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655-705 (Hard)|   Evaluate Argument|         
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Suyash1331
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 24 Dec 2024, 11:17
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Which option can show that the reason for improved crop yield was something else and not the new hybrid seeds


B: Correct answer if the local weather or rainfall has changed (that is increased as it was drought already) then the real reason for high yield might be rainfall and not the new seed

Other options do not address any other reason for higher yield. They are out of scope


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Agricultural Researcher: After several years of declining crop yields due to droughts, Country A’s research center introduced a new hybrid seed specifically designed to be more drought-resistant. Before the introduction of the hybrid seed, farmers used a variety of traditional seeds that had varying levels of drought tolerance. After adopting the new hybrid seed, crop yields significantly improved across the country.

It would be most helpful to find out which of the following in order to assess whether the improvement in crop yields can properly be attributed to the new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed?

(A) What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds?
(B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?
(C) Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement?
(D) Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds?
(E) Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent?

 


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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 24 Dec 2024, 11:22
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We want to assess whether the improvement in crop yields can properly be attributed to the new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed

(A) focuses on the cost of seeds relative to farmers’ budgets. It’s not directly relevant to the question of causation. Eliminate

(B) helps isolate the role of the hybrid seed's drought resistance. Weather is a key factor affecting crop yields. If rainfall increased or droughts were less severe, that could explain the higher yields, regardless of the seed used. By assessing weather patterns, we can isolate the effect of the hybrid seed’s drought resistance on yield improvement. Keep

(C) could show the hybrid seed's adoption and contribution to yield improvement but doesn't explain why yields increased. It doesn’t directly test whether the hybrid seed’s drought resistance is responsible. Eliminate

(D) offers insight into farming practices, such as whether farmers are mixing traditional and hybrid seeds, but it doesn't clarify why yields improved. Eliminate

(E) adds context about the types of crops being grown but doesn’t help determine if the hybrid seed's drought resistance caused the yield increase. It focuses on farm specialization rather than the specific performance of the hybrid seed. Eliminate

Answer: Option (B) is the most relevant because it directly examines a possible alternative explanation (weather changes) for the improved crop yields.
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 24 Dec 2024, 11:22
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(A) Doesn't address the question of whether the seed's drought-resistant quality is responsible for the yield improvement

(B) If the local weather conditions, like rainfall, have improved over the last two years, the improvement in crop yields could be due to the better weather, not necessarily the new hybrid seed - Correct

(C) Is not directly relevant to determining the cause of the improved yields

(D) Doesn’t directly address the key question of whether the improvement is due to the drought resistant quality of the hybrid seed
(E) Talks about the types of crops grown but does not determine whether the improvement in crop yields is due to the hybrid seed's drought resistance
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 24 Dec 2024, 11:23
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Let’s analyze each option from (A) to (E) to determine its relevance in assessing whether the improvement in crop yields can be attributed to the drought-resistant quality of the hybrid seed:


(A) What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds?

While this might provide insight into the economic burden or adoption rate of the hybrid seed, it does not directly address whether the improvement in crop yields is due to the hybrid seed’s drought-resistant quality. The expenditure on seeds does not reveal causality for the improved yields. Eliminate


(B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?

This is directly relevant because improved weather, such as increased rainfall, could independently explain the rise in crop yields. If the weather conditions improved significantly, it would weaken the claim that the hybrid seed’s drought resistance caused the yield improvement. To assess causality, it is critical to rule out weather as an alternative explanation. We can keep this option for now.

(C) Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement?

This might help identify whether the hybrid seed contributes significantly to the improvement in yields overall. However, even if the hybrid seed accounts for a large proportion of the improvement, this does not confirm that the improvement is due to its drought-resistant quality. It could be due to other factors (e.g., better management practices or improved soil conditions). Moderately relevant, but it does not address causality directly. We can eliminate this option.


(D) Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds?

