12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 9: Agricultural Expert

Agricultural Expert: A report claims that the widespread use of chemical fertilizers in Grainland has led to a decrease in soil quality, citing a study that found lower levels of essential nutrients in the soil. However, this claim overlooks key factors. First, Grainland has seen a significant increase in organic farming, which does not use chemical fertilizers. Second, recent advancements in farming techniques have led to more efficient nutrient usage by crops. Furthermore, the same period saw an increase in crop yield per hectare, suggesting an improvement in overall soil fertility.

In this passage, the agricultural expert attempts to counter the report's argument by:

(A) proposing alternative factors that might have led to the observed decrease in soil nutrients.
-- The passage doesn't suggest alternative factors responsible for decreased soil quality.

(B) suggesting that the report's methodology in assessing soil quality is flawed.
-- The agricultural expert correctly attempts to suggest that the report's methodology in assessing soil quality is flawed.

(C) arguing that the increase in crop yield is a more reliable indicator of soil quality than nutrient levels.
-- Crop yield has increased due to the use of advanced farming techniques, and it has nothing to do with soil quality

(D) highlighting advancements in farming techniques that contradict the report's claim about soil quality.
-- advancements in farming techniques has nothing to do with soil quality

(E) presenting a trend that directly opposes the report's conclusion about the impact of chemical fertilizers on soil quality.
-- Irrelevant

report claims that
widespread use of chemical fertilizers in Grainland has led to a decrease in soil quality, citing a study that found lower levels of essential nutrients in the soil

expert says First, Grainland has seen a significant increase in organic farming, which does not use chemical fertilizers. Second, recent advancements in farming techniques have led to more efficient nutrient usage by crops
and the same period saw an increase in crop yield per hectare, suggesting an improvement in overall soil fertility.

(A) proposing alternative factors that might have led to the observed decrease in soil nutrients. no it does not provide factors which are decreasing soil nutrients


(B) suggesting that the report's methodology in assessing soil quality is flawed. no discussion about methodology being discussed

(C) arguing that the increase in crop yield is a more reliable indicator of soil quality than nutrient levels. no irrelevant option

(D) highlighting advancements in farming techniques that contradict the report's claim about soil quality. not true

(E) presenting a trend that directly opposes the report's conclusion about the impact of chemical fertilizers on soil quality. true

OPTION E

(A) proposing alternative factors that might have led to the observed decrease in soil nutrients.
This answer choice does not accurately represent the agricultural expert's response. The expert doesn't propose alternative factors that might have caused the decrease in soil nutrients. Instead, they provide alternative factors that contradict the claim that chemical fertilizers are solely responsible for the decrease.

(B) suggesting that the report's methodology in assessing soil quality is flawed.
The passage does not mention any flaws in the report's methodology. Instead, the agricultural expert focuses on presenting alternative factors and trends that challenge the report's conclusion.

(C) arguing that the increase in crop yield is a more reliable indicator of soil quality than nutrient levels.
This answer choice accurately represents the agricultural expert's response. The expert argues that the increase in crop yield per hectare suggests an improvement in overall soil fertility. They imply that crop yield is a more reliable indicator of soil quality than nutrient levels alone. By doing so, they counter the report's claim about the negative impact of chemical fertilizers on soil quality.

(D) highlighting advancements in farming techniques that contradict the report's claim about soil quality.
This answer choice accurately represents the agricultural expert's response. The expert highlights recent advancements in farming techniques that lead to more efficient nutrient usage by crops. By doing so, they challenge the report's claim about soil quality being negatively affected by chemical fertilizers.

(E) presenting a trend that directly opposes the report's conclusion about the impact of chemical fertilizers on soil quality.
This answer choice accurately represents the agricultural expert's response. The expert presents a trend that directly opposes the report's conclusion. They mention the significant increase in organic farming and the increase in crop yield, suggesting that these factors contradict the report's claim about the impact of chemical fertilizers on soil quality.

Based on the explanations, options (C), (D), and (E) accurately represent the agricultural expert's attempt to counter the report's argument. However, option (C) specifically highlights the expert's argument about crop yield being a more reliable indicator of soil quality, making it the most accurate choice.

IMO option (E) is correct answer here.

(A) proposing alternative factors that might have led to the observed decrease in soil nutrients.
- The expert does propose alternative factors, but doesnot mention about decrease in soil nutrients.

(B) suggesting that the report's methodology in assessing soil quality is flawed.
- The expert doesn't directly question the methodology but introduces alternative factors influencing soil quality.

(C) arguing that the increase in crop yield is a more reliable indicator of soil quality than nutrient levels.
- The expert doesn't argue that crop yield is a more reliable indicator.

