Last visit was: 21 Apr 2026, 01:03 It is currently 21 Apr 2026, 01:03
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
User avatar
Skywalker18
User avatar
Retired Moderator
Joined: 08 Dec 2013
Last visit: 15 Nov 2023
Posts: 1,974
Own Kudos:
10,156
 [9]
Given Kudos: 171
Status:Greatness begins beyond your comfort zone
Location: India
Concentration: General Management, Strategy
GPA: 3.2
WE:Information Technology (Consulting)
Products:
Posts: 1,974
Kudos: 10,156
 [9]
3
Kudos
Add Kudos
6
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
emockus
User avatar
Chat Moderator
Joined: 07 Mar 2016
Last visit: 28 Feb 2024
Posts: 40
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 74
Posts: 40
Kudos: 71
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
rocko911
Joined: 11 Feb 2017
Last visit: 12 Apr 2018
Posts: 157
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 206
Posts: 157
Kudos: 37
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
thorX88
Joined: 13 Aug 2011
Last visit: 11 Apr 2020
Posts: 12
Own Kudos:
23
 [2]
Given Kudos: 221
GMAT 1: 710 Q48 V38
GPA: 3.94
WE:Operations (Healthcare/Pharmaceuticals)
GMAT 1: 710 Q48 V38
Posts: 12
Kudos: 23
 [2]
2
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Analysis :


We have to find a statement that weakens the argument.

Argument - There is no question that Northwood Province should follow suit
Meaning - If Northwood Province follows the startegy. It will have similar benefits

To weaken this - We have show how the study might not have the same results in Northwood Province

Skywalker18
There have been many recent examples that demonstrate how closing provincial prisons could save taxpayers millions of dollars a year, and that those closures could even result in plummeting crime and incarceration rates simultaneously.There is no question that Northwood Province should follow suit.

Which of the following, if true. would most weaken the conclusion drawn above?

A. In Rockford Province, a province that has closed several of its prisons, the number of inmates in its prison system has remained approximately the same.
This could mean that the crime rates have dropped. As inmates will remain the same even if the crime rates have dropped. So essentially it could strengthen the argument rather than weaken it

B. The countries reference in the recent examples have demographics and criminal statutes that are fundamentally different from those of Northwood Province.
Makes a lot of sense. If there is a difference the study may not have same results.

C. Dyser Province, a province that shares a border with Northwood Province, has closed several of its prisons and has faced severe budget shortfalls ever since.
There could be several reasons for budget shortfall. Not related

D. Northwood Province and those provinces that have closed prisons share similar crime rates.
Does not relate to the argument. It just states again that some of the provinces have closed prisons

E. Law enforcement costs and the cost of conducting criminal trials are declining in Northwood Province
Not related. Even if the costs are declining the province can save by reducing expenditure further.
User avatar
gmatexam439
User avatar
Moderator
Joined: 28 Mar 2017
Last visit: 18 Oct 2024
Posts: 1,054
Own Kudos:
2,194
 [1]
Given Kudos: 200
Location: India
Concentration: Finance, Technology
GMAT 1: 730 Q49 V41
GPA: 4
Products:
GMAT 1: 730 Q49 V41
Posts: 1,054
Kudos: 2,194
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Answer: B

There have been many recent examples that demonstrate how closing provincial prisons could save taxpayers millions of dollars a year, and that those closures could even result in plummeting crime and incarceration rates simultaneously.There is no question that Northwood Province should follow suit.

Which of the following, if true. would most weaken the conclusion drawn above?

A. In Rockford Province, a province that has closed several of its prisons, the number of inmates in its prison system has remained approximately the same. -So closing down the prisons hasn't caused an increase in the crimes/criminals. This would strengthen the argument.
B. The countries reference in the recent examples have demographics and criminal statutes that are fundamentally different from those of Northwood Province. -CORRECT. Makes sense. If the demographics and crimes are different, then we can't use other nations as an example.
C. Dyser Province, a province that shares a border with Northwood Province, has closed several of its prisons and has faced severe budget shortfalls ever since. - This is just a stated fact. Although for a nation this particular strategy didn't work, it doesn't mean it won't work for us. Also, the argument takes into account only those nations for which this plan worked out. Thus incorrect
D. Northwood Province and those provinces that have closed prisons share similar crime rates. -This would strengthen the argument. If the rates are same a similar reduction would be expected.
E. Law enforcement costs and the cost of conducting criminal trials are declining in Northwood Province -Out of scope
User avatar
spetznaz
Joined: 08 Jun 2015
Last visit: 14 Jul 2024
Posts: 254
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 147
Location: India
GMAT 1: 640 Q48 V29
GMAT 2: 700 Q48 V38
GPA: 3.33
Products:
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
+1 for option B. We need to choose an option which says that sample space mentioned in premise and conclusion are different. Only B does so. Hence the answer is option B.
User avatar
vasu1104
Joined: 10 Feb 2023
Last visit: 20 Apr 2026
Posts: 388
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 664
Location: Canada
Products:
Posts: 388
Kudos: 233
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
closing provincial prisons - could save taxpayers millions of dollars pern year, could plummet crime rate and incarceration rates simultaneoulsy.
conclusion- northwood province should follow suit.

A inmates remaining same means it has not gone up or down. but this doesnt any reason to doubt the plan. reject.
B if both are different geographically then what works for one wont work for other necessarily. this does enough to create doubt on plan. keep
C then it somehow made me believe in plan. reject.
D if they have similar crime rates and we are using one as an example for other to follow, then it rather helps in believing in those. reject.
E if its already declining and the plan will help reduce it more then it helps save more money in taxes. reject.
Skywalker18
There have been many recent examples that demonstrate how closing provincial prisons could save taxpayers millions of dollars a year, and that those closures could even result in plummeting crime and incarceration rates simultaneously.There is no question that Northwood Province should follow suit.

Which of the following, if true. would most weaken the conclusion drawn above?

A. In Rockford Province, a province that has closed several of its prisons, the number of inmates in its prison system has remained approximately the same.
B. The countries reference in the recent examples have demographics and criminal statutes that are fundamentally different from those of Northwood Province.
C. Dyser Province, a province that shares a border with Northwood Province, has closed several of its prisons and has faced severe budget shortfalls ever since.
D. Northwood Province and those provinces that have closed prisons share similar crime rates.
E. Law enforcement costs and the cost of conducting criminal trials are declining in Northwood Province
Moderators:
GMAT Club Verbal Expert
7391 posts
494 posts
358 posts