This could indicate whether a comparative analysis of yields from hybrid seeds versus traditional seeds is possible. While such a comparison might provide some insight into the hybrid seed’s effectiveness, it does not directly address whether the improvement is due to the drought-resistant quality or other factors (e.g., improved overall seed quality). Eliminate

(E) Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent?

This is irrelevant to the argument. This could provide background on the types of crops grown and their natural response to drought conditions. However, the overall mix of crops does not directly assess whether the hybrid seed's drought resistance caused the improved yields. The key question is the role of the hybrid seed’s quality, not the crop selection patterns. Eliminate


Final Answer:

The most relevant option is (B), as it addresses a key alternative explanation—changes in weather conditions—that must be ruled out to attribute the yield improvements to the drought-resistant quality of the hybrid seed.
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 24 Dec 2024, 11:30
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IMO B

To properly assess whether the improvement in crop yields can be attributed to the new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed, it is crucial to determine if other factors, particularly environmental ones, could have influenced the yields. Therefore, the most relevant question to investigate would be:

(B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?

Here's why this is the most pertinent question:

Weather Patterns and Rainfall: If there has been a significant increase in rainfall or other favorable weather changes, the improvement in crop yields might be due to these changes rather than the drought-resistant quality of the hybrid seed. Understanding the weather patterns will help isolate the effect of the hybrid seed from environmental factors.
The other options, while potentially informative in different contexts, do not directly address the core issue of whether the hybrid seed's drought resistance is the primary factor behind the improved yields:

(A) Proportion of expenditure on seeds: This information is more related to the economic aspect of farming rather than directly linking the seed's drought resistance to yield improvements.
(C) Seed type accounting for yield improvement: This might help understand which seeds are contributing most to yield improvements but does not directly address the drought resistance factor.
(D) Use of traditional seeds along with hybrid seeds: This could provide insights into adoption rates and practices but does not isolate the impact of drought resistance.
(E) Specialization in drought-resistant vs. water-dependent crops: This might provide context on farming practices but does not directly link to the drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed.
Thus, assessing changes in local weather patterns, particularly rainfall, is the most direct way to evaluate the impact of the hybrid seed's drought resistance on crop yields.
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 24 Dec 2024, 12:20
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Bunuel
12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $40,000 of Prizes

Agricultural Researcher: After several years of declining crop yields due to droughts, Country A’s research center introduced a new hybrid seed specifically designed to be more drought-resistant. Before the introduction of the hybrid seed, farmers used a variety of traditional seeds that had varying levels of drought tolerance. After adopting the new hybrid seed, crop yields significantly improved across the country.

It would be most helpful to find out which of the following in order to assess whether the improvement in crop yields can properly be attributed to the new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed?

(A) What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds?
(B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?
(C) Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement?
(D) Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds?
(E) Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent?

 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the 12 Days of Christmas Competition

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    A) What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds?
    • This is unrelated to the cause of improved crop yields. (Eliminate).
    B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?

  • This would help determine if weather changes, not just the hybrid seed, contributed to the yield improvement. (Keep).
    C) Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement?

  • This doesn’t directly address whether the improvement is due to the drought-resistant quality of the hybrid seed. (Eliminate).
    D) Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds?

  • While useful, this doesn’t directly assess whether the improvement is due to the hybrid seed’s drought resistance. (Eliminate).This is not better than B
    E) Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent?

  • This doesn't address whether the hybrid seed's drought resistance caused the yield improvement. (Eliminate).
IMO B.
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 24 Dec 2024, 13:40
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Quote:
Agricultural Researcher: After several years of declining crop yields due to droughts, Country A’s research center introduced a new hybrid seed specifically designed to be more drought-resistant. Before the introduction of the hybrid seed, farmers used a variety of traditional seeds that had varying levels of drought tolerance. After adopting the new hybrid seed, crop yields significantly improved across the country.

It would be most helpful to find out which of the following in order to assess whether the improvement in crop yields can properly be attributed to the new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed?

