12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 9: Providing an open forum

given :
Providing an open forum for civil discourse can in some cases lead to certain citizens self-censoring their most noxious opinions. This phenomenon shows that free speech policies can actually help to suppress unwanted speech, since ________.

A. most citizens consider the right to free speech a cornerstone of democracy.
; not in line with given argument
B. civil discourse is a bulwark against the tyranny of unilateral municipal decision making.
; incorrect

C. unrestricted free speech increases the levels of rancor within a community more than polite discussions behind closed doors do.
; discussing about open forum ...
D. noxious opinions are frequently shared to elicit responses of terror and shock amongst peers. ; irrelevant

E. the possibility of another person openly rebutting an unpopular opinion can make an individual reconsider sharing that opinion.
correct option ; in open discussion certain citizens self-censoring their most noxious opinions ; they will become cautious of what they speak

OPTION E is correct

Answer E
A. most citizens consider the right to free speech a cornerstone of democracy. Irrelevant

B. civil discourse is a bulwark against the tyranny of unilateral municipal decision making.Irrelevant

C. unrestricted free speech increases the levels of rancor within a community more than polite discussions behind closed doors do.Opposite of what it means

D. noxious opinions are frequently shared to elicit responses of terror and shock amongst peers.What?...

E. the possibility of another person openly rebutting an unpopular opinion can make an individual reconsider sharing that opinion.Correct. This is the reason why open forum can suppress unwanted speech.

Which of the following most logically completes the argument below?

Providing an open forum for civil discourse can in some cases lead to certain citizens self-censoring their most noxious opinions. This phenomenon shows that free speech policies can actually help to suppress unwanted speech, since ________.


So the conclusion is "This phenomenon shows that free speech policies can actually help to suppress unwanted speech" and after this the statement should follow the reason why and how free speech policies can actually help to suppress unwanted speech

Let's see the options

A) most citizens consider the right to free speech a cornerstone of democracy
What most citizens consider is out of scope
B)civil discourse is a bulwark against the tyranny of unilateral municipal decision making
We are not talking about municipal decision making
C)unrestricted free speech increases the levels of rancor within a community more than polite discussions behind closed doors do. It's just a comparison between unrestricted free speech and polite discussions but does not give us any reasons
D) noxious opinions are frequently shared to elicit responses of terror and shock amongst peers.
What noxious opinions do is not the matter
E)Seems right. How , Because it will change the individual opinions

Providing an open forum for civil discourse can in some cases lead to certain citizens self-censoring their most noxious opinions. This phenomenon shows that free speech policies can actually help to suppress unwanted speech, since ________.

Premises- need to find the premise for the conclusion of the argument
Conclusion - Providing an open forum for civil discourse can in some cases lead to certain citizens self-censoring their most noxious opinions. This phenomenon shows that free speech policies can actually help to suppress unwanted speech


A. most citizens consider the right to free speech a cornerstone of democracy.
Incorrect. Out of scope. This is not the premise we are looking for.

B. civil discourse is a bulwark against the tyranny of unilateral municipal decision making.
Incorrect. Out of scope. This is not the premise we are looking for.

C. unrestricted free speech increases the levels of rancor within a community more than polite discussions behind closed doors do.
Incorrect. This is weakening the argument. This is not the premise we are looking for.

D. noxious opinions are frequently shared to elicit responses of terror and shock amongst peers.
Incorrect. This is weakening the argument. This is not the premise we are looking for.

E. the possibility of another person openly rebutting an unpopular opinion can make an individual reconsider sharing that opinion.
Correct. This is the reason why even with free speech - Providing an open forum for civil discourse can in some cases lead to certain citizens self-censoring their most noxious opinions.

A. most citizens consider the right to free speech a cornerstone of democracy.
We have to link the statement with respect to the first part of the sentence. It's a general fact.

