12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 9: Public Health Official

argument :
A recent study concludes that the new public park in Downtown Metroville has not contributed to an overall improvement in residents' physical fitness. This conclusion is based on a citywide survey showing no significant change in average weekly exercise hours reported by residents after the park's opening.

health official claims :
However, this conclusion may be too simplistic. The same period saw a substantial increase in the number of gyms and fitness centers across Metroville. Additionally, there was a marked rise in the use of online fitness programs, likely due to the recent expansion of high-speed internet services in the area.

In this passage, the public health official attempts to challenge the study's conclusion by:

(A) pointing out the limitations of the study's scope in assessing the impact of the public park on physical fitness. not correct

(B) suggesting that the study's reliance on self-reported data might not accurately reflect the actual change in residents' physical fitness. true as other changes are not being reported in study...

(C) introducing additional factors that could have influenced the citywide physical fitness trends during the same period. not relevant to argument

(D) questioning the validity of using the number of weekly exercise hours as a measure of physical fitness. irrelevant option


(E) arguing that the study's timeframe was not sufficient to capture the long-term impact of the public park on residents' fitness. its discussing in same period of time

OPTION B is correct

(A) pointing out the limitations of the study's scope in assessing the impact of the public park on physical fitness.
The passage does not address the limitations of the study's scope. Instead, it introduces additional factors that could have influenced physical fitness trends.

(B) suggesting that the study's reliance on self-reported data might not accurately reflect the actual change in residents' physical fitness.
The passage does not discuss the study's reliance on self-reported data. Instead, it introduces alternative factors that could have influenced physical fitness trends.

(D) questioning the validity of using the number of weekly exercise hours as a measure of physical fitness.
The official does not question the validity of using weekly exercise hours as a measure of physical fitness. Instead, they introduce alternative factors that could have influenced physical fitness trends.

(E) arguing that the study's timeframe was not sufficient to capture the long-term impact of the public park on residents' fitness.
The official does not argue that the study's timeframe was insufficient. Instead, they introduce additional factors that could have influenced physical fitness trends, suggesting that the study's conclusion may be too simplistic.

Therefore, the best answer choice is (C) introducing additional factors that could have influenced the citywide physical fitness trends during the same period.

(A) Incorrect: The public health official does not critique the scope of the study.
(B) Incorrect: The public health official does not critique the study's reliance on self reported data.
(C) Correct: The public health official mentions the increase in gyms and fitness centers and the rise in use of online fitness programs as additional factors that could have influenced physical fitness trends.
(D) Incorrect: The public health official does not question the validity of this measure
(E) Incorrect: The public health official does not critique the study's timeframe.

IMO Option C is correct answer here

(A) pointing out the limitations of the study's scope in assessing the impact of the public park on physical fitness.
- The official does not directly point out the limitations.

(B) suggesting that the study's reliance on self-reported data might not accurately reflect the actual change in residents' physical fitness.
- The official doesn't specifically challenge the accuracy of self-reported data.

(C) introducing additional factors that could have influenced the citywide physical fitness trends during the same period.
- This is accurate. The official introduces additional factors to challenge the study's conclusion.

(D) questioning the validity of using the number of weekly exercise hours as a measure of physical fitness.
- The official doesn't directly question the validity of using weekly exercise hours.

(E) arguing that the study's timeframe was not sufficient to capture the long-term impact of the public park on residents' fitness.
- The officials does not argue about time frame

Public Health Official: A recent study concludes that the new public park in Downtown Metroville has not contributed to an overall improvement in residents' physical fitness. This conclusion is based on a citywide survey showing no significant change in average weekly exercise hours reported by residents after the park's opening. However, this conclusion may be too simplistic. The same period saw a substantial increase in the number of gyms and fitness centers across Metroville. Additionally, there was a marked rise in the use of online fitness programs, likely due to the recent expansion of high-speed internet services in the area.

In this passage, the public health official attempts to challenge the study's conclusion by:

(A) pointing out the limitations of the study's scope in assessing the impact of the public park on physical fitness.Correct

(B) suggesting that the study's reliance on self-reported data might not accurately reflect the actual change in residents' physical fitness.Incorrect

(C) introducing additional factors that could have influenced the citywide physical fitness trends during the same period.Incorrect

(D) questioning the validity of using the number of weekly exercise hours as a measure of physical fitness.Incorrect

(E) arguing that the study's timeframe was not sufficient to capture the long-term impact of the public park on residents' fitness.Incorrect

Public Health Official: study concludes that the new public park has not contributed to an overall improvement in residents' physical fitness.
This conclusion is based on a citywide survey showing no significant change in average weekly exercise hours reported by residents after the park's opening.
However, The same period saw a substantial increase in the number of gyms and fitness centers. Additionally, there was a marked rise in the use of online fitness programs, likely due to the recent expansion of high-speed internet services in the area.


