Sometimes when there are major earthquakes that destroy

Question

Sometimes when there are major earthquakes that destroy large areas of property Congress will appropriate disaster relief funds for rebuilding the damaged property, including private homes. These appropriations, while well-intentioned, are bad policy for the nation because they encourage irresponsible behavior. As long as citizens know that they will be compensated for the loss of their homes in the event of an earthquake, they will feel free to build their homes in areas where earthquakes occur, and the rest of society will have to bear the burden for their irresponsibility.

The argument above relies on which of the following assumptions?

A. Homeowners can determine whether particular areas are likely to experience earthquakes.
B. It is possible to build homes that are more resistant to earthquakes than conventional homes, although these homes are generally more expensive to build.
C. It is the responsibility of the government to compensate citizens for losses due to natural disasters.
D. Insurance companies will not ensure homes in areas where earthquakes occur.
E. While homes can be rebuilt, there is no way to compensate people for the loss of relatives or pets.

srignz · Answer

I think it is D .. as it states "Congress will appropriate disaster relief funds for rebuilding the damaged property". Also the author states "the rest of society will have to bear the burden for their irresponsibility." Option D supports the above statements.

No insurance so society has to bear the burden.

No insurance so society has to bear the burden.

CarlosMoraM · Answer

C. It is the responsibility of the government to compensate citizens for losses due to natural disasters.

sucal000 · Answer

Argument:
they will feel free to build their homes in areas where earthquakes occur

Assumption:
A. Homeowners can determine whether particular areas are likely to experience earthquakes.

if homeowners can't determine, the logic in argument falls apart

Sent from my ONE A2005 using  GMAT Club Forum mobile app

sulaikha · Answer

A. is my option,

As the question states , relies on the assumption . 
the conclusion is irresponsible behaviour by citizens, the remaining society has to bear the cost.

So only if the homeowners are able to determine the area of earthquake, their irresponsibility willnot stop them from building the house in that area, so that supports and also seems like a assumption , which shows the reason for calling citizens irresponsible.

New to CR, excuse if answer is very lame.

dishadesai · Answer

Hi, what is the explanation for the above answer? I fail to understand.

aragonn · Answer

Let me try to help you.

premise: major earthquakes that destroy large areas of property Congress will appropriate disaster relief funds for rebuilding the damaged property. 
Conclusion: These appropriations, while well-intentioned, are bad policy for the nation
evidence: they encourage irresponsible behavior.As long as citizens know that they will be compensated for the loss of their homes in the event of an earthquake, they will feel free to build their homes in areas where earthquakes occur, and the rest of society will have to bear the burden for their irresponsibility.

pre-thinking: people become irresponsible if disaster relief funds for rebuilding the damaged property is going to take care of them. mind that many assumptions can be there but it is good to think of something before start.

A. Homeowners can determine whether particular areas are likely to experience earthquakes.  --- suppose a person know about this and he attempt to do exploit this loop hole to get money from gov. well now this seems to be a bad policy.  
B. It is possible to build homes that are more resistant to earthquakes than conventional homes, although these homes are generally more expensive to build. --- if this is not true , means if it is not possible to build a home. then also it is not justifying that paying for it or not.
C. It is the responsibility of the government to compensate citizens for losses due to natural disasters. --- if it is not a responsibility and still paying then also it is not a a bad policy. 
D. Insurance companies will not ensure homes in areas where earthquakes occur. ---- out of scope.
E. While homes can be rebuilt, there is no way to compensate people for the loss of relatives or pets.---- out of scpe.

If you have any doubts, let me know.

VerbalBot · Answer

Automated notice from GMAT Club VerbalBot: 

A member just gave Kudos to this thread, showing it’s still useful. I’ve bumped it to the top so more people can benefit. Feel free to add your own questions or solutions.

 This post was generated automatically.

Sometimes when there are major earthquakes that destroy

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards

GMAT Critical Reasoning (CR) Questions

Sometimes when there are major earthquakes that destroy

Prep Toolkit

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards