Last visit was: 18 Nov 2025, 23:36 It is currently 18 Nov 2025, 23:36
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
rohan2345
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 29 Jan 2015
Last visit: 29 Aug 2024
Posts: 1,366
Own Kudos:
3,117
 [29]
Given Kudos: 144
Location: India
WE:General Management (Consumer Packaged Goods)
Products:
Posts: 1,366
Kudos: 3,117
 [29]
2
Kudos
Add Kudos
25
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
avatar
yoavyes
Joined: 12 Mar 2016
Last visit: 09 Feb 2019
Posts: 12
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 21
Posts: 12
Kudos: 3
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
avatar
vinay589
Joined: 28 Mar 2016
Last visit: 16 May 2017
Posts: 11
Own Kudos:
44
 [3]
Given Kudos: 18
Location: India
Concentration: International Business, Nonprofit
Posts: 11
Kudos: 44
 [3]
Kudos
Add Kudos
1
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
stne
Joined: 27 May 2012
Last visit: 18 Nov 2025
Posts: 1,771
Own Kudos:
1,974
 [4]
Given Kudos: 658
Posts: 1,771
Kudos: 1,974
 [4]
4
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
rohan2345
The extremely high cost of running a world class zoo is limiting what animals are seen by the public. A few, very wealthy families now determine what animals can be acquired and seen. Zoo administrators should choose what animals are displayed. If we reduce the budget so that the zoo is supported only by ticket sales and gift shop receipts, the public will see less exotic animals.

Which statement below, if true, would weaken the argument?

(A) The combination of ticket sales and gift shop receipts cannot match the amount of money donated by wealthy families.
(B) Wealthy families will stop supporting the zoo if they are denied all control over how their money is used.
(C) Without the support of wealthy families, the zoo cannot afford to produce any new exhibits and will have to sell some animals.
(D) Some zoos have active breeding programs and literally “grow their own” animals.
(E) Some people go to the zoo regularly—not to see specific animals or new exhibits.

Isn't C strengthening rather than weakening the argument.
C says wealthy people are in fact deciding what animals people should see.
C could still be weakening by showing that the fact that the wealthy people are deciding what to see is not such a bad thing after all.
avatar
cbcb
Joined: 05 Feb 2017
Last visit: 17 Jul 2018
Posts: 6
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 1
Posts: 6
Kudos: 1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
yoavyes
Can't understand why C is the right answer
Experts please help :)
As without the support of wealthy families, zoo cannot afford exhibits; option C implies that budget of Zoo is irrelevant as it is a meager amount in the whole revenue & would not probably affect much of their operational expense.
Any cut in funding from wealthy families would result in public viewing fewer exhibits.
avatar
pureleaves
Joined: 12 May 2017
Last visit: 17 May 2017
Posts: 1
Own Kudos:
1
 [1]
Given Kudos: 5
Posts: 1
Kudos: 1
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
C is correct because the question accuses the wealth people of displaying less exotic animal, but C states that thanks to wealth people, exotic animals are not sold, assuming that "exotic" are not sold
User avatar
Mahmud6
User avatar
Retired Moderator
Joined: 10 Mar 2013
Last visit: 12 Jul 2025
Posts: 387
Own Kudos:
881
 [3]
Given Kudos: 235
Status:The best is yet to come.....
Posts: 387
Kudos: 881
 [3]
3
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Below is my reasoning for C:

As per argument: Ticket sales and gift shop receipts are enough for zoo to produce any new exhibits, but the public will see less exotic animals.

As per option C: Without the support of wealthy families, the zoo cannot afford to produce any new exhibits. If zoo cannot even afford to produce any new exhibits, the consideration for showing less/more exotic animals is far fetched.
User avatar
Lucy Phuong
Joined: 24 Jan 2017
Last visit: 12 Aug 2021
Posts: 117
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 106
GMAT 1: 640 Q50 V25
GMAT 2: 710 Q50 V35
GPA: 3.48
Products:
GMAT 2: 710 Q50 V35
Posts: 117
Kudos: 347
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Here is my reasoning for the question. Should you guys have any comment, I'm glad to know!

Conclusion: Zoo administrators should choose what animals are displayed
This is a weaken question, so we should prove that the above suggestion should not be implemented because it is not a wise decision.
-> Pre-thinking assumptions: Remember that when zoo admin is the one deciding what animals to be seen, it means that wealthy families lose this right! Not sure exactly what will happen then, but almost certainly, the consequence will be LESS ANIMALS TO BE WATCHED by public.

