Ultrasonic devices are frequently used as a deterrent for cockroaches,

Question

Ultrasonic devices are frequently used as a deterrent for cockroaches, mosquitoes, rats, mice, weasels, and even dogs and cats, but do they really work? The answer seems to be that the devices are effective only for a short period of time, and that animals rapidly habituate to the emitted output, eventually ignoring it as if it were simply ambient sound.

Ultrasonic repellents work by emitting high-frequency sounds—higher than humans can hear. People purchase ultrasound collars or outdoor bark detectors to keep dogs from barking. Gardeners use ultrasonic repellents to keep cats out of their flowers. Building superintendents install ultrasonic pest repellents in buildings infested with rodents or roaches. The devices are ubiquitous, yet there is a dearth of reliable data to prove their worth.

A survey of the literature in the mid-1990s indicated “only marginal repellency effects with six commercial ultrasonic devices.” More important, research at the time discovered rapid habituation on the part of the pests, such that within three days to a week, all effects were negated, and the pests returned.

There are other negatives involved. Ultrasound cannot travel through walls, meaning that the devices work only in open spaces. The sounds are weak and cannot be effective more than a few feet from the source.

Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has begun to crack down on manufacturers of ultrasonic pest repellents, requiring that efficacy claims be supported by scientific evidence. It is clear that advertiser claims are unsubstantiated by research. Nevertheless, people’s desire to rid themselves of unwanted pests or unpleasant pet behavior causes them to ignore warnings and purchase these devices by the carload. Some even swear that they work, either because they see immediate results and do not look for more long-term success, or because the results they see are due to any number of other, unrelated factors.    1 
 1. Which of the following is an assumption underlying the last sentence in the passage?

(A) Ultrasonic repellents are tested in controlled conditions.
(B) Ultrasonic devices permanently eradicate certain kinds of pests.
(C) Manufacturers of ultrasonic repellents fool buyers.
(D) Users of ultrasonic devices do not understand science.
(E) Ultrasonic devices do not work in the long term.

2 
 2. The author of the passage would most likely agree with which of the following statements?

(A) Consumers are risking their health by purchasing ultrasonic repellents.
(B) Consumers may be disappointed by the results of their ultrasonic purchases.
(C) Consumers may rely on manufacturers’ labeling when purchasing pest repellents.
(D) Consumers should spend their money on professional pest control services.
(E) Consumers are repeatedly duped into purchasing unreliable products.

3 
 3. Which of the following statements best expresses the FTC’s response to ultrasonic repellents as presented in the passage?

(A) The FTC insists that manufacturers prove any advertising claims.
(B) The FTC has banned ultrasonic devices for most purposes.
(C) The FTC has issued a warning for consumers of ultrasonic devices.
(D) The FTC will allow certain manufacturers to continue making repellents.
(E) The FTC is regulating the manufacture and purchase of ultrasonic devices.

4 
 4. The passage can best be described as which of the following?

(A) A review of the literature on ultrasonic devices
(B) A reflection on the popularity of a certain kind of repellent
(C) An investigation of cause and effect in ultrasonic repellents
(D) An opinion piece on a particular manufactured item
(E) A call to action for consumers of a fraudulent device

5 
 5. Based on the author’s presentation, the ultrasonic devices described in the passage would most likely be useful in which of the following situations?

(A) Permanently ridding a basement of rats
(B) Training a German shepherd
(C) Keeping bugs away from a short outdoor event
(D) Preventing rabbits from destroying a vegetable garden
(E) Killing weasels in a chicken coop

RC Butler 2023  -  Practice Two RC Passages Everyday.   
Passage # 205 Date: 23-Jun-2023
 This question is part of RC Butler 2023 .  Click here for Details

thedoctor21 · Answer

1. E
2. C
3. A 
4. B
5. C
Confused with question 4, but following the option elimination method, the B option seems to be the most apt.

Ruchi007 · Answer

Sajjad1994  Explanation for #1 & Explanation for #4 please?

Isn't option 'E' in #1 already stated in the last para of the passage? If it's already stated then how is it an assumption?

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

1. Which of the following is an assumption underlying the last sentence in the passage?

Explanation

(A) Ultrasonic repellents are tested in controlled conditions: 
This option suggests that there is a rigorous testing process for ultrasonic repellents in controlled conditions. However, the passage does not provide any information about the testing conditions or whether such testing is conducted. Therefore, this assumption is not supported by the passage.

(B) Ultrasonic devices permanently eradicate certain kinds of pests: 
This option implies that ultrasonic devices have the ability to permanently eliminate specific pests. However, the passage mentions that the devices are effective only for a short period of time and that animals habituate to the emitted sounds, eventually ignoring them. This contradicts the idea of permanent eradication, making this assumption inconsistent with the information provided in the passage.

(C) Manufacturers of ultrasonic repellents fool buyers: 
This option assumes that manufacturers intentionally deceive buyers regarding the effectiveness of ultrasonic repellents. While the passage mentions that advertiser claims are unsubstantiated by research, it does not explicitly state that manufacturers are purposely fooling buyers. It is more focused on the lack of scientific evidence to support the efficacy claims. Therefore, this assumption goes beyond the scope of the passage.

(D) Users of ultrasonic devices do not understand science: 
This option suggests that users of ultrasonic devices lack an understanding of science. The passage does not provide any information about the scientific literacy of users, nor does it indicate that their understanding of science is relevant to the effectiveness of the devices. Therefore, this assumption is not supported by the passage.

(E) Ultrasonic devices do not work in the long term:  
This option assumes that ultrasonic devices are not effective in the long term. This aligns with the information provided in the passage, which states that the devices have limited effectiveness over time and that animals habituate to the emitted sounds. The passage also mentions that effects are negated within a few days to a week. Therefore, this assumption is consistent with the passage and is the correct answer.

Answer: E

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

4. The passage can best be described as which of the following?

Explanation

The passage does present a perspective and opinion regarding ultrasonic devices as repellents. It discusses the lack of reliable data to support the efficacy claims made by advertisers and highlights the fact that people's desire to get rid of pests or address pet behavior leads them to purchase these devices despite the lack of scientific evidence. It also mentions that some individuals swear by the effectiveness of the devices, possibly due to immediate results or other unrelated factors.

While the passage provides some factual information, it also incorporates subjective elements, such as opinions on the efficacy claims and the behavior of consumers. Therefore, considering the opinionated nature of the passage,  (D)  "An opinion piece on a particular manufactured item" can indeed be a suitable description.

Answer: D

Ultrasonic devices are frequently used as a deterrent for cockroaches,

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GMAT Reading Comprehension (RC) Questions

Ultrasonic devices are frequently used as a deterrent for cockroaches,

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