies a context for the argument; the second is the argument's main conclusion.

(B) The first introduces a development that the argument predicts will have a certain outcome; the second is a state of affairs that the argument denies will be part of that outcome.

(C) The first presents a development that the argument predicts will have a certain outcome; the second acknowledges a consideration that weighs against that prediction.

(D) The first provides a certain outcome that the argument seeks to weigh against; the second is a consideration that support the main conclusion.

(E) The first and the second each provide evidence to support the argument's main conclusion.


Similar Question : [LINK1] [LINK2]

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OA = D. Check Karishma's post on second page for explanation
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Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce cro 30 Apr 2026, 02:39
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Hi KarishmaB

Thank you for your response—it’s extremely helpful. I noticed that in another similar question (linked to this one), both the question stem and the boldface portions are identical.

Interestingly, the wording of option C is also the same in both questions. However, option C is incorrect in this question but correct in the other (see attached screenshot).

I understand that the other answer choices differ across the two questions. Still, I’d like to clarify: even when the question stem, boldface portions, and a specific answer choice are identical, is it possible for that same answer choice to be correct in one instance and incorrect in another?


Please guide




KarishmaB
Quote:


Responding to a pm:

What is the essence of the argument?
Genetically modified seeds are highly resistant to insects. But they are more expensive and need more fertilizer and water. So farmers won't save money by using them (prediction).
But people like them so their use will keep increasing (conclusion).

So what part is in bold? Let me underline it to show clearly...

Genetically modified seeds are highly resistant to insects. But they are more expensive and need more fertilizer and water. So farmers won't save money by using them (prediction).
But people like them so [i]their use will keep increasing (conclusion)

(A) The first supplies a context for the argument; the second is the argument's main conclusion.
Wrong - second is not the main conclusion

(B) The first introduces a development that the argument predicts will have a certain outcome; the second is a state of affairs that the argument denies will be part of that outcome.
Wrong - the second is not related to the outcome at all. It cannot accept or deny whether it is a part of that outcome

(C) The first presents a development that the argument predicts will have a certain outcome; the second acknowledges a consideration that weighs against that prediction.
Wrong - second is not a consideration against the prediction. Prediction is about saving money by using modified seeds. Just because people like modified seeds, farmers won't save money by using them i.e. the cost will not go down. Note that the revenue farmers earn may increase because people like these seeds but the cost of using them will not decrease.

(D) The first provides a certain outcome that the agrument seeks to weigh against; the second is a consideration that support the main conclusion.
Correct.

(E) The first and the second each provide evidence to support the argument's main conclusion.
Wrong - First does not provide evidence to support conclusion

Answer (D)

Here is a discussion on another official Boldface question: https://youtu.be/U57vXdqujkY
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Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce cro 30 Apr 2026, 04:02
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Hi Vivek1707 Can you please share the link of the second similar boldfaced question? I think there might be some mistake in second one because option D is correct in this particular question.
Vivek1707
Hi KarishmaB

Thank you for your response—it’s extremely helpful. I noticed that in another similar question (linked to this one), both the question stem and the boldface portions are identical.

Interestingly, the wording of option C is also the same in both questions. However, option C is incorrect in this question but correct in the other (see attached screenshot).

I understand that the other answer choices differ across the two questions. Still, I’d like to clarify: even when the question stem, boldface portions, and a specific answer choice are identical, is it possible for that same answer choice to be correct in one instance and incorrect in another?


Please guide




KarishmaB

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Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce cro 30 Apr 2026, 05:03
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Hi, here is the link, please have a look. This link is there below the current question as well.

https://gmatclub.com/forum/plant-scient ... l#p1865389

AbhishekP220108
Hi Vivek1707 Can you please share the link of the second similar boldfaced question? I think there might be some mistake in second one because option D is correct in this particular question.

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