(A) What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds?
(B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?
(C) Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement?
(D) Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds?
(E) Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent?
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A) expenditure is unrelated to the conversation. WRONG

B) CORRECT. If the weather pattern changed which might have lead to no droughts, that might have resulted in an increase yield. Hence evaluating this argument would help us finding out the real cause of increase yield and whether it is because of the seeds

C) The seed type is irrelevant as the seeds used are hybrid and evaluating this does not help us in narrowing down to the truth that we want to find WRONG

D) This question does not help us answer if the increased yield is because of the drought resistance quality of the seed. WRONG

E) This would also be an unhelpful question. there is no talk about drought hybrid seeds. WRONG
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 24 Dec 2024, 14:17
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A. Irrelevant to the question
B. Incorrect the timeline exceeds what is important to understand the outcome
C. Incorrect as it provides information that is not useful in our evaluation
D. Correct. If yes the the bumper harvest cannot be attribute to the hybrid seeds alone
E. Incorrect. The issue is not about the farms but the seeds
Bunuel
12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $40,000 of Prizes

Agricultural Researcher: After several years of declining crop yields due to droughts, Country A’s research center introduced a new hybrid seed specifically designed to be more drought-resistant. Before the introduction of the hybrid seed, farmers used a variety of traditional seeds that had varying levels of drought tolerance. After adopting the new hybrid seed, crop yields significantly improved across the country.

It would be most helpful to find out which of the following in order to assess whether the improvement in crop yields can properly be attributed to the new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed?

(A) What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds?
(B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?
(C) Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement?
(D) Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds?
(E) Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent?

 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the 12 Days of Christmas Competition

Win $40,000 in prizes: Courses, Tests & more

 

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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 24 Dec 2024, 14:24
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Correct Answer: (B)


Explanation: To assess whether the improvement in crop yields is due to the drought-resistant quality of the hybrid seed, it is crucial to rule out other potential factors, such as changes in weather patterns. If there has been an increase in rainfall or other favorable weather conditions, the improvement in yields might not be solely attributable to the hybrid seed.

Also, regarding the other options:

(A) Irrelevant to assessing crop yields, as seed expenditure does not indicate drought resistance.
(C) Identifying the seed type contributing to yield does not confirm the role of drought resistance.
(D) Knowing whether traditional seeds are still used doesn't clarify the hybrid seed's specific impact.
(E) The type of crops grown doesn't directly assess the drought-resistant quality of the hybrid seed.
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 24 Dec 2024, 16:47
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Bunuel
12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $40,000 of Prizes

Agricultural Researcher: After several years of declining crop yields due to droughts, Country A’s research center introduced a new hybrid seed specifically designed to be more drought-resistant. Before the introduction of the hybrid seed, farmers used a variety of traditional seeds that had varying levels of drought tolerance. After adopting the new hybrid seed, crop yields significantly improved across the country.

It would be most helpful to find out which of the following in order to assess whether the improvement in crop yields can properly be attributed to the new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed?

(A) What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds?
(B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?
(C) Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement?
(D) Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds?
(E) Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent?

 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the 12 Days of Christmas Competition

Win $40,000 in prizes: Courses, Tests & more

 

Show more

A. Incorrect answer. Out of scope as the total expenditure is irrelevant.
B. Correct. If there have been higher amounts of rainfall in the past 2 years then it means that improvement of crop yields was not due to the new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed.
C. Incorrect answer. As it has been mentioned, "after adopting the new hybrid seed, crop yields significantly improved across the country".
D. Incorrect answer. It is clearly mentioned that the new hybrid seed has been adopted across the country.
E. Incorrect answer. Out of scope.
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 24 Dec 2024, 18:17
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The Scenario:
  • Problem: Country A has been experiencing declining crop yields because of droughts.
  • Solution Introduced: A new hybrid seed that is more resistant to drought.
  • Result: After farmers started using this new seed, crop yields improved significantly.
The Question:
We need to figure out what information would help us confirm that the improved crop yields are truly because of the new drought-resistant seed.
Why This Matters:
There could be other reasons why crop yields improved besides the new seed. To be sure it's the seed making the difference, we need to rule out other factors.
Evaluating the Options:
  • Option B: "Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?"
    Why This is the Best Choice:
    • Alternative Explanation: Maybe the weather got better (more rain), which naturally improved crop yields.
    • Clarification Needed: If rainfall increased, it could explain the higher yields without blaming the new seed.
    • Confirmation: By checking weather patterns, we can ensure that the improved yields are not just because of better weather but truly because of the drought-resistant seed.

