The city council will certainly vote to approve the new downtown redev

even the option a weakens the argument but option d
is more better

isnt the first option acceptable if we dont have d

A weakens the argument a bit, but the language in the arugment states that "most" of the contributions come from real-estate, so the number and size of individual donations by environmentalist is irrelevant because a majority come from real-estate. [This is a fairly frequent GMAT trick - switching from relative amounts (most) to general numbers (several) - watch out for these subtle shifts].

It is common to have 2 options that both weaken an argument, hence the "which most weakens" language in the question. Your job is to quickly eliminate the obviously wrong answers so you can differentiate between to "close" answer to see which one is "most" correct.

KW

The below question is very relevant, can anybody answer it? Thanks.
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Kyle,

Thanks for this, a quick questions here is, the argument states that, the city council will "certainly" vote in favor...

In this case there is no doubt as to whether they will or won't, its certain they will, hence i feel that D is not the apt answer choice.

C would be a better weakning statement in this case.

Kindly advice with your thoughts on this.

Thanks

Unfortunately, it is impossible to make a decision that will please all segments of society.

(A) Several members of the city council receive sizable campaign contributions from environmental lobbying groups.


(B) Members of the city council are required to report the size and source of each campaign contribution they receive.

(C) Not every real estate development firm in the city will be able to participate in, and profit from, the new downtown redevelopment plan.


(D) The members of the city council have often voted in ways that are opposed to the interests of their campaign contributors.


(E) Some environmentalists have stated that the new downtown redevelopment plan might be environmentally sound if certain minor modifications are

(A) Several members of the city council receive sizable campaign contributions from environmental lobbying groups. (Incorrect: strengthen)
It suggests that several members also receive hence it is confirming the favor. If this is the case it will strengthen the conclusion to vote.

(B) Members of the city council are required to report the size and source of each campaign contribution they receive. (Incorrect: additional information)
This option suggests disclosing the amount hence adding extra information thus it will not affect the conclusion at all costs.

(C) Not every real estate development firm in the city will be able to participate in, and profit from, the new downtown redevelopment plan. (out of scope)
This option talks about the benefits part of the developer though the conclusion is about a certainty of voting that needs the angle of the city council.

(D) The members of the city council have often voted in ways that are opposed to the interests of their campaign contributors. (the best choice)
It suggests the trend of opposing hence it creates the doubt about certainty of the vote thus it shows disagreement of conclusion.

(E) Some environmentalists have stated that the new downtown redevelopment plan might be environmentally sound if certain minor modifications are (question against whole passage)
This options give the thought about the whole argument is in question as it is changing the plan.