Reverse discrimination, minority recruitment, racial quotas, and, more

Question

New Project RC Butler 2019  -  Practice 2 RC Passages Everyday   
Passage # 19, Date : 10-FEB-2019
 This post is a part of New Project RC Butler 2019 .  Click here for Details

Reverse discrimination, minority recruitment, racial quotas, and, more generally, affirmative action are phrases that carry powerful emotional charges. But why should affirmative action, of all government policies, be so controversial? In a sense, affirmative action is like other government programs, e.g., defense, conservation, and public schools. Affirmative action programs are designed to achieve legitimate government objectives such as improved economic efficiency, reduced social tension, and general betterment of the public welfare. While it cannot be denied that there is no guarantee that affirmative action will achieve these results, neither can it be denied that there are plausible, even powerful, sociological and economic arguments pointing to its likely success. Government programs, however, entail a cost; i.e., the expenditure of social or economic resources. Setting aside cases in which the specific user is charged a fee for service  (toll roads and tuition at state institutions) , the burdens and benefits of publicly funded or mandated programs are widely shared. When an individual benefits personally from a government program, it is only because she or he is one member of a larger beneficiary class, e.g., a farmer; and most government revenue is obtained through a scheme of general taxation to which all are subject.

Affirmative action programs are exceptions to this general rule, though not, as it might at first seem, because the beneficiaries of the programs are specific individuals. It is still the case that those who ultimately benefit from affirmative action do so only by virtue of their status as a member of a larger group, a particular minority. Rather the difference is the location of the burden. In affirmative action, the burden of  “funding”  the program is not shared universally, and that is inherent in the nature of the case, as can be seen clearly in the case of affirmative action in employment. Often job promotions are allocated along a single dimension— seniority. When an employer promotes a less senior worker from a minority group, the person disadvantaged by the move is easily identified: the worker with greatest seniority on a combined minority-non minority list passed over for promotion.

Now we are confronted with two competing moral sentiments. On the one hand, there is the idea that those who have been unfairly disadvantaged by past discriminatory practices are entitled to some kind of assistance. On the other, there is the feeling that no person ought to be deprived of what is rightfully his, even for the worthwhile service of his fellow humans. In this respect, disability due to past racial discrimination, at least in so far as there is no connection to the passed-over worker, is like a natural evil. When a  villainous man  willfully and without provocation strikes and injures another, there is not only the feeling that the injured person ought to be compensated but there is also consensus that the appropriate party to bear the cost is the one who inflicted the injury. Yet, if the same innocent man stumbled and injured himself, it would be surprising to hear someone argue that the villainous man ought to be taxed for the injury simply because he might have tripped the victim had he been given the opportunity. There may very well be agreement that the victim should be aided in his recovery with money and personal assistance, and many will give willingly, but there is also agreement that no one individual ought to be singled out and forced to do what must ultimately be considered an act of charity   1 
 C 
 1. The passage is primarily concerned with

(A) comparing affirmative action programs to other government programs
(B) arguing that affirmative action programs are morally justified
(C) analyzing the basis for moral judgments about affirmative action programs
(D) introducing the reader to the importance of affirmative action as a social issue
(E) describing the benefits that can be obtained through affirmative action programs

2 
 A 
 2. The author mentions toll roads and tuition at state institutions in order to

(A) anticipate a possible objection based on counterexamples
(B) avoid a contradiction between moral sentiments
(C) provide illustrations of common government programs
(D) voice doubts about the social and economic value of affirmative action
(E) offer examples of government programs that are too costly

3 
 B 
 3. With which of the following statements would the author most likely agree?

(A) Affirmative action programs should be discontinued because they place an unfair burden on non minority persons who bear the cost of the programs.
(B) Affirmative action programs may be able to achieve legitimate social and economic goals such as improved efficiency.
(C) Affirmative action programs are justified because they are the only way of correcting injustices created by past discrimination.
(D) Affirmative action programs must be redesigned so that society as a whole, rather than particular individuals, bears the cost of the programs.
(E) Affirmative action programs should be abandoned because they serve no useful social function and place unfair burdens on particular individuals.

