Switzerland has three official national languages (French, Italian, an

Question

Switzerland has three official national languages (French, Italian, and German) and two major religions (Catholicism and Protestantism). This level of diversity has often led to conflict and even violence in other countries, but Switzerland has maintained a peaceful coexistence since its establishment as a federal state in 1848. What could explain this unusual stability? A new study examines well-defined topographical and political boundaries separating groups and draws some surprising conclusions. In Switzerland, landscape elements tend to separate linguistic groups, while political cantons, which are similar to states or provinces, tend to separate religious groups. The study suggests that these physical or geographical barriers allow for partial autonomy among disparate groups within a single country and thus foster peace.

The study considered the effect of physical separations, such as those caused by lakes and mountain ranges, determining the scale of these boundaries via an edge detection algorithm that calculates topographical heights. Where a sharp contrast in height, such as a cliff, also continued for a significant distance, the researchers designated a physical boundary between groups. Throughout the regions separated by these types of boundaries, a quiet reign of peace has persisted for nearly two centuries. Where such boundaries do not exist, however, politically or linguistically mixed cantons are more prevalent and violence is more common. One such canton, Jura, has both a history of conflict and a porous mountain range that does not fully separate linguistic groups.

Some researchers hypothesized that political boundaries might encourage stability in places where physical boundaries are absent. However, existing evidence suggests that political boundaries might not be sufficient to discourage violence. For example, Jura was formed in 1979 in response to sustained attacks between a local German-speaking Protestant population and another French speaking Catholic population. The new canton created an autonomous political region for the French-speaking Catholic population, though the French-speaking Protestant region chose to remain affiliated with the German-speaking Protestants in the existing canton of Bern, valuing similar religion over similar language. Because of remaining linguistic differences, conflict in the region continued. A proposal to combine the French-speaking Protestant areas with the French-speaking Catholic areas is currently being considered, despite little evidence that any boundaries except physical ones effectively temper violence.   1 
 1. In the passage, the author is primarily interested in

(A) suggesting a modification to a flawed theory
(B) initiating a debate about the true cause of a historical conflict
(C) introducing a theory that seeks to answer a particular question
(D) arguing that one method for addressing a question is preferable to another
(E) explaining the development of an established theory

2 
 2. According to the passage, which the following is true about physical boundaries between populations within the same country?

(A) They are the only proven method for fostering peace.
(B) They allow distinct groups to live more autonomously and peacefully than might otherwise be the case.
(C) They can be the result of natural or man-made landscape elements.
(D) They are less effective than political boundaries in maintaining peace in a region.
(E) They are more easily overcome with the advent of modern technology and transportation.

3 
 3. The author of the passage discusses the history of the canton Jura in order to

(A) prove definitively that physical boundaries are the key to maintaining peace among disparate political and religious groups
(B) remind readers that it is extremely difficult to sustain peace in all regions of a country
(C) speculate about how Switzerland might finally resolve the ongoing conflicts in the region
(D) provide an example of a canton in which the lack of physical boundaries appears to exacerbate differences of opinion among the populace
(E) suggest that there are alternative methods to reduce conflict among warring groups when physical boundaries are not present

4 
 4. Which of the following is true of the study of topographical boundaries discussed in the passage?

(A) It considered the length as well as the height of natural boundaries.
(B) It was conducted by French and German researchers.
(C) It did not take into account man-made physical boundaries.
(D) It concluded that physical boundaries are necessary in order to ensure a certain level of peace among the population.
(E) It rated mountains as more effective barriers than lakes.

5 
 5. It can be inferred from the passage that Switzerland’s political boundaries

(A) are responsible for its remarkable history of peaceful coexistence among diverse groups
(B) are typically based upon natural geographic boundaries
(C) lead to more conflict in French- and German-speaking areas than in Italian-speaking areas
(D) are capable of being changed
(E) should be based upon language similarities, not religious similarities

RC Butler Competition 2021  -  Participate and Win!   
Passage # 13 Date: 11-Jan-2021
 This question is a part of RC Butler Competition 2021 .  Click here for Details

Sajjad1994 · Accepted Answer

Official Explanation

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

Step 1: Identify the question.

The language primarily interested in signals that this is a Primary Purpose question.

Step 2: Find the support.

Ideally, you will have determined the main idea during your readthrough of the passage; if you need to refresh your memory, return to your map.

Step 3: Predict an answer.

A study indicates that physical or geographic barriers may be what help diverse areas to maintain peace.

Step 4: Eliminate and find a match.

(A)  The passage discusses a new theory, not an existing one that was then altered.

(B)  The passage does talk about an area that has experienced conflict historically, but there is not a debate about the specific cause of a specific conflict.

(C)   CORRECT.  The first paragraph asks a question, What could explain this unusual stability? and introduces a theory that seeks to answer that question.

(D)  The rejected political boundaries theory might be considered a second method, but it can’t be said that one is preferable to the other. Rather, the political boundaries theory was introduced as a potential alternative when no physical boundaries exist.

(E)  The passage does not indicate that the geographic boundaries theory is established; in fact, it describes the study as new.

Answer: C

2. According to the passage, which the following is true about physical boundaries between populations within the same country?

Step 1: Identify the question.

According to the passage indicates that this is a Specific Detail question.

Step 2: Find the support.

Support can be found in the first and second paragraphs:

The study suggests that these physical or geographical barriers allow for partial autonomy among disparate groups within a single country and thus foster peace.

Throughout the regions separated by these types of boundaries, a quiet reign of peace has persisted for nearly two centuries.

Step 3: Predict an answer.

The passage indicates that physical barriers help keep the peace.

Step 4: Eliminate and find a match.

(A)  The passage discusses only one other possible method (political boundaries) for fostering peace. It does not indicate that physical boundaries are the only available method.

(B)   CORRECT.  This matches the language from the passage.

(C)  Be careful not to bring in outside knowledge! The passage only mentions natural barriers as examples of physical boundaries. You do not know whether man-made landscape elements would work in the same way as natural elements (such as cliffs), or in fact whether the author would consider man-made features physical boundaries at all. (This is not to say that the author is excluding manmade features; you simply do not know how man-made features are treated.)