B. civil discourse is a bulwark against the tyranny of unilateral municipal decision making.
Same as A

C. unrestricted free speech increases the levels of rancor within a community more than polite discussions behind closed doors do.
We are not comparing anything here rather trying to justify the first part of the argument.

D. noxious opinions are frequently shared to elicit responses of terror and shock amongst peers.
The statement is just talking about what is happening among the peer age group. We need a general overview.

E. the possibility of another person openly rebutting an unpopular opinion can make an individual reconsider sharing that opinion.
Exactly what I was looking for.

Which of the following most logically completes the argument below?

Providing an open forum for civil discourse can in some cases lead to certain citizens self-censoring their most noxious opinions. This phenomenon shows that free speech policies can actually help to suppress unwanted speech, since ________.



Providing an open forum for civil discourse can in some cases lead to certain citizens self-censoring their most noxious opinions. This phenomenon shows that free speech policies can actually help to suppress unwanted speech, since most citizens consider the right to free speech a cornerstone of democracy.
The boldface fails to provide reason why free speech policies can actually help to suppress unwanted speech.
Rather than providing reason the boldface provide general statement unrelated to the sentence.
If most citizens consider the right to free speech a cornerstone of democracy why they will suppress unwanted speech.
Incorrect


Providing an open forum for civil discourse can in some cases lead to certain citizens self-censoring their most noxious opinions. This phenomenon shows that free speech policies can actually help to suppress unwanted speech, since civil discourse is a bulwark against the tyranny of unilateral municipal decision making.
The boldface fails to provide reason why free speech policies can actually help to suppress unwanted speech.
Rather than providing reason the boldface provide general statement unrelated to the sentence.
If civil discourse were a bulwark against the tyranny of unilateral municipal decision making why would it suppress unwanted speech.
Incorrect


Providing an open forum for civil discourse can in some cases lead to certain citizens self-censoring their most noxious opinions. This phenomenon shows that free speech policies can actually help to suppress unwanted speech, since unrestricted free speech increases the levels of rancor within a community more than polite discussions behind closed doors do.
The boldface fails to provide reason why free speech policies can actually help to suppress unwanted speech.
If unrestricted free speech increases the levels of rancor within a community more than polite discussions behind closed doors do it will encourage rather than suppress unwanted speech.
Incorrect


Providing an open forum for civil discourse can in some cases lead to certain citizens self-censoring their most noxious opinions. This phenomenon shows that free speech policies can actually help to suppress unwanted speech, since noxious opinions are frequently shared to elicit responses of terror and shock amongst peers.
The boldface fails to provide reason why free speech policies can actually help to suppress unwanted speech.
If noxious opinions are frequently shared to elicit responses of terror and shock amongst peers, it mean unwanted speech is encouraged rather than suppressed .
Incorrect


Providing an open forum for civil discourse can in some cases lead to certain citizens self-censoring their most noxious opinions. This phenomenon shows that free speech policies can actually help to suppress unwanted speech, since the possibility of another person openly rebutting an unpopular opinion can make an individual reconsider sharing that opinion.
This choice provide the right reason why free speech policies can actually help to suppress unwanted speech. The fear of open rebuttal of an unpopular opinion prevents unwanted speech.

IMO E

Option E is the answer in my own view.

the possibility of another person openly rebutting an unpopular opinion can make an individual reconsider sharing that opinion.


Unwanted opinion in the answer and unpopular speech in the question makes option E the right choice.

Which of the following most logically completes the argument below?

Providing an open forum for civil discourse can in some cases lead to certain citizens self-censoring their most noxious opinions. This phenomenon shows that free speech policies can actually help to suppress unwanted speech, since ________.

We need an answer that show that an Individual has control over his or her speech

A. most citizens consider the right to free speech a cornerstone of democracy. nope

B. civil discourse is a bulwark against the tyranny of unilateral municipal decision making. nope

C. unrestricted free speech increases the levels of rancor within a community more than polite discussions behind closed doors do. nope

D. noxious opinions are frequently shared to elicit responses of terror and shock amongst peers. nope

E. the possibility of another person openly rebutting an unpopular opinion can make an individual reconsider sharing that opinion. yes. this show self-censoring

Providing an open forum for civil discourse can in some cases lead to certain citizens self-censoring their most noxious opinions. This phenomenon shows that free speech policies can actually help to suppress unwanted speech, since ________.