4 
 E 
 4. The author most likely places the word “funding” in quotation marks in order to remind the reader that

(A) affirmative action programs are costly in terms of government revenues
(B) particular individuals may bear a disproportionate share of the burden of affirmative action
(C) the cost of most government programs is shared by society at large
(D) the beneficiaries of affirmative action are members of larger groups
(E) the cost of affirmative action is not only a monetary expenditure

5 
 D 
 5. The “villainous man” introduced at line functions primarily as a(n)

(A) illustration
(B) counterexample
(C) authority
(D) analogy
(E) disclaimer

6 
 B 
 6. According to the passage, affirmative action programs are different from most other government programs in the

(A) legitimacy of the goals the programs are designed to achieve
(B) ways in which costs of the programs are distributed
(C) methods for allocating the benefits of the programs
(D) legal structures that are enacted to achieve the objectives
(E) discretion granted to the executive for implementing the programs

Source:   Master GMAT    (110)  
Difficulty Level:   700

Sajjad1994 · Accepted Answer

Official Explanation

1. The passage is primarily concerned with

Explanation

This is a main idea question. The author begins by posing the following question: Why are affirmative action programs so controversial? He then argues that affirmative action is unlike ordinary government programs in the way it allocates the burden of the program. Because of this, he concludes, we are torn between supporting the programs (because they have legitimate goals) and condemning the programs (because of the way the cost is allocated).  (C) neatly describes this development.  The author analyzes the structure of the moral dilemma.  (A) is incorrect  since the comparison is but a subpart of the overall development and is used in the service of the larger analysis.  (B) is incorrect  since the author reaches no such clear-cut decision. Rather, we are left with the question posed by the dilemma.  (D) is incorrect  since the author presupposes in his presentation that the reader already understands the importance of the issue. Finally,  (E) is incorrect  since the advantages of the programs are mentioned only in passing.

Answer: C

2. The author mentions  toll roads and tuition  at state institutions in order to

Explanation

This is a logical structure question. In the second paragraph the author will describe the general structure of government programs in order to set up the contrast with affirmative action. The discussion begins with  “Setting aside . . . ,”  indicating that the author recognizes such cases and does not wish to discuss them in detail. Tolls and tuition are exceptions to the general rule, so the author explicitly sets them aside in order to preempt a possible objection to his analysis based on claimed counterexamples.  (B) is incorrect  since the overall point of the passage is to discuss this dilemma, but the main point of the passage will not answer the question about the logical substructure of the argument.  (C) is incorrect  since tolls and tuition are not ordinary government programs.  (D) is incorrect  since the author never raises such doubts.  Finally, (E) misses the point of the examples.  The point is not that they are costly but that the cost is born by the specific user.

Answer: A

3. With which of the following statements would the author most likely agree?

Explanation

This is an application question. In the first paragraph the author states that affirmative action is designed to achieve social and economic objectives. Although he qualifies his claim, he seems to believe that the arguments are in favor of affirmative action. So (B) is clearly supported by the text.  (A) is not supported  by the text since the author leaves us with a question; he does not resolve the issue.  (C) can be eliminated  on the same ground. The author neither embraces nor rejects affirmative action.  (D) goes beyond the scope  of the argument. While the author might wish this were possible, nothing in the passage indicates such restructuring is possible. Indeed, in paragraph three the author remarks that the “funding” problem seems to be inherent.  Finally, (E) can be eliminated  on the same ground as (A). Though the author recognizes the unfairness of affirmative action, he also believes that the programs are valuable.

Answer: B

4. The author most likely places the word  “funding”  in quotation marks in order to remind the reader that

Explanation

In paragraph two the author mentions that government programs entail both social and economic costs. Then, the cost of a specific example, the passed-over worker, is not a government expenditure in the sense that money is laid out to purchase something. So the author is using the term “funding” in a nonstandard way, and he wishes to call his readers’ attention to this.  (E) parallels this explanation.  ( A) is incorrect  since it is inconsistent with the reasoning just provided.  (B) is incorrect , for though the author may believe that individuals bear a disproportionate share of the burden, this is not a response to the question asked.  (C) is incorrect  for the same reason: It is a true but non responsive statement.  Finally, (D) fails for the same reason . Though the author notes that affirmative action programs are similar to other government programs in this respect, this is not an explanation for the author’s placing “funding” in quotation marks.

Answer: E

5. The  “villainous man”  introduced at line functions primarily as a(n)

Explanation

This is a logical structure question. In the final paragraph, the author analyzes another similar situation. This technique is called  “arguing from analogy.”  The strength of the argument depends on our seeing the similarity and accepting the conclusion of the one argument (the villainous man) as applicable to the other argument (affirmative action).  (A) is perhaps the second-best response , but the author is not offering an illustration, e.g., an example of affirmative action. To be sure, the author is attempting to prove a point, but attempting to prove a conclusion is not equivalent to illustrating a contention.  (B) is incorrect  since the author adduces the situation to support his contention.  (C) is incorrect , for the author cites no authority.  Finally, (E) can be eliminated  since the author uses the case of the villanious man to support, not to weaken, the case.