(D)  The passage says the opposite: They are more effective than political boundaries in maintaining peace.

(E)  This choice is a trap for someone who is rushing or getting tired and not reading carefully. Barriers sound like they may need to be overcome, but the passage does not discuss this; rather, the barriers are seen as a positive.

Answer: B

3. The author of the passage discusses the history of the canton Jura in order to

Step 1: Identify the question.

The language in order to indicates that this is a Specific Purpose, or Why, question. Remember to read a bit before you try to figure out why the author introduced the topic of Jura.

Step 2: Find the support.

Support can be found at the end of the second paragraph:

Where such boundaries do not exist, however, politically or linguistically mixed cantons are more prevalent and violence is more common. One such canton, Jura, has both a history of conflict and a porous mountain range that does not fully separate linguistic groups.

Step 3: Predict an answer.

Jura doesn’t have physical boundaries, and it has experienced lots of conflict. This supports the theory that physical boundaries help keep the peace.

Note:  The third paragraph has some more detail about Jura, but you may be able to understand the main idea after the first example. If the information in the second paragraph isn’t enough to narrow down to one answer, then return to the third paragraph.

Step 4: Eliminate and find a match.

(A)  The example supports the theory but does not prove it true definitively.

(B)  Although it is likely true that peace is difficult to sustain everywhere, this is not why the author introduces the example. Rather, the author is further supporting the physical barrier theory.

(C)  The passage does not indicate any effective solutions; in fact, the final example given at the end of the third paragraph is dismissed as unlikely to be effective.

(D)   CORRECT.  Jura is used specifically as an example to support the physical barrier theory.

(E)  Jura has had lots of conflict, not reduced conflict. The political barrier theory is unlikely to be effective, according to the passage.

Answer: D

4. Which of the following is true of the study of topographical boundaries discussed in the passage?

Step 1: Identify the question.

What is true of something discussed in the passage? This language signals a Specific Detail question. Topographical is mentioned in the  first and second paragraphs.

Step 2: Find the support.

Support can be found in the first and second paragraphs:

A new study examines well-defined topographical and political boundaries separating groups and draws some surprising conclusions.

The study considered the effect of physical separations, such as those caused by lakes and mountain ranges, determining the scale of these boundaries via an edge detection algorithm that calculates topographical heights. Where a sharp contrast in height, such as a cliff, also continued for a significant distance, the researchers designated a physical boundary between groups.

Step 3: Predict an answer.

The study used an algorithm to calculate height differences. They also considered the length of the boundary. If the barrier had some defined combination of length and height differences, it was called a physical barrier.

Step 4: Eliminate and find a match.

(A)   CORRECT.  This matches the language of the passage.

(B)  The passage does not indicate who conducted the study.

(C)  The only examples mentioned are natural (e.g., cliffs), but that does not mean that man-made barriers were actually excluded from or ignored by the research. It’s possible that they were included but just not mentioned in the passage.

(D)  The study claimed only that physical boundaries could help maintain peace, not that such boundaries are necessary to maintain peace.

(E)  Though the passage does mention using both height and length when designating something a barrier, it does not actually indicate which types of barriers the study considered most effective.

Answer: A

5. It can be inferred from the passage that Switzerland’s political boundaries

Step 1: Identify the question.

The language inferred indicates that this is an Inference question. The first and third paragraphs discuss Switzerland’s political boundaries.

Step 2: Find the support.

Support can be found in the first and third paragraphs:

In Switzerland, landscape elements tend to separate linguistic groups while political cantons, which are similar to states or provinces, tend to separate religious groups.

Jura was formed in 1979…The new canton created an autonomous political region for the French-speaking Catholic population…Because of remaining linguistic differences, conflict in the region continued. A proposal to combine the French speaking Protestant areas with the French-speaking Catholic areas is currently being considered, despite little evidence that any boundaries except physical ones effectively temper violence.

Step 3: Predict an answer.

Political cantons are typically separated by religion. The separation in Jura didn’t actually fix things, though, and they’re thinking about combining based on language instead, even though trying to set political boundaries hasn’t been shown to be effective.

Step 4: Eliminate and find a match.

(A)  The passage suggests that geographical boundaries are responsible for maintaining the peace, not political boundaries.

(B)  The passage discusses political boundaries as separate from geographical boundaries.

(C)  The passage doesn’t provide any specific information about Italian-speaking areas.

(D)   CORRECT.  As noted in the third paragraph, the boundaries were changed at least once, in 1979 with the creation of Jura, and the Swiss are considering another proposal to change them again.

(E)  The passage indicates that political boundaries don’t seem to work, no matter what they’re based on.

Answer: D

Vie3nrose · Answer

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

(A) suggesting a modification to a flawed theory
 INCORRECT   -- Although PG3 does refute a theory from some researchers "that political boundaries might encourage stability in places where physical boundaries are absent", this focus is only in that paragraph (not in the other 2 paragraphs)
 
(B) initiating a debate about the true cause of a historical conflict
 INCORRECT   -- Although conflicts between different groups in the Jura canton were mentioned in PG3, the purpose of the passage is not to initiate a debate on the cause of their conflict
 
(C) introducing a theory that seeks to answer a particular question
 CORRECT   -- In PG1 the author introduces the  question  of what could explain the unusual stability in Switzerland (despite major groups with different languages and religions), and then proceeds to introduce a study/ theory  that suggests "physical or geographical barriers allow for partial autonomy among disparate groups within a single country and thus foster peace" (more context on this in PG2). In the final paragraph, the author explores (and questions) the theory whether "political boundaries might encourage stability in places where physical boundaries are absent".
 