The completing sentence will give the REASON WHY free speech policies can actually help to suppress unwanted speech

A. most citizens consider the right to free speech a cornerstone of democracy. Not a reason

B. civil discourse is a bulwark against the tyranny of unilateral municipal decision making. Not a reason

C. unrestricted free speech increases the levels of rancor within a community more than polite discussions behind closed doors do. Not a reason, actually against the whole idea of free speech

D. noxious opinions are frequently shared to elicit responses of terror and shock amongst peers. Not a reason, its a fact at best

E. the possibility of another person openly rebutting an unpopular opinion can make an individual reconsider sharing that opinion. Correct, it shows how free speech helps and why sharing anything against an unpopular opinion will be unwanted

IMO E

A. most citizens consider the right to free speech a cornerstone of democracy.
Doesn't explain how unwanted speech is suppressed.
B. civil discourse is a bulwark against the tyranny of unilateral municipal decision making.
Doesn't explain the role of open forum for civil discourse.
C. unrestricted free speech increases the levels of rancor within a community more than polite discussions behind closed doors do.
Doesn't give a clear reason on why the unwanted speech is suppressed.
D. noxious opinions are frequently shared to elicit responses of terror and shock amongst peers.
Again doesn't explain anything.
E. the possibility of another person openly rebutting an unpopular opinion can make an individual reconsider sharing that opinion.
correct. Citizens self correct the unwanted or harmful speech since they will face an open criticism if by another person.

Correct Option A

Which of the following most logically completes the argument below?

Providing an open forum for civil discourse
can in some cases lead to certain citizens self-censoring (expressing) their most noxious (harmful) opinions.
This phenomenon shows that
free speech policies can actually help to suppress unwanted speech,
since ________.

A. most citizens consider the right to free speech a cornerstone (key important quality) of democracy.
Correct – This is inline with passage, which gives one person freedom of speech to express or suppress their views or opinion (good or bad)

B. civil discourse is a bulwark (a defensive wall) against the tyranny (cruel or oppressive) of unilateral municipal decision making
– Wrong, we need about people taking advantage about their freedom of speech, not about the importance of premise

C. unrestricted free speech increases the levels of rancor (bitterness / hatred) within a community more than polite discussions behind closed doors do
– Wrong, this is about post discussion or result kind of stem.

D. noxious (harmful) opinions are frequently shared to elicit (evoke / bring out) responses of terror and shock amongst peers -
– Wrong, this is about post discussion or result kind of stem

E. the possibility of another person openly rebutting (refute/ deny/ disapprove) an unpopular opinion can make an individual reconsider sharing that opinion
– Wrong – this stem focus more on individual Opinium rather than generally common to all people.

Which of the following most logically completes the argument below?

Premise: Providing an open forum for civil discourse can in some cases lead to certain citizens self-censoring their most noxious opinions.
Conclusion: This phenomenon shows that free speech policies can actually help to suppress unwanted speech
, since Premise.

Prethinking:
since = premise indicator. So we are looking for a premise/strengthener here which will support the conclusion.
The goal is to curb unwanted speech
by using plan i.e. to use free speech policies in the open forum for civil discourse
Missing link/assumption: Using the plan to meet goal - noxious opinions don't arise because if they do=> they cause unwanted speech


A. most citizens consider the right to free speech a cornerstone of democracy. Most = majority, what about the others who don't feel the same way. Doesn't affect concln

B. civil discourse is a bulwark against the tyranny of unilateral municipal decision making. Weakens the conclusion

C. unrestricted free speech increases the levels of rancor within a community more than polite discussions behind closed doors do. Weakens the conclusion

D. noxious opinions are frequently shared to elicit responses of terror and shock amongst peers. which are unwanted for discussion in open forums of civil discourse

E. the possibility of another person openly rebutting an unpopular opinion can make an individual reconsider sharing that opinion. Not the case at hand

Providing an open forum for civil discourse can in some cases lead to certain citizens self-censoring their most noxious opinions. This phenomenon shows that free speech policies can actually help to suppress unwanted speech, since ________.

