Critical Reasoning Butler: May 2025 |
May 14 | CR 1 | CR 2 |
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CR 1 Industry analysts feel that Bluecorp paid far too much to acquire rival firm Strickland. While doing so limited competition they face in the marketplace, this approach cannot be profitable in the long run. Once two rival firms merge in order to increase profits, the higher prices would only provide other competitors an opportunity to enter the field at a lower price, cutting into Bluecorp's profits and making the acquisition of Strickland an expensive mistake.
Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument?
(A) In some countries it is legal for two companies to merge even if the resulting entity would nearly monopolize the market.
(B) The combination of Bluecorp and Strickland creates an entity whose size allows it to produce items at a far lower cost than could any smaller enterprise.
(C) In addition to eliminating competition, Bluecorp's acquisition gives it a much more substantial presence in urban areas.
(D) As a result of the acquisition, the new corporate entity will create two smaller entities to operate as independent suppliers to Bluecorp.
(E) When two large companies in the same field combine, entrepreneurs tend to shy away from the field due to the single entity's perceived dominance.
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CR 2 Accidents involving drivers who do not wear seatbelts have been shown to cause higher rates of serious injury than accidents involving drivers who do wear seatbelts. Because drivers who do not wear seatbelts can end up costing taxpayers money in medical bills, Thoracic County should make it illegal to drive without a seatbelt.
Which of the following, if true, provides the most support for the argument above?
(A) In Thoracic County, the number of severe injuries and deaths caused by driving without a seatbelt is less than the number caused by drunk driving.
(B) Within Thoracic County, the majority of citizens already wear their seatbelts.
(C) Motorcycle accidents are statistically more significant in terms of the money they cost taxpayers in Thoracic County.
(D) No significant effect on public health would result if driver safety were prioritized in Thoracic County.
(E) On particularly dangerous roads in Thoracic County, vehicular accidents of all kinds are common.