(D) highlighting advancements in farming techniques that contradict the report's claim about soil quality.
- The expert does highlight advancements in farming techniques but does not talk about soil quality

(E) presenting a trend that directly opposes the report's conclusion about the impact of chemical fertilizers on soil quality.
- This is the correct choice. The expert presents trends in organic farming and advancements in farming techniques as factors that oppose the report's conclusion about the impact of chemical fertilizers.

(A) Correct: The agricultural expert mentions the increase in organic farming and advancements in farming techniques as alternative factors that could have led to the decrease in soil nutrients.
(B) Incorrect: The agricultural expert does not critique the report's methodology.
(C) Incorrect: While the expert does mention the increase in crop yield, they do not explicitly argue that it's a more reliable indicator of soil quality.
(D) Incorrect: The expert does mention advancements in farming techniques but they do not directly contradict the report's claim about soil quality.
(E) Incorrect: The expert does not present a trend that directly opposes the report's conclusion.

Agricultural Expert: A report claims that the widespread use of chemical fertilizers in Grainland has led to a decrease in soil quality, citing a study that found lower levels of essential nutrients in the soil. However, this claim overlooks key factors. First, Grainland has seen a significant increase in organic farming, which does not use chemical fertilizers. Second, recent advancements in farming techniques have led to more efficient nutrient usage by crops. Furthermore, the same period saw an increase in crop yield per hectare, suggesting an improvement in overall soil fertility.

In this passage, the agricultural expert attempts to counter the report's argument by:

(A) proposing alternative factors that might have led to the observed decrease in soil nutrients.Incorrect

(B) suggesting that the report's methodology in assessing soil quality is flawed.Incorrect

(C) arguing that the increase in crop yield is a more reliable indicator of soil quality than nutrient levels.Correct

(D) highlighting advancements in farming techniques that contradict the report's claim about soil quality.Incorrect

(E) presenting a trend that directly opposes the report's conclusion about the impact of chemical fertilizers on soil quality.Incorrect

(A) proposing alternative factors that might have led to the observed decrease in soil nutrients................he is opposing the conclusion of the study

(B) suggesting that the report's methodology in assessing soil quality is flawed...........he has not commented on methodology

(C) arguing that the increase in crop yield is a more reliable indicator of soil quality than nutrient levels............narrow scope

(D) highlighting advancements in farming techniques that contradict the report's claim about soil quality.
...........again narrow scope.

(E) presenting a trend that directly opposes the report's conclusion about the impact of chemical fertilizers on soil quality.
.....this is correct. highlighted recent trends that oppose the conclusion of the report.

E option.

Agricultural Expert: A report claims that the widespread use of chemical fertilizers in Grainland has led to a decrease in soil quality, citing a study that found lower levels of essential nutrients in the soil. However, this claim overlooks key factors. First, Grainland has seen a significant increase in organic farming, which does not use chemical fertilizers. Second, recent advancements in farming techniques have led to more efficient nutrient usage by crops. Furthermore, the same period saw an increase in crop yield per hectare, suggesting an improvement in overall soil fertility.

In this passage, the agricultural expert attempts to counter the report's argument by:

(A) proposing alternative factors that might have led to the observed decrease in soil nutrients. (Correct. The expert basis to counter the conclusion made in report is that there maybe factors other than chemical fertilizers, which resulted in decrease quality.)

(B) suggesting that the report's methodology in assessing soil quality is flawed. (Expert didn't point out about the methodology.)

(C) arguing that the increase in crop yield is a more reliable indicator of soil quality than nutrient levels. (increase in crop yield is one of several factors of expert argument, but it is not the main point.)

(D) highlighting advancements in farming techniques that contradict the report's claim about soil quality. (advancements in farming techniques is one of several factors of expert argument, but it is not the main point.)


(E) presenting a trend that directly opposes the report's conclusion about the impact of chemical fertilizers on soil quality. (No trends are presented.)

Answer: (C)

(A): None of the factors described are alternatives that help explain the observed decrease in nutrients.
(B): There is no question about the methodology.
(C): Correct. The final statement, "Furthermore, the same period saw an increase in crop yield per hectare, suggesting an improvement in overall soil fertility," directly supports this argument.
(D): While advancements in technique is mentioned, it is not used as a reason why soil quality has improved (which would be a contradiction).
(E): Close, but too broad.

Agricultural Expert: A report claims that the widespread use of chemical fertilizers in Grainland has led to a decrease in soil quality, citing a study that found lower levels of essential nutrients in the soil. However, this claim overlooks key factors. First, Grainland has seen a significant increase in organic farming, which does not use chemical fertilizers. Second, recent advancements in farming techniques have led to more efficient nutrient usage by crops. Furthermore, the same period saw an increase in crop yield per hectare, suggesting an improvement in overall soil fertility.