'Since' implies we will explain why the phenomena shows...
Otherwise put, {statement A/B/C...} explains why the phenomena can help suppress unwanted speech.

A. most citizens consider the right to free speech a cornerstone of democracy.
-> This does nothing to explain why the phenomena helps in suppressing unwanted speech

B. civil discourse is a bulwark against the tyranny of unilateral municipal decision making.
-> unrelated

C. unrestricted free speech increases the levels of rancor within a community more than polite discussions behind closed doors do.
-> doesn't help explain why the phenomena helps in suppressing unwanted speech

D. noxious opinions are frequently shared to elicit responses of terror and shock amongst peers.
-> doesn't help

E. the possibility of another person openly rebutting an unpopular opinion can make an individual reconsider sharing that opinion.
-> This would help explain why self-censoring may occur - because unwanted speech may lead to rebuttles, which are undesirable

Which of the following most logically completes the argument below?

Providing an open forum for civil discourse can in some cases lead to certain citizens self-censoring their most noxious opinions. This phenomenon shows that free speech policies can actually help to suppress unwanted speech, since ________.

A. most citizens consider the right to free speech a cornerstone of democracy.
Does not touch the main point of the argument -Eliminate

B. civil discourse is a bulwark against the tyranny of unilateral municipal decision making.
Open forum is not discussed-Eliminate

C. unrestricted free speech increases the levels of rancor within a community more than polite discussions behind closed doors do.
It weakens the argument

D. noxious opinions are frequently shared to elicit responses of terror and shock amongst peers.
Irrelevant

E. the possibility of another person openly rebutting an unpopular opinion can make an individual reconsider sharing that opinion.
Yes, May be noxious comments are not share because of fear of opposition by others in open forum

(E) is correct IMO

The first line discusses self-censorship resulting from free speech. The correct answer will explain how this phenomenon will apply to the implementation of a free speech policy.
A: A does not explain why people may self-censor. Eliminate A.
B: B is also irrelevant. Eliminate B.
C: C is the opposite of what we are looking for. C states that free speech will increase the problem rather than help. Eliminate C.
D: The reason for sharing noxious opinions does not explain why free speech will reduce that sharing. Eliminate D.
E: E clearly draws a connection between free speech and people self-censoring noxious opinions.

The correct answer is E.

a) is a diversion. we all know that it is a fact. But that doesn't logically complete why free speech can curb unwanted speech.

b) is also similar to 'a', a fact. But that doesn't logically complete why free speech can curb unwanted speech.

c) C actually kind of works against the argument and doesn't support it.

d) Irrelevant

e) correctly completes the logical argument.

Hence Answer is E.

The author concludes that free speech policies can actually help to suppress unwanted speech because in open forum citizens self censor their most noxious opinions.

A. most citizens consider the right to free speech a cornerstone of democracy.

The option goes against the statement that people are likely to keep the most noxious opinions to themselves.

B. civil discourse is a bulwark against the tyranny of unilateral municipal decision making.

Out of Scope

C. unrestricted free speech increases the levels of rancor within a community more than polite discussions behind closed doors do.

A good option, however we are not concerned about rebuke here. Also, the aim is to only restrict any unwanted speech rather.

D. noxious opinions are frequently shared to elicit responses of terror and shock amongst peers.

Out of Scope

E. the possibility of another person openly rebutting an unpopular opinion can make an individual reconsider sharing that opinion.

I would go with E, as it tells why people would reconsider sharing an unpopular opinion and hence restrict unwanted speech.

IMO - E