(A) pointing out the limitations of the study's scope in assessing the impact of the public park on physical fitness.
...........incorrect

(B) suggesting that the study's reliance on self-reported data might not accurately reflect the actual change in residents' physical fitness................Data is based on a survey. The study didn't take into account other factors other than the park.

(C) introducing additional factors that could have influenced the citywide physical fitness trends during the same period.
...............this is correct

(D) questioning the validity of using the number of weekly exercise hours as a measure of physical fitness...........he is not questioning the weekly no of hrs

(E) arguing that the study's timeframe was not sufficient to capture the long-term impact of the public park on residents' fitness......................impact of public park is not discussed.

IMO Option C is correct

Public Health Official: A recent study concludes that the new public park in Downtown Metroville has not contributed to an overall improvement in residents' physical fitness. This conclusion is based on a citywide survey showing no significant change in average weekly exercise hours reported by residents after the park's opening. However, this conclusion may be too simplistic. The same period saw a substantial increase in the number of gyms and fitness centers across Metroville. Additionally, there was a marked rise in the use of online fitness programs, likely due to the recent expansion of high-speed internet services in the area.

In this passage, the public health official attempts to challenge the study's conclusion by:

(A) pointing out the limitations of the study's scope in assessing the impact of the public park on physical fitness. (Official doesn't point out that the study is limited in scope. Rather he indicates that the parameter chosen to get to the conclusion is incorrect.)

(B) suggesting that the study's reliance on self-reported data might not accurately reflect the actual change in residents' physical fitness. (Official doesn't question the accuracy of data.)

(C) introducing additional factors that could have influenced the citywide physical fitness trends during the same period. (No, he added additional factors to show that the conclusion basis is incorrect.)

(D) questioning the validity of using the number of weekly exercise hours as a measure of physical fitness. (Correct. From all the points official challenges that measure of physical fitness is incorrect.)

(E) arguing that the study's timeframe was not sufficient to capture the long-term impact of the public park on residents' fitness. (Irrelevant.)

Answer: (C)

(A): Close, but too generic.
(B): There is no question/critique made on self-reported data.
(C): Correct.
(D): The officials do not question the metric being measured.
(E): No mention of the lack of/inadequate timeframe.

Public Health Official: A recent study concludes that the new public park in Downtown Metroville has not contributed to an overall improvement in residents' physical fitness. This conclusion is based on a citywide survey showing no significant change in average weekly exercise hours reported by residents after the park's opening. However, this conclusion may be too simplistic. The same period saw a substantial increase in the number of gyms and fitness centers across Metroville. Additionally, there was a marked rise in the use of online fitness programs, likely due to the recent expansion of high-speed internet services in the area.

Keyword: However, this conclusion may be too simplistic., because after that, he mentions his reasons

Passage: Relation between Public Park and improvement in residents' physical fitness
The author explain only the reasons why improvement in residents' physical fitness could be success without the Public Park

In this passage, the public health official attempts to challenge the study's conclusion by:

(A) pointing out the limitations of the study's scope in assessing the impact of the public park on physical fitness. -->the author does not mention this relation

(B) suggesting that the study's reliance on self-reported data might not accurately reflect the actual change in residents' physical fitness. --> Incorrect report is irrelevant

(C) introducing additional factors that could have influenced the citywide physical fitness trends during the same period. --> Right, because mentions factors that help to improve residents' physical fitness

(D) questioning the validity of using the number of weekly exercise hours as a measure of physical fitness. -->No, this is no the point of the author

(E) arguing that the study's timeframe was not sufficient to capture the long-term impact of the public park on residents' fitness. --> No, this is no the point of the author

Right answer: C

Public Health Official: A recent study concludes that the new public park in Downtown Metroville has not contributed to an overall improvement in residents' physical fitness. This conclusion is based on a citywide survey showing no significant change in average weekly exercise hours reported by residents after the park's opening. However, this conclusion may be too simplistic. The same period saw a substantial increase in the number of gyms and fitness centers across Metroville. Additionally, there was a marked rise in the use of online fitness programs, likely due to the recent expansion of high-speed internet services in the area.