In this passage, the agricultural expert attempts to counter the report's argument by:

The keyword in the passage: However, this claim overlooks key factors.,
because the expert show evidence to counter the report's argument

(A) proposing alternative factors that might have led to the observed decrease in soil nutrients. --> Cannot show alternative factors -->Wrong

(B) suggesting that the report's methodology in assessing soil quality is flawed. --> Does not explain nothing

(C) arguing that the increase in crop yield is a more reliable indicator of soil quality than nutrient levels. --> The author does not mention that

(D) highlighting advancements in farming techniques that contradict the report's claim about soil quality. --> These techniques are not mention

(E) presenting a trend that directly opposes the report's conclusion about the impact of chemical fertilizers on soil quality. --> Right, the author presents a trend

Right answer: E

Agricultural Expert: A report claims that the widespread use of chemical fertilizers in Grainland has led to a decrease in soil quality, citing a study that found lower levels of essential nutrients in the soil. However, this claim overlooks key factors. First, Grainland has seen a significant increase in organic farming, which does not use chemical fertilizers. Second, recent advancements in farming techniques have led to more efficient nutrient usage by crops. Furthermore, the same period saw an increase in crop yield per hectare, suggesting an improvement in overall soil fertility.

In this passage, the agricultural expert attempts to counter the report's argument by:

(A) proposing alternative factors that might have led to the observed decrease in soil nutrients.
the author argues with presenting alternative factors pitched against the report's conclusion that widespread use of chemical fertilizers in Grainland has led to a decrease in soil quality..the argument highlights (advancements in farming techniques have led to more efficient nutrient usage by crops), and hence the observed decrease in soil nutrients.

(B) suggesting that the report's methodology in assessing soil quality is flawed.
argument doesn't highlight the limitations in the methodology in assessing soil quality

(C) arguing that the increase in crop yield is a more reliable indicator of soil quality than nutrient levels.
comparison of reliability is not the focus for agricultural expert's attempts to counter the report's argument

(D) highlighting advancements in farming techniques that contradict the report's claim about soil quality.
advancements in farming techniques have led to more efficient nutrient usage by crops -- however, this doesn't contradict the report's claim about soil quality; it provides alternative factors for higher nutrient usage by crops

(E) presenting a trend that directly opposes the report's conclusion about the impact of chemical fertilizers on soil quality.
only alternative factors for lower levels of essential nutrients in the soil presented as part of the argument



(A) is the answer

Another tricky one today! Lots of good potential answers, but I think C

A - wrong, the main purpose is to challenge the decrease in soil quality, not give alternative explanations for why

B - this is a trap. this is true and this was my runner-up answer but I do not think it is directly relevant as C.

C - This gets at the main point of the argument. there are some reasons given that are not this, but the main point seems to be that the increase in crop yield is a better indicator, and this idea is in fact required by the argument for it take sense (i.e. fertility is a better indicator of quality than nutrient levels), which is not mentioned anywhere else

D - not directly relevant

E - wrong, the claim about chemical fertilizer impact does not have to be false for soil quality to increase due to other factors.

Agricultural Expert: A report claims that the widespread use of chemical fertilizers in Grainland has led to a decrease in soil quality, citing a study that found lower levels of essential nutrients in the soil. However, this claim overlooks key factors. First, Grainland has seen a significant increase in organic farming, which does not use chemical fertilizers. Second, recent advancements in farming techniques have led to more efficient nutrient usage by crops. Furthermore, the same period saw an increase in crop yield per hectare, suggesting an improvement in overall soil fertility.

In this passage, the agricultural expert attempts to counter the report's argument by:

(A) proposing alternative factors that might have led to the observed decrease in soil nutrients.
-- Correct. This is exactly what the argument does by mentioning additional key factors that could've affected the soil nutrients rather than the chemical fertilizer.

(B) suggesting that the report's methodology in assessing soil quality is flawed.
-- The argument does not state that the methodology is flawed. Eliminate.

(C) arguing that the increase in crop yield is a more reliable indicator of soil quality than nutrient levels.
-- The argument does not state any such comparison. Eliminate.

(D) highlighting advancements in farming techniques that contradict the report's claim about soil quality.
-- The argument mentions advanced farming techniques to state that they will result in more efficient nutrient usage but doesn't contradict the claim. Eliminate.

(E) presenting a trend that directly opposes the report's conclusion about the impact of chemical fertilizers on soil quality.
-- The argument does no such thing, Eliminate.