Answer: D

6. According to the passage, affirmative action programs are different from most other government programs in the

Explanation

This is an explicit idea question. In paragraph one, the author mentions that affirmative action is like other government programs in that it is designed to achieve certain
social and economic goals. So,  (A) cites a similarity rather than a difference.   (C) can also be eliminated.  In paragraph three the author states that the relevant difference is not the method of allocating benefits. The salient difference is set forth in the same paragraph, and it is the difference described by (B).  (D) and (E) are simply not mentioned anywhere in the selection.

Answer: B

Hope it Helps

ng.phg.mai · Answer

Can someone explain to me why number 3 isn't D?

Sajjad1994 · Answer

The correct answer is (B) . This is an application question. In the first paragraph the author states that affirmative action is designed to achieve social and economic objectives. Although he qualifies his claim, he seems to believe that the arguments are in favor of affirmative action. So (B) is clearly supported by the text. (A) is not supported by the text since the author leaves us with a question; he does not resolve the issue. (C) can be eliminated on the same ground. The author neither embraces nor rejects affirmative action.   (D) goes beyond the scope of the argument. While the author might wish this were possible, nothing in the passage indicates such restructuring is possible. Indeed, in paragraph three the author remarks that the “funding” problem seems to be inherent.   Finally, (E) can be eliminated on the same ground as (A). Though the author recognizes the unfairness of affirmative action, he also believes that the programs are valuable.

Hope it Helps

soumya170293 · Answer

Would anyone please Explain question no 5.. How to eliminate both A and C ??

Sajjad1994 · Answer

soumya170293

The correct answer is (B)  . This is an explicit idea question. In paragraph one, the author mentions that affirmative action is like other government programs in that it is designed to achieve certain social and economic goals. So,  (A) cites a similarity rather than a difference. (C) can also be eliminated. In paragraph three the author states that the relevant difference is not the method of allocating benefits. The salient difference is set forth in the same paragraph , and it is the difference described by (B). (D) and (E) are simply not mentioned anywhere in the selection.

Hope It Helps

OC2910 · Answer

Why is answer to Q4 not B? B is clearly implied when the author states " In affirmative action, the burden of “funding” the program is not shared universally".

Skyline393 · Answer

" the burden of “funding” the program is not shared universally, and that is inherent in the nature of the case, as can be seen clearly in the case of affirmative action in employment"-  It means that funding is varies and includes job promotion - it has both monetary and other benefits... Nowhere in the passage mentions about the share of individual from the funding.

siaguirr · Answer

Hard passage. It took me 15 min to understand and I got only 2,3,4 correct. Any tip that I could use so I don't get lost in the wordy paragraphs?

believerinthy · Answer

i think this passage should be reconsidered with answer choices.
for instance, question 5.

The question is about what role a villainous man plays and not about the phrase or the para.

auradediligodo · Answer

Hi everyone,
Got 5/6 correct in 12:20 minutes including 6 minutes to read and 6:20 minutes to answer the questions.   123  4  56

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P1

In paragraph one the author introduces affirmative actions and tries to convince the reader that they are not so bad. We are given what affirmative actions are ad the likelihood of success. Lastly, we are given a general view of how government programs are funded and who are the beneficiaries.

Purpose:   to introduce affirmative actions and claim that they are not as bad as one might think.

P2

In this paragraph we are given how affirmative action programs are different from other government programs: they can benefit the individual and the burden of funding is placed in a different area.

Purpose:   to explain why affirmative action programs are different from other government programs.

P3

In the last paragraph the author presents two competing moral sentiments and explains them with an analogy.

Purpose:   To present two competing moral sentiments and explain them with an analogy.

Main point

To present affirmative actions plan, to explain how they are different from normal plans and to detail some moral sentiments that come from such action programs

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1. The passage is primarily concerned with

Pre-thinking

Main point question

To present affirmative actions plan, to explain how they are different from normal plans and to detail some moral sentiments that come from such action programs

(A) comparing affirmative action programs to other government programs  partial scope (p2) 
(B) arguing that affirmative action programs are morally justified  No, as a matter of fact the author describes to competing moral sentiments in the last paragraph 
  (C)   analyzing the basis for moral judgments about affirmative action programs  correct 
(D) introducing the reader to the importance of affirmative action as a social issue  this passage does not sound like an introduction 
(E) describing the benefits that can be obtained through affirmative action programs  partial scope (p1)

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2. The author mentions toll roads and tuition at state institutions in order to

Pre-thinking

Function question

From P1:   Government programs, however, entail a cost; i.e., the expenditure of social or economic resources.  Setting aside cases in which the specific user is charged a fee for service  (toll roads and tuition at state institutions),  the burdens and benefits of publicly funded or mandated programs are widely shared .