In this passage, the public health official attempts to challenge the study's conclusion by:

(A) pointing out the limitations of the study's scope in assessing the impact of the public park on physical fitness.
limitations of the study not covered as part of the argument

(B) suggesting that the study's reliance on self-reported data might not accurately reflect the actual change in residents' physical fitness.
Out of scope..no such claims presented in the passage

(C) introducing additional factors that could have influenced the citywide physical fitness trends during the same period.
substantial increase in the number of gyms and fitness centers; marked rise in the use of online fitness programs -- these are the additional factors as part of the argument to challenge the study's conclusion

(D) questioning the validity of using the number of weekly exercise hours as a measure of physical fitness.
no doubts raised in the argument about the validity of using the number of weekly exercise hours as a measure of physical fitness

(E) arguing that the study's timeframe was not sufficient to capture the long-term impact of the public park on residents' fitness.
the argument never claims that the study's timeframe was not sufficient


(C) is the answer

THis one was a little tricky, but I think the answer is B. kind of a flimsy argument in general though

A - This is technically true, but not as directly relevant

B - I think this is it, since the additional evidence is pointed out to suggest that people may be exercising more even if they are not reporting differently, as increased online fitness use and the opening of new gyms implies increased demand for fitness services.

C - This is a trap, the official is introducing additional factors but it is trying to use them as evidence of increased fitness, not as other impacts on fitness

D - true, but not as directly relevant or specific as B

E - Not a part of the argument.

Public Health Official: A recent study concludes that the new public park in Downtown Metroville has not contributed to an overall improvement in residents' physical fitness. This conclusion is based on a citywide survey showing no significant change in average weekly exercise hours reported by residents after the park's opening. However, this conclusion may be too simplistic. The same period saw a substantial increase in the number of gyms and fitness centers across Metroville. Additionally, there was a marked rise in the use of online fitness programs, likely due to the recent expansion of high-speed internet services in the area.

In this passage, the public health official attempts to challenge the study's conclusion by:

(A) pointing out the limitations of the study's scope in assessing the impact of the public park on physical fitness. - is incorrect because the public health official does not point out the limitations of the study’s scope. he introduces additional factors that could have influenced the citywide physical fitness trends during the same period.

(B) suggesting that the study's reliance on self-reported data might not accurately reflect the actual change in residents' physical fitness. - is incorrect because the public health official doesn't specifically question the accuracy of self-reported data in this passage.

(C) introducing additional factors that could have influenced the citywide physical fitness trends during the same period.- correct - because the public health official challenges the study's conclusion by introducing other factors, such as the increase in gyms and fitness centers and the rise in the use of online fitness programs, suggesting that these factors may have influenced physical fitness trends.

(D) questioning the validity of using the number of weekly exercise hours as a measure of physical fitness. - incorrect - because the public health official doesn't explicitly question the validity of using this measure.

(E) arguing that the study's timeframe was not sufficient to capture the long-term impact of the public park on residents' fitness. - incorrect - because the public health official doesn't explicitly argue that the timeframe was insufficient.
Answer C

(A) pointing out the limitations of the study's scope in assessing the impact of the public park on physical fitness.
-- The author is not assessing the impact of the public park on physical fitness but rather stating additional factors that contributed to the result. Eliminate.

(B) suggesting that the study's reliance on self-reported data might not accurately reflect the actual change in residents' physical fitness.
-- No such suggestion has been made by the author. Eliminate.

(C) introducing additional factors that could have influenced the citywide physical fitness trends during the same period.
-- Correct. The author lists down additional key factors that must've influenced the fitness trends, something that the study overlooks.

(D) questioning the validity of using the number of weekly exercise hours as a measure of physical fitness.
-- The argument doesn't question the number of weekly exercise hours. Eliminate,

(E) arguing that the study's timeframe was not sufficient to capture the long-term impact of the public park on residents' fitness.
-- The long term impact hasn't been discussed in the argument. Irrelevant, eliminate.

Public Health Official: A recent study concludes that the new public park in Downtown Metroville has not contributed to an overall improvement in residents' physical fitness. This conclusion is based on a citywide survey showing no significant change in average weekly exercise hours reported by residents after the park's opening. However, this conclusion may be too simplistic. The same period saw a substantial increase in the number of gyms and fitness centers across Metroville. Additionally, there was a marked rise in the use of online fitness programs, likely due to the recent expansion of high-speed internet services in the area.