(D) arguing that one method for addressing a question is preferable to another
 INCORRECT   -- Although the author is evaluating two different theories to answer a question (the effectiveness of geo vs. political boundaries to establish peace between different groups), there is no argument for/against different  methods  of addressing the question
 
(E) explaining the development of an established theory
 INCORRECT   -- Although the author introduces/establishes a theory (geo boundaries more effective at establishing peace vs. political boundaries), the development of the theory is not explained (although they do provide details and examples to flesh out the theory itself)
 
 Question 2. According to the passage, which the following is true about physical boundaries between populations within the same country?

(A) They are the only proven method for fostering peace.
 INCORRECT   -- The last sentence suggests that physical boundaries are the only  boundaries  that effectively temper violence, but that doesn't mean that there aren't other methods for fostering peace (other than boundaries) 
 
(B) They allow distinct groups to live more autonomously and peacefully than might otherwise be the case.
 CORRECT   -- Last line of PG1 "suggests that these physical or geographical barriers allow for partial  autonomy  among disparate groups within a single country and thus  foster peace "
 
(C) They can be the result of natural or man-made landscape elements.
 INCORRECT   -- PG2 mentions different types of physical separations (i.e. lakes and mountain ranges), with sharp contrast in height and significant distance, but doesn't specify "natural or man-made" so we don't know for sure.
 
(D) They are less effective than political boundaries in maintaining peace in a region.
 INCORRECT   -- Opposite: "little evidence that any boundaries except physical ones effectively temper violence" (physical boundaries  more  effective vs political boundaries)
 
(E) They are more easily overcome with the advent of modern technology and transportation.
 INCORRECT   -- Out of Scope: no specific mention of the effect of modern tech/transport but PG1 mentions it's a new study so maybe physical barriers are effective despite new tech.

Question 3. The author of the passage discusses the history of the canton Jura in order to
 
(A) prove definitively that physical boundaries are the key to maintaining peace among disparate political and religious groups
 INCORRECT   -- Extreme: although the author uses Jura as an example of a region with historical conflict that also does not have strong physical barriers, this doesn't necessarily prove "definitely" that geo bounds are the key to peace
 
(B) remind readers that it is extremely difficult to sustain peace in all regions of a country
 INCORRECT   -- Although this is probably true, the author doesn't make this statement (although in PG1 they mention that many diverse countries experience conflict, Jura isn't mentioned until the end of PG2)
 
(C) speculate about how Switzerland might finally resolve the ongoing conflicts in the region
 INCORRECT   -- Although the author does mention another solution to the Jura conflict that is being considered (combining French-speaking), they end the passage with "despite little evidence that any boundaries except physical ones effectively temper violence" suggesting that they're speculating the opposite (that this will NOT be the solution)
 
(D) provide an example of a canton in which the lack of physical boundaries appears to exacerbate differences of opinion among the populace
 CORRECT   -- In PG2, after revealing that peace reign in regions separated by geo boundaries the author goes on to state that "Where such boundaries do not exist, however, politically or linguistically mixed cantons are more prevalent and violence is more common. One such canton, Jura, has both a history of conflict and a porous mountain range that does not fully separate linguistic groups."
 
(E) suggest that there are alternative methods to reduce conflict among warring groups when physical boundaries are not present
 INCORRECT   -- Although in PG3 the author mentions that some researchers "hypothesized that political boundaries might encourage stability in places where physical boundaries are absent", it is quickly disproved ("However, existing evidence suggests that political boundaries might not be sufficient to discourage violence.") and Jura is subsequently raised as an example to disprove this method

Question 4. Which of the following is true of the study of topographical boundaries discussed in the passage?
 
(A) It considered the length as well as the height of natural boundaries.
 CORRECT   -- PG2 "where a sharp contrast in  height , such as a cliff, also continued for a significant  distance , the researchers designated a physical boundary"
 
(B) It was conducted by French and German researchers.
 INCORRECT   -- French and German were mentioned as the languages spoken by different groups in Jura, not in relation to researchers
 
(C) It did not take into account man-made physical boundaries.
 INCORRECT   -- Out of Scope: No mention specifying natural vs man-made physical bounds were mentioned in passage
 
(D) It concluded that physical boundaries are necessary in order to ensure a certain level of peace among the population.
 INCORRECT   -- Although it concluded that physical boundaries foster peace, it was not discussed that peace necessarily requires physical boundaries (maybe just a non-diverse group) 
 
(E) It rated mountains as more effective barriers than lakes.
 INCORRECT   -- Both "lakes and mountain ranges" were listed as examples of physical boundaries, but their effectiveness was not compared (just the effectiveness of physical boundaries vs political)

Question 5. It can be inferred from the passage that Switzerland’s political boundaries
 
(A) are responsible for its remarkable history of peaceful coexistence among diverse groups
 INCORRECT   -- On the contrary, the passage questioned the effectiveness of political boundaries at all, stating that "existing evidence suggests that political boundaries might not be sufficient to discourage violence" (although a strong case was made for physical boundaries) 
 
(B) are typically based upon natural geographic boundaries
 INCORRECT   -- Examples of political boundaries provided includes religious and language, but not implied that it's typically be based on geo boundaries (natural or otherwise)
 
(C) lead to more conflict in French- and German-speaking areas than in Italian-speaking areas
 INCORRECT   -- Out of Scope: no mention of Italian areas at all in the Jura canton example that was used. 
 
(D) are capable of being changed
 CORRECT   -- "For example, Jura was  formed in 1979  in response to sustained attacks" and "A  proposal to combine  the French-speaking Protestant areas with the French-speaking Catholic areas is currently being considered" both indicate that political boundaries can be made and changed (although approval may be required)
 
(E) should be based upon language similarities, not religious similarities
 INCORRECT   -- Although in Jura "A proposal to combine the French-speaking ... areas is currently being considered" the author caveats that "despite little evidence that any boundaries except physical ones effectively temper violence" which suggests that on the contrary, neither language nor religious boundaries would be effective

RashmikaAnegama · Answer

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

(A) suggesting a modification to a flawed theory

(B) initiating a debate about the true cause of a historical conflict

(C) introducing a theory that seeks to answer a particular question

(D) arguing that one method for addressing a question is preferable to another 
From the last paragraph we can say that he is mentioning the new method -  to combine the French-speaking Protestant areas with the French-speaking Catholic areas is currently being considered  which is preferred over the existing one. So, IMO, this is the right answer.