The orange part  represents the author's opinion of government plans (the cost is shared).  The blue part  could be an objection to such opinion. But it is anticipated

(A)   anticipate a possible objection based on counterexamples
(B) avoid a  contradiction  between moral sentiments
(C) provide  illustrations  of common government programs
(D) voice  doubts  about the social and economic value of affirmative action
(E) offer  examples  of government programs that are too costly

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3. With which of the following statements would the author most likely agree?

Pre-thinking

Inference question

Let's evaluate the options keeping in mind that the author opinion about affirmative action programs is positive (just reread P1 if this is not clear).

(A) Affirmative action programs   should be discontinued   because they place an unfair burden on non minority persons who bear the cost of the programs. opposite 
  (B)   Affirmative action programs may be able to achieve legitimate social and economic goals such as improved efficiency.  from P1:  Affirmative action programs are designed to achieve legitimate government objectives such as improved economic efficiency, reduced social tension, and general betterment of the public welfare. While it cannot be denied that there is no guarantee that affirmative action will achieve these results, neither can it be denied that there are plausible, even powerful, sociological and economic arguments pointing to its likely success.  
(C) Affirmative action programs are justified because they are   the only way   of correcting injustices created by past discrimination.  too extreme 
(D) Affirmative action programs   must be redesigned   so that society as a whole, rather than particular individuals, bears the cost of the programs.  nowhere we can infer this option 
(E) Affirmative action programs   should be abandoned   because they serve no useful social function and place unfair burdens on particular individuals. opposite

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4. The author most likely places the word “funding” in quotation marks in order to remind the reader that

Pre-thinking

Inference question

From P1:   Government programs, however, entail a cost; i.e., the expenditure of  social  or economic resources.

Here we are: funding is not only a monetary expenditure

(A) affirmative action programs are costly in terms of government revenues  irrelevant 
(B) particular individuals may bear a disproportionate share of the burden of affirmative action 
 Even if this is the case we still don't have an answer to the question asked. The author puts "funding" in brackets because she thinks that "funding" may not be an appropriate term or at least it is not used in conventional ways. So which is a conventional way of considering funding? I guess most of us think of money (whether it comes from few entities or from the vast majority of people). In the end this option just gives us an acceptable scenario in which funding can be achieved.

(C) the cost of most government programs is shared by society at large  irrelevant 
(D) the beneficiaries of affirmative action are members of larger groups  irrelevant 
  (E)   the cost of affirmative action is not only a monetary expenditure

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5. The “villainous man” introduced at line functions primarily as a(n)

Pre-thinking

Function question

The Villainous man can be considered an  analogy  since it is a different situation that is parallel to the situation at hand (affirmative action programs).

(A) illustration  An illustration is an example of the situation at hand but the "villainous man" is not an example of an affirmative action 
(B) counterexample  the analogy serves to strengthen the author's argument 
(C) authority  no authority is mentioned 
  (D)   analogy  in line with pre-thinking 
(E) disclaimer  the analogy does not weaken the author's argument

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6. According to the passage, affirmative action programs are different from most other government programs in the

Pre-thinking

Detail question

From P1:   Government programs, however, entail a cost;

(A) legitimacy of the goals the programs are designed to achieve
  (B)   ways in which costs of the programs are distributed
(C) methods for allocating the benefits of the programs
(D) legal structures that are enacted to achieve the objectives
(E) discretion granted to the executive for implementing the programs

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It's a great day to be alive!

GunjS · Answer

Wonderful explanation!!..Thanks. Could you please help me understand why is option c ((C) methods for allocating the benefits of the programs) incorrect for question 6?
The 2nd para states "Affirmative action programs are exceptions to this general rule, though not, as it might at first seem, because the beneficiaries of the programs are specific individuals."
So, I marked option C for this. 
And How did we derive B?

KaushalKhatri · Answer

Hi, Why are we looking at the possibility of it? The question asks to which of these author would agree with. Whether it is possible or not, why are we concerned about that? Hope you can help.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Can you clarify your question? this is an old passage and I don't remember anything about it. Clarify Which question you are talking about and what is the issue?

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Reverse discrimination, minority recruitment, racial quotas, and, more

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Reverse discrimination, minority recruitment, racial quotas, and, more

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615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

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