Agricultural Expert: A report claims that the widespread use of chemical fertilizers in Grainland has led to a decrease in soil quality, citing a study that found lower levels of essential nutrients in the soil. However, this claim overlooks key factors. First, Grainland has seen a significant increase in organic farming, which does not use chemical fertilizers. Second, recent advancements in farming techniques have led to more efficient nutrient usage by crops. Furthermore, the same period saw an increase in crop yield per hectare, suggesting an improvement in overall soil fertility.

In this passage, the agricultural expert attempts to counter the report's argument by:

(A) proposing alternative factors that might have led to the observed decrease in soil nutrients.
Explanation: While the expert mentions alternative factors, their main focus is on highlighting a trend which is the increase in the crop yield. INCORRECT


(B) suggesting that the report's methodology in assessing soil quality is flawed.
Explanation: The expert doesn't raise concerns about the study's methodology itself. The expert argues about the report's interpretation. INCORRECT


(C) arguing that the increase in crop yield is a more reliable indicator of soil quality than nutrient levels.
Explanation: No such information is referenced anywhere in the given argument. Out of scope. INCORRECT


(D) highlighting advancements in farming techniques that contradict the report's claim about soil quality.
Explanation: While advancements in farming are mentioned, they mainly support the argument about efficient nutrient usage and don't directly oppose the claimed impact of fertilizers. INCORRECT


(E) presenting a trend that directly opposes the report's conclusion about the impact of chemical fertilizers on soil quality.
Explanation: This choice directly presents a contrary trend (increased crop yield) to challenge the report's conclusion about the negative impact of chemical fertilizers on soil quality. CORRECT

Option E is the right answer

(A) proposing alternative factors that might have led to the observed decrease in soil nutrients. - the expert does not try to explain the decrease in nutrients, reject

(B) suggesting that the report's methodology in assessing soil quality is flawed. - The expert does this indirectly, prefer d

(C) arguing that the increase in crop yield is a more reliable indicator of soil quality than nutrient levels. - This is only 1 aspect of the argument, prefer D

(D) highlighting advancements in farming techniques that contradict the report's claim about soil quality. - Choose D. The expert mentions multiple farming improvements to make their point

(E) presenting a trend that directly opposes the report's conclusion about the impact of chemical fertilizers on soil quality. - the expert refutes the usage of chemical fertilizers so nothing can be inferred about their impact. reject

Agricultural Expert: A report claims that the widespread use of chemical fertilizers in Grainland has led to a decrease in soil quality, citing a study that found lower levels of essential nutrients in the soil. However, this claim overlooks key factors. First, Grainland has seen a significant increase in organic farming, which does not use chemical fertilizers. Second, recent advancements in farming techniques have led to more efficient nutrient usage by crops. Furthermore, the same period saw an increase in crop yield per hectare, suggesting an improvement in overall soil fertility.

In this passage, the agricultural expert attempts to counter the report's argument by:


Significant increase in organic farming and recent advancements in farming techniques are not the alternative factors that might have led to the observed decrease in soil nutrients
Incorrect


By giving examples of significant increase in organic farming and recent advancements in farming techniques, the agricultural expert attempts to counter the report's argument by suggesting that the report's methodology in assessing soil quality is flawed since lower levels of essential nutrients in the soil is not the only factor to ascertain soil quality.
Correct


The agricultural expert is giving examples of significant increase in organic farming and recent advancements in farming techniques resulting in increased crop yield per hectare. He overall suggests that the report's methodology in assessing soil quality is flawed. Nowhere he has argued that the increase in crop yield is a more reliable indicator of soil quality than nutrient levels.
Incorrect


The agricultural expert attempts to counter the report's argument by highlighting both significant increase in organic farming and recent advancements in farming techniques to contradict the report's claim about soil quality. Recent advancements in farming techniques have led to more efficient nutrient usage by crops.
Incorrect


There is no trend trend that directly opposes the report's conclusion about the impact of chemical fertilizers on soil quality.
Incorrect

IMO B

(A) proposing alternative factors that might have led to the observed decrease in soil nutrients.
it does not propose alternative factors

(B) suggesting that the report's methodology in assessing soil quality is flawed.
it does not talk about methodology

(C) arguing that the increase in crop yield is a more reliable indicator of soil quality than nutrient levels.
soil fertility (crop yield) vs soil quality in the report
CORRECT

(D) highlighting advancements in farming techniques that contradict the report's claim about soil quality.
advancements in farming techniques does not contradict report

(E) presenting a trend that directly opposes the report's conclusion about the impact of chemical fertilizers on soil quality.
it does not present any trend

IMO C