(E) explaining the development of an established theory 
Although it's explaining, it's also questioning/talking about a particular issue. The author is interested in the latter.

2. According to the passage, which the following is true about physical boundaries between populations within the same country?
In this question A,B,C are contenders

(A) They are the only proven method for fostering peace.

(B) They allow distinct groups to live more autonomously and peacefully than might otherwise be the case.

(C) They can be the result of natural or man-made landscape elements.

(D) They are less effective than political boundaries in maintaining peace in a region. 
No, no, the last paragraph says political boundaries are weak.

(E) They are more easily overcome with the advent of modern technology and transportation. 
No, the passage doesn't speak about these, so we don't know

3. The author of the passage discusses the history of the canton Jura in order to

Read the lines -
 Where such boundaries(physical boundaries) do not exist, however, politically or linguistically mixed cantons are more prevalent and violence is more common. One such canton, Jura 
So it's clearly giving an example of the case above, So, IMO, D is the right answer.

(A) prove definitively that physical boundaries are the key to maintaining peace among disparate political and religious groups 
might not be the definitive way, because the author himself suggests another way at the end

(B) remind readers that it is extremely difficult to sustain peace in all regions of a country

(C) speculate about how Switzerland might finally resolve the ongoing conflicts in the region

(D) provide an example of a canton in which the lack of physical boundaries appears to exacerbate differences of opinion among the populace

(E) suggest that there are alternative methods to reduce conflict among warring groups when physical boundaries are not present

4. Which of the following is true of the study of topographical boundaries discussed in the passage?

(A) It considered the length as well as the height of natural boundaries. 
It just considered height

(B) It was conducted by French and German researchers. 
We can't really say as not stated explicitly

(C) It did not take into account man-made physical boundaries. 
Not stated

(D) It concluded that physical boundaries are necessary in order to ensure a certain level of peace among the population. 
This is the correct answer and the gist of 2nd para as well

(E) It rated mountains as more effective barriers than lakes.
 
It didn't do any thing like that

5. It can be inferred from the passage that Switzerland’s political boundaries

Because of remaining linguistic differences, conflict in the region continued. 
From the above lines we can say that we can prefer language over religion, here in this case. So, IMO, the answer is E

(A) are responsible for its remarkable history of peaceful coexistence among diverse groups

(B) are typically based upon natural geographic boundaries

(C) lead to more conflict in French- and German-speaking areas than in Italian-speaking areas

(D) are capable of being changed

(E) should be based upon language similarities, not religious similarities

So, IMO, the answers are:
D,B,D,D,E

Sumi1010 · Answer

Short note on the passage:
P1 : Peaceful diversity in SZ . Reason for unusual stability? Study:Topographical barrier 
P2: No physical boundary, no peace. Ex- Jura
P3: Researchers hypothesis reject: political boundary for peace.

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

(A) suggesting a modification to a flawed theory
 The does not focus on rejecting the hypothesis of the researchers in Para 3. The author seeks to answer the main question- Reason for unusual stability in SZ? 
(B) initiating a debate about the true cause of a historical conflict
 There is no debate initiated. There are no two parties questioning each other. The passage has the author's information only. 
(C) introducing a theory that seeks to answer a particular question
 Correct. The all that the author seeks to know is the reasons for the unusual stability in SZ. He goes on confirming that the political boundaries could be the one .
(D) arguing that one method for addressing a question is preferable to another
 No argument on method of addressing as no other party is involved. 
(E) explaining the development of an established theory
 The passage is not about how the theory that political boundary helps in maintaining the peace in SZ came into being with time.

C

2. According to the passage, which the following is true about physical boundaries between populations within the same country?

(A) They are the  only proven method  for fostering peace.
 They are supposedly the one because of which most of SZ has the peace. We don't know if they are the only proven ones. 
(B) They allow distinct groups to live more autonomously and peacefully than might otherwise be the case.
 Correct. The passage concludes "little evidence that any boundaries except physical ones effectively temper violence." 
(C) They can be the result of natural or  man-made landscape  elements.
 No such information is there in passage on man-made landscape as physical boundaries.  
(D) They are less effective than political boundaries in maintaining peace in a region.
 No, the role of political boundaries as peace-settler is not evident in the passage and the hypothesis was rejected. 
(E) They are more easily overcome with the advent of modern technology and transportation.
 No such information on such boundaries being easily overcome by modern technology.

B

3. The author of the passage discusses the history of the canton Jura in order to

(A)  prove definitively  that physical boundaries are the key to maintaining peace among disparate political and religious groups
 The author tries to support his point that physical boundaries are helpful in maintaining peace. However, he has not been successful in a definite manner. The mention of Jura is to add support (as example) to his point and not to prove the point a definite one. 
(B) remind readers that it is extremely difficult to sustain peace in all regions of a country
 No, the authors talks about Jura to demonstrate an example on the impact of peace in a region without the physical boundaries.  
(C)  speculate  about how Switzerland might finally resolve the ongoing conflicts in the region
 The author does not speculate that the proposal to combine the French-speaking Protestant areas with the French-speaking Catholic areas is going to help. The author rather says that there is no evidence that any boundaries except physical ones effectively temper violence. 
(D)  provide an example  of a canton in which the lack of physical boundaries appears to exacerbate differences of opinion among the populace
 Correct. Author wishes to add his point as : Had there been physical boundaries, the remaining differences of the opinion would not have teh history of conflicts. 
(E) suggest that there are alternative methods to reduce conflict among warring groups when physical boundaries are not present
 The author adds some suspicion on the alternative methods rather. 
"A proposal to combine the French-speaking Protestant areas with the French-speaking Catholic areas is currently being considered, despite little evidence that any boundaries except physical ones effectively temper violence."