Answer:
B. Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 24 Dec 2024, 18:43
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Answer is B.

(A) What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds? Incorrect because expenditure is not relevant to improvements in crop yields.
(B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years? Correct because a chance in local weather patterns such as increased rainfall recently could account for yield improvement irregardless of the usage of hybrid seeds. The passage says that crop yields in the past were declining due to droughts, but if there have not been droughts recently, then better weather might account for improved yields rather than drought resistant hybrid seeds.
(C) Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement? Incorrect because even if hybrid seed accounts for largest proportion of yield improvement, it could still be due to a different quality of the hybrid seed that is not necessarily its nature of being drought resistant.
(D) Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds? Incorrect because hybrid seeds could still improve yields more significantly than traditional seeds even if farmers still use traditional seeds.
(E) Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent? Incorrect because farms specializing in more drought-resistant crops and hybrid seeds leading to significant yield improvements are not mutually exclusive.
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 24 Dec 2024, 19:32
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Improvement: After adopting the new hybrid seed, crop yields significantly improved across the country.

It would be most helpful to find out which of the following in order to assess whether the improvement in crop yields can properly be attributed to the new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed?

Pre Thinking: If there would be any external factor along with hybrid seed, or If draughts never occurred after the introduction of hybrid seed.

(A) What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds?

Totally, irrelevant.

(B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?

This is talking about weather patterns, whether there any drought, was there any flooding or the weather pattern was ideal. If we know all these then we can conclude the efficacy of the hybrid seeds.

(C) Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement?
Given, that yield improvement was due to hybrid seed, all other traditional methods were there but not yielding.

(D) Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds?
Even if they are using traditional seeds, they must get the traditional results only, but that's not the case.

(E) Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent?
Irrelevant
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 24 Dec 2024, 20:13
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P1:After years of declining crop yields due to droughts, A introduced a new hybrid seed that are drought-resistant.
P2: Before hybrid seed, farmers used a variety of traditional seeds that had varying levels of drought tolerance.
P3: After adopting the new hybrid seed, crop yields significantly improved across the country.

Evaluate whether the improvement in crop yields can properly be attributed to the new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed?

We need to evaluate if hybrid seeds are adopted, the growth is due to the drought resistance quality

(A) What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds?
Very irrelevant to discuss about the expenditure. (Eliminate)

(B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?

if there are Increase in the rainfall, then It is the rainfall that increase the production
if there are Decrease in rainfall, then it must be the seed
so yes helping in evaluating the answer.

(C) Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement?
Seed type for the largest proportion?
We don't need to evaluate are the hybrid seed evaluated fully or not, as it's given that hybrid seeds are adopted


(D) Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds?
Irreverent, it can't help in evaluate the conclusion, as hybrid seeds are already adopted

(E) Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent?
(Totally Irrevelent)
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 24 Dec 2024, 22:38
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It would be most helpful to find out which of the following in order to assess whether the improvement in crop yields can properly be attributed to the new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed?

(A) What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds?
Irrelevant as cost is not mentioned

(B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?
This is the right answer that can impact the attribution. Rainfall can be the major cause of improvement across the country

(C) Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement?
This may be potentially helpful but there are other potential implications. The hybrid seeds may not contribute the most but still help improve the yields

(D) Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds?
This doesn't impact the question.

(E) Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent?
This doesn't impact the question.
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 24 Dec 2024, 23:36
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Bunuel
12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $40,000 of Prizes

Agricultural Researcher: After several years of declining crop yields due to droughts, Country A’s research center introduced a new hybrid seed specifically designed to be more drought-resistant. Before the introduction of the hybrid seed, farmers used a variety of traditional seeds that had varying levels of drought tolerance. After adopting the new hybrid seed, crop yields significantly improved across the country.