Looking at all answer choices, we can see that except for (C), 4 other options did not clearly point out the negative consequence it will lead to after giving zoo admin the right of decision.
User avatar
Supermaverick
Joined: 16 Apr 2017
Last visit: 01 Oct 2018
Posts: 34
Own Kudos:
165
 [3]
Given Kudos: 82
Posts: 34
Kudos: 165
 [3]
3
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Cannot understand why C has to be the answer.They will eventually sell some of the animals, preferably the exotic ones to get more money, and hence the conclusion of the argument that public will get to see less exotic animals is reinforced.
User avatar
Lucy Phuong
Joined: 24 Jan 2017
Last visit: 12 Aug 2021
Posts: 117
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 106
GMAT 1: 640 Q50 V25
GMAT 2: 710 Q50 V35
GPA: 3.48
Products:
GMAT 2: 710 Q50 V35
Posts: 117
Kudos: 347
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Supermaverick
Cannot understand why C has to be the answer.They will eventually sell some of the animals, preferably the exotic ones to get more money, and hence the conclusion of the argument that public will get to see less exotic animals is reinforced.

I think that you may assume that conclusion is [if zoo admin determines what animal to display, then public will see less exotic animals]. But in my opinion, it should be reversed. The conclusion should be: [zoo admin should take the right of decision, otherwise, if wealthy families have this right, fewer exotic animals will be seen]. In other words, because zoo admin will help maintain the number of exotic animals, zoo admin should determine what is displayed.

And answer (C) points out that without wealthy family's help, zoo admin will make negative impacts. => This is a weakener => Correct option.

What do you think about this?
User avatar
tanvi9
Joined: 06 May 2014
Last visit: 12 Sep 2019
Posts: 39
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 172
Products:
Posts: 39
Kudos: 9
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Lucy Phuong
Supermaverick
Cannot understand why C has to be the answer.They will eventually sell some of the animals, preferably the exotic ones to get more money, and hence the conclusion of the argument that public will get to see less exotic animals is reinforced.

I think that you may assume that conclusion is [if zoo admin determines what animal to display, then public will see less exotic animals]. But in my opinion, it should be reversed. The conclusion should be: [zoo admin should take the right of decision, otherwise, if wealthy families have this right, fewer exotic animals will be seen]. In other words, because zoo admin will help maintain the number of exotic animals, zoo admin should determine what is displayed.

And answer (C) points out that without wealthy family's help, zoo admin will make negative impacts. => This is a weakener => Correct option.

What do you think about this?



I did the same reasoning, but after some answers here, I think this might have been a logical guess instead of a correct (find conclusion-then weaken conclusion) answer
User avatar
Lucy Phuong
Joined: 24 Jan 2017
Last visit: 12 Aug 2021
Posts: 117
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 106
GMAT 1: 640 Q50 V25
GMAT 2: 710 Q50 V35
GPA: 3.48
Products:
GMAT 2: 710 Q50 V35
Posts: 117
Kudos: 347
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
tanvi9
Lucy Phuong
Supermaverick
Cannot understand why C has to be the answer.They will eventually sell some of the animals, preferably the exotic ones to get more money, and hence the conclusion of the argument that public will get to see less exotic animals is reinforced.

I think that you may assume that conclusion is [if zoo admin determines what animal to display, then public will see less exotic animals]. But in my opinion, it should be reversed. The conclusion should be: [zoo admin should take the right of decision, otherwise, if wealthy families have this right, fewer exotic animals will be seen]. In other words, because zoo admin will help maintain the number of exotic animals, zoo admin should determine what is displayed.

And answer (C) points out that without wealthy family's help, zoo admin will make negative impacts. => This is a weakener => Correct option.

What do you think about this?



I did the same reasoning, but after some answers here, I think this might have been a logical guess instead of a correct (find conclusion-then weaken conclusion) answer

In my first attempt on this question, I chose option C (You can scroll up to see my first post detailing my reasoning).

I just express my thought on the reason why the above guy didn't understand why (C) is correct. I think knowing the root cause of his/her confuse is necessary.
Besides, if you guys need evaluation of each option, just scroll up and take a look at the above posts. We may not need to repeat it. :)
User avatar
gmatexam439
User avatar
Moderator
Joined: 28 Mar 2017
Last visit: 18 Oct 2024
Posts: 1,064
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 200
Location: India
Concentration: Finance, Technology
GMAT 1: 730 Q49 V41
GPA: 4
Products:
GMAT 1: 730 Q49 V41
Posts: 1,064
Kudos: 2,159
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
@GMATNinja Please throw some light on this question. Option "C" seems to be strengthening the argument. While other options don't seem to be logically correct. Waiting for a reply eagerly. :)
User avatar
goforgmat
Joined: 09 Feb 2015
Last visit: 02 Nov 2019
Posts: 246
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 232
Location: India
Concentration: Social Entrepreneurship, General Management
GMAT 1: 690 Q49 V34
GMAT 2: 720 Q49 V39
GPA: 2.8
Products:
GMAT 2: 720 Q49 V39
Posts: 246
Kudos: 107
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
sayantanc2k , chetan2u