D

4. Which of the following is true of the study of topographical boundaries discussed in the passage?

(A) It considered the length as well as the height of natural boundaries.
 Correct. "Where a sharp contrast in height, such as a cliff, also continued for a significant distance, the researchers designated a physical boundary between groups" 
(B) It was conducted by French and German researchers.
 The passage talks about these languages and linguistic communities, but not about the researchers.  
(C) It did not take into account man-made physical boundaries.
 The passage does not differentiate natural and man-made boundaries. No mention of man-made . 
(D) It concluded that physical boundaries  are necessary  in order to ensure a certain level of peace among the population.
 The passage concludes that there is  little evidence  that any boundaries except physical ones effectively temper violence. The implication does not go strong enough to confirm the  necessity  of the boundaries. 
(E) It rated mountains as  more effective  barriers than lakes.
 There is no such comparison as the barriers.

A

5. It can be inferred from the passage that Switzerland’s political boundaries

(A) are responsible for its remarkable history of peaceful coexistence among diverse groups
 Correct. "The study suggests that these physical or geographical barriers allow for partial autonomy among disparate groups within a single country and thus foster peace" 
(B) are typically based upon  natural  geographic boundaries
 No such distinction can be inferred between natural and man-made boundaries.  
(C) lead to  more conflict  in French- and German-speaking areas than in Italian-speaking areas
 Switzerland’s political boundaries rather help to temper the conflict. 
(D) are capable of being changed
 No such information provided on such capability of political boundaries. 
(E) should be based upon language similarities, not religious similarities
 Switzerland’s political boundaries is not based on language similarities.

A

Tahamohsin · Answer

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

C

(A) suggesting a modification to a flawed theory
  No flaw theory was mentioned in the passage, hence wrong  
(B) initiating a debate about the true cause of a historical conflict
  The author never talk about the particular historical conflict. It is talking about reasons for peace.  
(C) introducing a theory that seeks to answer a particular question
  Yes, the author raise the question that what could explain this unusual stability in the first para, and the rest para answer the question  
(D) arguing that one method for addressing a question is preferable to another
  The author never made an argument. The author only describes the 2 studies.  
(E) explaining the development of an established theory
  No, the established theory was stated in the passage.

2. According to the passage, which the following is true about physical boundaries between populations within the same country?

B

(A) They are the only proven method for fostering peace.
  The word "only" makes it extreme.  
(B) They allow distinct groups to live more autonomously and peacefully than might otherwise be the case.
  Yes, the passage stated in the second paragraph.
  Throughout the regions separated by these types of boundaries, a quiet reign of peace has persisted for nearly two centuries.   
(C) They can be the result of natural or man-made landscape elements.
  The passage never stated that they are result of the people.  
(D) They are less effective than political boundaries in maintaining peace in a region.
  Opposite, they are more effective than political boundaries in maintaining peace in a region.  
(E) They are more easily overcome with the advent of modern technology and transportation.
  Out of scope.

3. The author of the passage discusses the history of the canton Jura in order to

D

(A) prove definitively that physical boundaries are the key to maintaining peace among disparate political and religious groups
  The author doesn't use canton Jura to prove that physical boundary is the key to maintaining peace, but to do opposite what it is stated in the answer choice.   
(B) remind readers that it is extremely difficult to sustain peace in all regions of a country
  No, the author didn't use the canton Jura in order to remind readers that it is extremely difficult to sustain peace in all regions of a country  
(C) speculate about how Switzerland might finally resolve the ongoing conflicts in the region
  Wrong. this is not the case.  
(D) provide an example of a canton in which the lack of physical boundaries appears to exacerbate differences of opinion among the populace
  Yes, the author uses to provide an example that the lack of physical boundaries appears to exacerbate differences of opinion among the populace.
 Where such boundaries do not exist, however, politically or linguistically mixed cantons are more prevalent and violence is more common.    
(E) suggest that there are alternative methods to reduce conflict among warring groups when physical boundaries are not present
  Wrong, the author stated the reverse.

4. Which of the following is true of the study of topographical boundaries discussed in the passage?

A

(A) It considered the length as well as the height of natural boundaries.
  This was stated in the first sentence of the second para.
 The study considered the effect of physical separations, such as those caused by lakes and mountain ranges, determining the scale of these boundaries via an edge detection algorithm that calculates topographical heights.   
(B) It was conducted by French and German researchers.
  The author never concluded that the study was done by the french and german researcher.  
(C) It did not take into account man-made physical boundaries.
  This was not discuss in the passage.  
(D) It concluded that physical boundaries are necessary in order to ensure a certain level of peace among the population.
  Close. But, I eliminated it because of extreme language. I didn;t like the word "necessary"  
(E) It rated mountains as more effective barriers than lakes.
  No such comparison made.

5. It can be inferred from the passage that Switzerland’s political boundaries

D......700 level question, I think.

(A) are responsible for its remarkable history of peaceful coexistence among diverse groups
  Wrong, physical boundaries are responsible for peaceful coexistence among diverse groups  
(B) are typically based upon natural geographic boundaries
  Switzerland’s political boundaries are not typically based upon natural geographic boundaries  
(C) lead to more conflict in French- and German-speaking areas than in Italian-speaking areas
  No such comparison was made in the passage.  
(D) are capable of being changed
  sentences from the passages
 For example, Jura was formed in 1979 in response to sustained attacks between a local German-speaking Protestant population and another French speaking Catholic population. The new canton created an autonomous political region for the French-speaking Catholic population, though the French-speaking Protestant region chose to remain affiliated with the German-speaking Protestants in the existing canton of Bern, valuing similar religion over similar language.
 This shows that political boundaries are capable of change .   
(E) should be based upon language similarities, not religious similarities
  No such comparison was made.

Pankaj0901 · Answer

Answer IMO 
1. C
2. B
3. A
4. C
5. A

P1: Switzerland: 
linguistic groups -> landscape
religious groups -> political canton

P2:
Example from Jura: Absence of physical boundaries leads to conflict

P3: If no physical boundaries -> Political boundaries can ensure stability
But evidence proves otherwise.

