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IMO The correct answer is (B).
​Here's a breakdown of the flaw and why the other options are incorrect:

​The argument's reasoning has a logical error:

​Necessary Condition: The argument establishes that using binoculars is necessary to see the bird. You cannot see the bird without them.

​Sufficient Condition: The conclusion incorrectly assumes that having binoculars is sufficient to guarantee seeing the bird.

The flaw is that the argument mistakes a necessary condition for a sufficient one. Just because binoculars are required doesn't mean they are the only requirement. Other factors are needed, such as the bird actually being present, Barry being skilled enough to find it, good weather, and being in the right part of the park.

Analysis of Incorrect Options
​(A) Fails to consider other locations.
​This is incorrect because the argument explicitly states the bird has been sighted "only in the Langova National park." The argument's logic works entirely within this given fact, so it's not a flaw.
​(C) Based on assumptions, not facts.
​While the conclusion is based on assumptions, this description is too vague. Almost every GMAT argument contains assumptions. Option (B) is superior because it identifies the specific type of logical flaw, which is a more precise and accurate answer.
​(D) Barry could lose his binoculars.
​This is incorrect because the conclusion includes the condition "as long as Barry has his binoculars on him." This phrase means the argument has already accounted for this possibility, making the conclusion conditional.
​(E) Barry may sight other rare birds.
​This is irrelevant. The possibility of seeing other birds has no impact on the logical structure of the argument about sighting the Spot-breasted Laughing Thrush.

Bunuel
The Langova National park is a breeding ground for several migratory birds. Of late, the Spot-breasted Laughing Thrush, an extremely rare species of bird, has been sighted only in the Langova National park. The people who have sighted this bird in the park have claimed that it is possible to sight this bird only through the use of binoculars. Barry is visiting the Langova National Park next week and he will be carrying an extremely powerful pair of binoculars with him. Therefore, it is safe to conclude that, as long as Barry has his binoculars on him, he will most definitely manage to sight the Spot-breasted Laughing Thrush.

Which of the following indicates a flaw in the reasoning above?

(A) It fails to take into account the possibility of sighting the Spot-breasted Laughing Thrush at places other than the Langova National Park.

(B) It mistakes a necessary condition for a sufficient condition.

(C) It is based on a series of assumptions, rather than on facts.

(D) It does not take into account the possibility that Barry could lose or damage his binoculars on the way to the park.

(E) It does not take into account the possibility that Barry may sight some other equally rare species of bird.


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Bunuel
The Langova National park is a breeding ground for several migratory birds. Of late, the Spot-breasted Laughing Thrush, an extremely rare species of bird, has been sighted only in the Langova National park. The people who have sighted this bird in the park have claimed that it is possible to sight this bird only through the use of binoculars. Barry is visiting the Langova National Park next week and he will be carrying an extremely powerful pair of binoculars with him. Therefore, it is safe to conclude that, as long as Barry has his binoculars on him, he will most definitely manage to sight the Spot-breasted Laughing Thrush.

Which of the following indicates a flaw in the reasoning above?

(A) It fails to take into account the possibility of sighting the Spot-breasted Laughing Thrush at places other than the Langova National Park.

(B) It mistakes a necessary condition for a sufficient condition.

(C) It is based on a series of assumptions, rather than on facts.

(D) It does not take into account the possibility that Barry could lose or damage his binoculars on the way to the park.

(E) It does not take into account the possibility that Barry may sight some other equally rare species of bird.

Official Explanation



Answer: B

The argument states that the bird cannot be sighted without the use of binoculars so the use of binoculars is a necessary condition for sighting the bird. However, this does not mean that just because one has a pair of binoculars, he will be able to spot the bird. The argument never states that everyone with binoculars spots this bird but that everyone who spots the bird has binoculars. B states this point and is, therefore, the correct answer.

(A) The argument is only concerned with the chances of spotting the bird inside the Langova National Park.

(B) The correct answer. (C) The argument is in fact based on facts—it is a fact that people have spotted the bird using binoculars.

(D) The argument clearly states that as long as Barry has his binoculars on him he will be able to spot the bird. If he loses or damages his binoculars, then it’s outside the scope of the argument.

(E) Other species of birds are outside the scope of the argument.
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