My take on this one is:
Conclusion : if the budget is reduced so that the zoo is supported by ticket sales and gift shop certificates the public will see less exotic animals.
To weaken we need to weaken the claim that the public will see less exotic animals.
going by this logic i chose D which seems to be wrong. Please explain this one.
User avatar
IanStewart
User avatar
GMAT Tutor
Joined: 24 Jun 2008
Last visit: 18 Nov 2025
Posts: 4,145
Own Kudos:
10,985
 [4]
Given Kudos: 99
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 4,145
Kudos: 10,985
 [4]
4
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I don't think this question makes any sense, so I'd suggest test takers just ignore it. It's clearly not an official question.
avatar
allenmartin1986
Joined: 25 Feb 2017
Last visit: 01 Jul 2018
Posts: 10
Own Kudos:
9
 [1]
Given Kudos: 2
Location: India
Concentration: Marketing, General Management
GMAT 1: 740 Q50 V40
GPA: 3
WE:Information Technology (Consulting)
GMAT 1: 740 Q50 V40
Posts: 10
Kudos: 9
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
rohan2345
The extremely high cost of running a world class zoo is limiting what animals are seen by the public. A few, very wealthy families now determine what animals can be acquired and seen. Zoo administrators should choose what animals are displayed. If we reduce the budget so that the zoo is supported only by ticket sales and gift shop receipts, the public will see less exotic animals.

Which statement below, if true, would weaken the argument?

(A) The combination of ticket sales and gift shop receipts cannot match the amount of money donated by wealthy families.
(B) Wealthy families will stop supporting the zoo if they are denied all control over how their money is used.
(C) Without the support of wealthy families, the zoo cannot afford to produce any new exhibits and will have to sell some animals.
(D) Some zoos have active breeding programs and literally “grow their own” animals.
(E) Some people go to the zoo regularly—not to see specific animals or new exhibits.



C is the right answer.. below is my reasoning.
The argument states that Rich families are responsible for the public to see less exotic animals as they choose their own liking and the zoo admin has no authority as such.
Option C says that Without these families support , not only will there be no new exhibits but the zoo will be forced to sell existing animals. Meaning the public actually sees more exhibits in the current scenario wherein the zoo is being supported by rich families.
User avatar
NoMatterWhat
Joined: 29 Jan 2019
Last visit: 24 Nov 2020
Posts: 56
Own Kudos:
50
 [1]
Given Kudos: 15
Location: India
GPA: 4
WE:Business Development (Computer Software)
Posts: 56
Kudos: 50
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
saury2k
how c is the answer

Let me help you to explain it.

General conclusion: If we reduce the budget, the public will see less exotic animals.

option C says: Zoo will sell some animals to "not to reduce" the budget, but still if animals are sold ..people may get less exotic animals

In short: without reducing the budget people will see less exotic animals.

Hope it helps
Thanks= KUDOS
User avatar
abhi2707
Joined: 13 Mar 2018
Last visit: 17 Mar 2020
Posts: 41
Own Kudos:
16
 [2]
Given Kudos: 8
Location: India
Concentration: Operations, General Management
GMAT 1: 720 Q50 V36
GPA: 4
WE:Operations (Consumer Packaged Goods)
GMAT 1: 720 Q50 V36
Posts: 41
Kudos: 16
 [2]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
1
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
GMATNinja
GMATNinjaTwo

Request your expert opinion on conclusion, assumption, and overall comprehension of the passage
User avatar
rvarora
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 05 Oct 2017
Last visit: 05 Jul 2022
Posts: 32
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 51
Location: India
GMAT 1: 640 Q47 V31
GMAT 2: 680 Q49 V34
GMAT 3: 690 Q48 V38
GMAT 4: 700 Q47 V39
GMAT 5: 740 Q49 V41
GPA: 3.44
Products:
GMAT 5: 740 Q49 V41
Posts: 32
Kudos: 61
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
The extremely high cost of running a world class zoo is limiting what animals are seen by the public. A few, very wealthy families now determine what animals can be acquired and seen. Zoo administrators should choose what animals are displayed. If we reduce the budget so that the zoo is supported only by ticket sales and gift shop receipts, the public will see less exotic animals.

Which statement below, if true, would weaken the argument?

(A) The combination of ticket sales and gift shop receipts cannot match the amount of money donated by wealthy families.
(B) Wealthy families will stop supporting the zoo if they are denied all control over how their money is used.
(C) Without the support of wealthy families, the zoo cannot afford to produce any new exhibits and will have to sell some animals.
(D) Some zoos have active breeding programs and literally “grow their own” animals.
(E) Some people go to the zoo regularly—not to see specific animals or new exhibits.

The argument states that the zoo needs wealthy family's support[ <-- (premise)--|--(Conclusion)-->] in order to run the zoo or else they'd have o cut off their budget resulting in a situation where people would have access to less exotic animals.

What if there is another solution, other than reducing the budget one can also reduce the expenses so its dependence on the ones financing is reduced or completely eliminated

let's examine the options now

A- Strengthens
B- Already stated,....in weaken question we need new information
C- States exactly what we want
D- Scope Shift
E- what about the ones who do go to see animals
avatar
avi94
Joined: 22 May 2019
Last visit: 18 Aug 2019
Posts: 6
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 5
Posts: 6
Kudos: 1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi!

I also think C strengthens the argument! Experts please help :)
 1   2   
Moderators:
GMAT Club Verbal Expert
7445 posts
GMAT Club Verbal Expert
234 posts
188 posts