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

(A) suggesting a modification to a flawed theory
(B) initiating a debate about the true cause of a historical conflict
(C) introducing a theory that seeks to answer a particular question
(D) arguing that one method for addressing a question is preferable to another
(E) explaining the development of an established theory
 ANSWER IMO C: It first explains the Switzerland's status in terms of linguistic and political groups and why still there is stability while in other places there is unrest due to the presence of multiple religious/linguistic groups. The theory of physical boundaries and political canton is introduced that answers how Switzerland has no conflict.

2. According to the passage, which the following is true about physical boundaries between populations within the same country?

(A) They are the only proven method for fostering peace.
(B) They allow distinct groups to live more autonomously and peacefully than might otherwise be the case.
(C) They can be the result of natural or man-made landscape elements.
(D) They are less effective than political boundaries in maintaining peace in a region.
(E) They are more easily overcome with the advent of modern technology and transportation.
 Answer IMO B. A is wrong as political canton can also be the way for fostering peace. Passage explains about the natural landscape elements but man-made is not discussed.

3. The author of the passage discusses the history of the canton Jura in order to

(A) prove definitively that physical boundaries are the key to maintaining peace among disparate political and religious groups
(B) remind readers that it is extremely difficult to sustain peace in all regions of a country
(C) speculate about how Switzerland might finally resolve the ongoing conflicts in the region
(D) provide an example of a canton in which the lack of physical boundaries appears to exacerbate differences of opinion among the populace
(E) suggest that there are alternative methods to reduce conflict among warring groups when physical boundaries are not present
 IMO Answer A: "Where such boundaries do not exist, however, politically or linguistically mixed cantons are more prevalent and violence is more common. One such canton, Jura, has both a history of conflict and a porous mountain range that does not fully separate linguistic groups"

4. Which of the following is true of the study of topographical boundaries discussed in the passage?

(A) It considered the length as well as the height of natural boundaries.
(B) It was conducted by French and German researchers.
(C) It did not take into account man-made physical boundaries.
(D) It concluded that physical boundaries are necessary in order to ensure a certain level of peace among the population.
(E) It rated mountains as more effective barriers than lakes.
 Answer IMO C; "Where such boundaries do not exist, however, politically or linguistically mixed cantons are more prevalent and violence is more common. One such canton, Jura, has both a history of conflict and a porous mountain range that does not fully separate linguistic groups"

5. It can be inferred from the passage that Switzerland’s political boundaries

(A) are responsible for its remarkable history of peaceful coexistence among diverse groups
(B) are typically based upon natural geographic boundaries
(C) lead to more conflict in French- and German-speaking areas than in Italian-speaking areas
(D) are capable of being changed
(E) should be based upon language similarities, not religious similarities
 Answer IMO A. It separates religious groups as mentioned in the passage.

Deepakjhamb · Answer

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

answer (D) arguing that one method for addressing a question is preferable to another

(A) suggesting a modification to a flawed theory :  author is not suggesting any modification to a flawed theory , he is just prefering one method to explain the answer to the question why switzerland is so peaceful despite three official national languages (French, Italian, and German) and two major religions (Catholicism and Protestantism) . 
(B) initiating a debate about the true cause of a historical conflict :   historical conflict's cause is not being explained , we are discussing 2 methods to answer question on peaceful coexistence in Switzerland despite diverse languages and religions , where one method is preferred one . 
(C) introducing a theory that seeks to answer a particular question :  actually author discusses two methods to answer a question on peaceful coexistence in Switzerland despite diverse languages and religions , where one method is preferred one as for other we do not have enough evidence . 
(D) arguing that one method for addressing a question is preferable to another :  yes author is primarily using physical separation method as the prefered method to explain the reason why peaceful coexistence in Switzerland despite diverse languages and religions , for other method on political boundries enough evidence is not there to explain the reason  
(E) explaining the development of an established theory :  actually an established theory is not being discussed , this theory on the two methods came from a new study and was surprising one as per the passage , so its out

2. According to the passage, which the following is true about physical boundaries between populations within the same country?

answer (B) They allow distinct groups to live more autonomously and peacefully than might otherwise be the case. 
(A) They are the only proven method for fostering peace:  only is extreme language , passage never says that its only one  
(B) They allow distinct groups to live more autonomously and peacefully than might otherwise be the case: yes indeed this is what physical boundries do as stated in passage - physical or geographical barriers allow for partial autonomy among disparate groups within a single country and thus foster peace. 
(C) They can be the result of natural or man-made landscape elements:  only topographical(natural) boundries are being considered so manmade is incorrect 
(D) They are less effective than political boundaries in maintaining peace in a region:  actually its the reverse - they are more effective than political boundries  
(E) They are more easily overcome with the advent of modern technology and transportation:  this is beyond the scope of passage and we cannot infer this

3. The author of the passage discusses the history of the canton Jura in order to

answer d)provide an example of a canton in which the lack of physical boundaries appears to exacerbate differences of opinion among the populace 
(A) prove definitively that physical boundaries are the key to maintaining peace among disparate political and religious groups:  actually author is using Jura to prove the case where physical boundries are not present , political boundries are not sufficient for peace , also in Jura disparate linguistic population has differences  
(B) remind readers that it is extremely difficult to sustain peace in all regions of a country:  no this is never the intent to talk about peace in all regions of a country  
(C) speculate about how Switzerland might finally resolve the ongoing conflicts in the region:  we are answering which method is effective to explain peace in switzerland despite diversity , speculation on how Switzerland may resolve conflict is not considered  
(D) provide an example of a canton in which the lack of physical boundaries appears to exacerbate differences of opinion among the populace:  yes , correct , Jura is an example where porous mountains ( lack of physical separation ) between disparate linguistic population exist and political separation has not proved sufficient for peace . 
(E) suggest that there are alternative methods to reduce conflict among warring groups when physical boundaries are not present :  nowhere its discussed in an alternate methods to reduce conflict as author says no evidence exists that political separation in Jura helps in peace