It would be most helpful to find out which of the following in order to assess whether the improvement in crop yields can properly be attributed to the new drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed?

(A) What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds?
(B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?
(C) Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement?
(D) Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds?
(E) Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent?

 


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Drought resistance quality of hybrid seed => improve the crop yield
So we should search for a solution that reflect the drought resistance quality of the hybrid seed

(A) Total expenditure does not reflect the drought resistance quality of seed (x)
(B) Local weather pattern may reflect the drought resistance quality
If high rainfall, it may reflect the improvement in crop yield may contributed to heavy rainfall which refute the effectiveness of drought tolerance
If low rainfall, it may reflect the improvement in crop yield reflect its drought tolerance (v)
(C) Largest proportion of seed type does not reflect the drought resistance quality (x)
(D) Using traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds does not reflect the drought resistance quality (x)
(E) Traditional crop that are drought-resistant and water-dependent does not reflect the drought resistance quality (x)

Therefore the answer is B
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SafSin28
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 24 Dec 2024, 23:59
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Argument: Droughts--->several declined crops---->a new hybrid seed ---->drought-resistent.
variety of trad.seeds--->new hyb.seed. Then, increased crop yields

QS: Evaluate the effectiveness of the hybrid seed

(A) What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds?--->Total expenditure on purchasing seeds? Irrelevant. OUT
(B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?---->This is a third factor. If good---->no effectiveness. If bad ----> may be effective (we are not certain). OUT
(C) Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement?----> If it is the hybrid one---> yeah. If not----> other factors are attributable. Keep it
(D) Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds?---> If none of the farmers----> hybrid is good. If most of the farmers----> unclear so it doesn't weaken the effectiveness of the hybrid one. OUT
(E) Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent?----> Irrelevant. OUT

C is correct
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AviNFC
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 25 Dec 2024, 00:01
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(A) What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds? Out of Context
(B) Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?
Correct. Whether weather & not hybrid seed is the reason for success?
(C) Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement? doesn't matter as overall growth increases after hybrid.
(D) Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds? Even if Yes, then also success is contributed to hybrid seed introduction.
(E) Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent? out of context

Answer B
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Elite097
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 25 Dec 2024, 00:16
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(B) asks: Has there been a significant change in the local weather patterns, particularly in rainfall amounts, in the last two years?

If there was a significant increase in rainfall or improvement in weather conditions, the yield improvement could be attributed to better weather rather than the hybrid seed's drought resistance.
This directly challenges the assumption that the hybrid seed's drought resistance is the main factor behind the improved yields.
Therefore, this information is critical for assessing the validity of the claim.
Why Not the Other Options:
(A): What proportion of the farmers' total expenditure is spent on purchasing seeds?

This is irrelevant. The cost of seeds does not help us assess whether the yield improvement is due to the hybrid seed's drought resistance.
(C): Among all the crops planted, which seed type accounts for the largest proportion of the yield improvement?

While this could provide insight into which seed is most effective, it does not address whether the yield improvement is due to the hybrid seed's drought resistance or some other factor (e.g., weather changes).
(D): Do any farmers continue to use traditional seeds along with the new hybrid seeds?

This might help identify whether traditional seeds are still in use, but it does not assess whether the yield improvement is due to the hybrid seed's drought resistance.
(E): Are there more farms specializing in crops that are traditionally drought-resistant or in those that are typically more water-dependent?

This might give context about farming practices but does not directly evaluate whether the yield improvement is due to the hybrid seed's drought resistance.
and B
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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: Agricultural Researcher 25 Dec 2024, 00:49
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I would say answer B

The goal is to determine whether the improvement in crop yields can be properly attributed to the drought resistance quality of the new hybrid seed

This is the most helpful information because it addresses whether external factors (like improved rainfall) could explain the improved yields, rather than attributing them solely to the hybrid seed's drought resistance
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