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

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

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

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

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.
[u]This shows that political boundaries are capable of change.[/u]
(E) should be based upon language similarities, not religious similarities
No such comparison was made.

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.

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

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

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

"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)

Please read the OA in the link below

https://gmatclub.com/forum/switzerland- ... l#p2701994

Thank you!

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.

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