4. Which of the following is true of the study of topographical boundaries discussed in the passage?

answer d) It concluded that physical boundaries are necessary in order to ensure a certain level of peace among the population. 
(A) It considered the length as well as the height of natural boundaries : only height is mentioned in passage  
(B) It was conducted by French and German researchers.:  we are never given in passage that French and German researchers did this study  
(C) It did not take into account man-made physical boundaries: passage is silent about man made physical boundries but we cannot conclude that they are not taken into account , so out of scope  
(D) It concluded that physical boundaries are necessary in order to ensure a certain level of peace among the population:  this is ok , this can be taken as contrapositive flip for this line in passage in second para -Where such boundaries do not exist, however, politically or linguistically mixed cantons are more prevalent and violence is more common 
(E) It rated mountains as more effective barriers than lakes:  no such comparison in passage

5. It can be inferred from the passage that Switzerland’s political boundaries
 answer d)are capable of being changed 
(A) are responsible for its remarkable history of peaceful coexistence among diverse groups:  passage always says in third para that no evidence of poitical boundries being helpful for peace is present  
(B) are typically based upon natural geographic boundaries : political bounderies are separate from natural geographic boundries  
(C) lead to more conflict in French- and German-speaking areas than in Italian-speaking areas:  this cannot be inferred as no such comparison is mentioned  
(D) are capable of being changed:  yes ,para 3 says that A proposal to combine the French-speaking Protestant areas with the French-speaking Catholic areas is currently being considered, so definitely political boundries are capable of being changed . 
(E) should be based upon language similarities, not religious similarities:  there is no such conclusion or advise in passage that political boundries should be based on language similarities, not religious similarities

Neha2404 · Answer

1-C
2-B
3-D
4-A
5-D

Paragraph 1- study about peace of Switzerland ,Switzerland is more peaceful bcz of physical barrier
Paragraph 2- The study considered the effect of physical separations significant physical barrier more peace 
paragraph-3 no political boundary works

IMO-C

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

(A) suggesting a modification to a flawed theory
INCORRECT:- passage discusses a theory no suggestion is given
 
(B) initiating a debate about the true cause of a historical conflict
INCORRECT:- No a debate about the true cause of a historical conflict mentioned

(C) introducing a theory that seeks to answer a particular questions
CORRECT:- Author discuss the theory why Switzerland is more peaceful than others despite of disparate groups within a single country

(D) arguing that one method for addressing a question is preferable to another
INCORRECT:-No Argument is mentioned by author regarding that one method for addressing a question is preferable to another

(E) explaining the development of an established theory
INCORRECT:-NO the development of an established theory is discussed by author

IMO-B

2. According to the passage, which the following is true about physical boundaries between populations within the same country?

(A) They are the only proven method for fostering peace.
INCORRECT:- Use of the word ONLY make this answetr choice extreme

(B) They allow distinct groups to live more autonomously and peacefully than might otherwise be the case.
CORRECT:-we can infer from the passage

(C) They can be the result of natural or man-made landscape elements.
INCORRECT:-MAN- made landscape not discussed by author in this passage

(D) They are less effective than political boundaries in maintaining peace in a region.
INCORRECT:- In last para it is mentioned that political boundaries are less effective than Physical boundary . this answer choice is opposite

(E) They are more easily overcome with the advent of modern technology and transportation.
INCORRECT:-No discussion about the advent of modern technology and transportation in the passage

IMO-D
3. The author of the passage discusses the history of the canton Jura in order to

(A) prove definitively that physical boundaries are the key to maintaining peace among disparate political and religious groups

INCORRECT:- Canton jura support the theory but it not say that physical boundaries are the key to maintaining peace among disparate political and religious groups, Use of the work THE KEY make this answer choice extreme
 
(B) remind readers that it is extremely difficult to sustain peace in all regions of a country
INCORRECT"-Author say it is difficult to substain peace but in this answer choice the use of word EXTREMLY Make it incorrect

(C) speculate about how Switzerland might finally resolve the ongoing conflicts in the region
INCORRECT : NO speculate about how Switzerland might finally resolve the ongoing conflicts in the region

(D) provide an example of a canton in which the lack of physical boundaries appears to exacerbate differences of opinion among the populace
CORRECT:- Jura Canon support the theory

(E) suggest that there are alternative methods to reduce conflict among warring groups when physical boundaries are not present
INCORRECT:-JURA HAS CONFLICT but Political theory is ineffective 
 
IMO-A

4. Which of the following is true of the study of topographical boundaries discussed in the passage?

(A) It considered the length as well as the height of natural boundaries.
CORRECT:-This can innfered from following supporting lines 
Supporting :-The study considered the effect of physical separations, such as those caused by lakes and mountain ranges, determining the scale of these boundaries via an edge detection algorithm that calculates topographical heights

(B) It was conducted by French and German researchers.
INCORRECT:-No passage indicate that French and German researchers conducted the theory 
 
(C) It did not take into account man-made physical boundaries.
INCORRECT:-The theory not discussed the man made boundary

(D) It concluded that physical boundaries are necessary in order to ensure a certain level of peace among the population.

INCORRECT:-USE of word NECESSARY make this answer chose extreme

(E) It rated mountains as more effective barriers than lakes.
INCORRECT:-No comparison between mountains and lakes mentioned

IMO-D

5. It can be inferred from the passage that Switzerland’s political boundaries

(A) are responsible for its remarkable history of peaceful coexistence among diverse groups
INCORRECT:-Author suggest physicl boundry is more helpful in stablish peace than political boundry

(B) are typically based upon natural geographic boundaries
IINCORRECT:-Physical boundary is typically based upon natural geographic boundaries

(C) lead to more conflict in French- and German-speaking areas than in Italian-speaking areas
INCORRECT:- No information is gien about conflict in French- and German-speaking areas

(D) are capable of being changed
CORRECT:- As par disscued in 3 rd para

(E) should be based upon language similarities, not religious similarities
INCORRECT:-No polictical boundries works no matter these are base on language similarities, not religious similarities

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Hello Everyone!