In this passage, the public health official attempts to challenge the study's conclusion by:

(A) pointing out the limitations of the study's scope in assessing the impact of the public park on physical fitness.
Explanation: While the official mentions limitations in scope, their main focus is on highlighting alternative factors beyond the park that could have impacted fitness trends. INCORRECT


(B) suggesting that the study's reliance on self-reported data might not accurately reflect the actual change in residents' physical fitness.
Explanation: While this may or may not be true, this choice doesn't reflect the attempt of the expert to identify the alternate factors responsible for the fitness trends. INCORRECT


(C) introducing additional factors that could have influenced the citywide physical fitness trends during the same period.
Explanation: This choice highlights the presence of other influential factors not considered by the study, thereby suggesting the observed lack of change having alternative explanations. CORRECT


(D) questioning the validity of using the number of weekly exercise hours as a measure of physical fitness.
Explanation: The study's chosen measure i.e 'weekly exercise hours' isn't directly questioned. The official's argument revolves around additional relevant factors, not the chosen metric. INCORRECT


(E) arguing that the study's time frame was not sufficient to capture the long-term impact of the public park on residents' fitness.
Explanation: Timeframe isn't raised as a specific concern. The official is interested in factors within the same period that could explain the lack of change observed. INCORRECT

Option C is the right answer.

Public Health Official: A recent study concludes that the new public park in Downtown Metroville has not contributed to an overall improvement in residents' physical fitness. This conclusion is based on a citywide survey showing no significant change in average weekly exercise hours reported by residents after the park's opening. However, this conclusion may be too simplistic. The same period saw a substantial increase in the number of gyms and fitness centers across Metroville. Additionally, there was a marked rise in the use of online fitness programs, likely due to the recent expansion of high-speed internet services in the area.

In this passage, the public health official attempts to challenge the study's conclusion by:

(A) pointing out the limitations of the study's scope in assessing the impact of the public park on physical fitness.

(B) suggesting that the study's reliance on self-reported data might not accurately reflect the actual change in residents' physical fitness.

(C) introducing additional factors that could have influenced the citywide physical fitness trends during the same period. CORRECT

(D) questioning the validity of using the number of weekly exercise hours as a measure of physical fitness.

(E) arguing that the study's timeframe was not sufficient to capture the long-term impact of the public park on residents' fitness.

(A) pointing out the limitations of the study's scope in assessing the impact of the public park on physical fitness. - the challenge comes from questioning the accuracy of the data, not the scope. reject

(B) suggesting that the study's reliance on self-reported data might not accurately reflect the actual change in residents' physical fitness. The evidence provided strongly suggests that the self-reported data is suspect. Choose B

(C) introducing additional factors that could have influenced the citywide physical fitness trends during the same period. - These additional factors would be more supportive of a conclusion that adding options for fitness have no impact on actual fitness, so this isn't a good choice.

(D) questioning the validity of using the number of weekly exercise hours as a measure of physical fitness. - this is a potential issue raised, but not the strongest argument. reject

(E) arguing that the study's timeframe was not sufficient to capture the long-term impact of the public park on residents' fitness. - not brought up, reject

Public Health Official: A recent study concludes that the new public park in Downtown Metroville has not contributed to an overall improvement in residents' physical fitness. This conclusion is based on a citywide survey showing no significant change in average weekly exercise hours reported by residents after the park's opening. However, this conclusion may be too simplistic. The same period saw a substantial increase in the number of gyms and fitness centers across Metroville. Additionally, there was a marked rise in the use of online fitness programs, likely due to the recent expansion of high-speed internet services in the area.

In this passage, the public health official attempts to challenge the study's conclusion by:

(A) pointing out the limitations of the study's scope in assessing the impact of the public park on physical fitness.
--Incorrect.

(B) suggesting that the study's reliance on self-reported data might not accurately reflect the actual change in residents' physical fitness.
--A city wide survey might not give a correct picture of the change in avg. weekly exercise hours. PHO cites evidence by adding that there is an increase in the number gyms and fitness as well as marked rise in the use of online fitness programs which must have contributed to the overall fitness.

(C) introducing additional factors that could have influenced the citywide physical fitness trends during the same period.
--Incorrect

(D) questioning the validity of using the number of weekly exercise hours as a measure of physical fitness.
--Incorrect

(E) arguing that the study's timeframe was not sufficient to capture the long-term impact of the public park on residents' fitness.
--Irrelevant