Overall this is a 650-700 level passage. Question number one is hard, answer options C and E are close. Question number two is very easy and straight forward. Question number three again is easy but question number four is a bit harder we can say a 650-700 level and the last question is also hard to crack with two options, A and D, seems valid.

The question is well explained by  Vie3nrose   Sumi1010

Tahamohsin  I am not satisfied with your reasoning on question #1 and 5.

Official explanation will be posted soon

rocky620 · Answer

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

(A) suggesting a modification to a flawed theory.....  Suggestions are only a part of the passage. There is no flawed theory mentioned. A partially effective theory is mentioned. Eliminate  
(B) initiating a debate about the true cause of a historical conflict.....  No debate, cause (let alone be true), or historical conflict. Eliminate  
(C) introducing a theory that seeks to answer a particular question.....  Yes. In the first para A theory is introduced, and in the following paras the effectiveness is explained with examples. Keep It.  
(D) arguing that one method for addressing a question is preferable to another.....  Its Only a part. But more focus is on solving the problem. Eliminate.  
(E) explaining the development of an established theory.....  Development is a part and we cannot infer from the passage that the theory mentioned is an established theory. Eliminate.

2. According to the passage, which the following is true about physical boundaries between populations within the same country?

(A) They are the only proven method for fostering peace......  One method is fine, but not the only proven. Eliminate.  
(B) They allow distinct groups to live more autonomously and peacefully than might otherwise be the case......  Yes. It is mentioned in the end of first para  "Where such boundaries do not exist, however, politically or linguistically mixed cantons are more prevalent and violence is more common."  Keep It  
(C) They can be the result of natural or man-made landscape elements......  How did the boundaries emerge? OFS. Eliminate  
(D) They are less effective than political boundaries in maintaining peace in a region......  Its Opposite of what the para is suggesting. Eliminate.  
(E) They are more easily overcome with the advent of modern technology and transportation......  Technology? OFS. Eliminate.

3. The author of the passage discusses the history of the canton Jura in order to

Jura is mentioned as an case in which the lack of physical boundaries led to frequent Violence.

(A) prove definitively that physical boundaries are the key to maintaining peace among disparate political and religious groups.....  Keep It.  
(B) remind readers that it is extremely difficult to sustain peace in all regions of a country.....  Eliminate  
(C) speculate about how Switzerland might finally resolve the ongoing conflicts in the region.....  Eliminate  
(D) provide an example of a canton in which the lack of physical boundaries appears to exacerbate differences of opinion among the populace.....  Differences of Opinion ELiminate.  
(E) suggest that there are alternative methods to reduce conflict among warring groups when physical boundaries are not present.....  ELiminate.

4. Which of the following is true of the study of topographical boundaries discussed in the passage?

(A) It considered the length as well as the height of natural boundaries......  Height Is mentioned but not the length. Eliminate  
(B) It was conducted by French and German researchers......  By WHOM? No mention. Eliminate  
(C) It did not take into account man-made physical boundaries......  Mountains cannot Be man made, But lakes can be. Eliminate.  
(D) It concluded that physical boundaries are necessary in order to ensure a certain level of peace among the population......  In the opening lined lines of third para "However, existing evidence suggests that political boundaries might not be sufficient to discourage violence". So we can consider that the study concluded that topographical boundaries are necessary. Also, certain level of peace is nice & subtle. Keep It. subtle   
(E) It rated mountains as more effective barriers than lakes......  No preference of Mountains over lakes is given. Eliminate.

5. It can be inferred from the passage that Switzerland’s political boundaries

(A) are responsible for its remarkable history of peaceful coexistence among diverse groups.....  Political+Geographical. Hence Eliminate.  
(B) are typically based upon natural geographic boundaries.....   Typically - In most Cases.  Cant Be said for sure. Eliminate  
(C) lead to more conflict in French- and German-speaking areas than in Italian-speaking areas.....  Conflict-Yes, French vs German-Yes, But more than Italian-No. Eliminate  
(D) are capable of being changed.....  Since a proposal is place. We can infer that it is capable of being changed. But bwe do not have evidence that any such proposal was accepted. Eliminate  
(E) should be based upon language similarities, not religious similarities.....  Yes It Is mentioned.  though the French-speaking Protestant region chose to remain affiliated with the German-speaking Protestants in the existing canton of Bern, valuing similar religion over similar language. Because of remaining linguistic differences, conflict in the region continued. . Keep It

IMO Options C, B, A, D, E

bangmachiv · Answer

"Because of remaining linguistic differences, conflict in the region continued."

How does this mean "exacerbate the DIFFERENCE OF OPINION?"

How can "CONFLICT" definitively imply "DIFFERENCES OF OPINION"

(CONFLICT is used in second last line of passage, and DIFFERENCE OF OPINION is used in correct answer of question no.4)

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Please read the OA in the link below https://gmatclub.com/forum/switzerland- ... l#p2701994 Thank you!

jarbit · Answer

Hi, can anyone help me with question 4?

The correct answer is (A) It considered the length as well as the height of natural boundaries but in the passage, length has not been mentioned anywhere. Am I missing the word anywhere? Moreover, I selected (C) here because in my opinion, lakes, mountain ranges, and cliff are not man-made boundaries. When the passage mentioned these sources specifically and no other elements, why can't we go ahead with this option?

P.S. One mentioned that lakes can be man-made. I agree with it since there are artificial and natural lakes by definition.

dejavu3363 · Answer

Sajjad1994   Bunuel  i'm having doubt on 4th question. Let's focus on A and C. I agree that there is no reason to eliminate A, but same can be said about C. There is no mention of man-made barrier. and the 4C option is stating that "It did not take account..". Which is true, passage didn't take account of this. Please share your thoughts as well.
OE says that "It’s possible that they were included but just not mentioned in the passage." That defeats the whole point. We should be able to answer what is given in the passage, not make assumptions that it was included but not mentioned.

Switzerland has three official national languages (French, Italian, an

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GMAT Reading Comprehension (RC) Questions

Switzerland has three official national languages (French, Italian, an

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