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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 1): Civil Engineer: Trade between the 30 Jun 2025, 22:38
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Bunuel
Civil Engineer: Trade between the northern and southern cities of our state has stagnated greatly. There are few reliable methods of transporting goods between these two groups of cities, so in order to spur economic growth in this state, we must build a freeway system, connecting the two groups of cities, that passes no more than five miles away from each city.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the civil engineer’s reasoning?

A. Building a freeway system that passes as much as ten miles from each city would be sufficient to greatly increase trade between the northern and southern cities of the state.
B. There are other, more important causes for the lack of trade between the northern and southern cities of the state in addition to a lack of reliable methods of transporting goods between these two groups of cities.
C. The state’s infrastructure budget is not currently large enough to finance the construction of a freeway system.
D. Growth in the commercial traffic between two groups of cities is most often associated with the closeness of the transportation system with the cities.
E. The reliability of existing methods of transporting goods between the northern and southern cities of the state can be improved to some extent without building a freeway system
Show more

Notice the strong language (must) in the claim. Meaning this is the only way to spur growth.

A. This leads us to believe that the strict 5 mile limit is not true and the road can be build up to 10 miles from the cities.

B. Here we are talking about the more important causes IN ADDITION to given reason. The argument and conclusion can still hold true for this case.

C. Regardless of weather the state can build the roads or not the argument can still hold.

D. This seems to support the given statement and only give additional information regarding the proximity of the roads.

E. This speaks about the reliability of existing methods. It can be improved to SOME extent. Meaning it casts the doubt on weather this method will SPUR the economic growth. So argument still stands.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 1): Civil Engineer: Trade between the 30 Jun 2025, 22:42
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Bunuel
Civil Engineer: Trade between the northern and southern cities of our state has stagnated greatly. There are few reliable methods of transporting goods between these two groups of cities, so in order to spur economic growth in this state, we must build a freeway system, connecting the two groups of cities, that passes no more than five miles away from each city.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the civil engineer’s reasoning?

A. Building a freeway system that passes as much as ten miles from each city would be sufficient to greatly increase trade between the northern and southern cities of the state.
B. There are other, more important causes for the lack of trade between the northern and southern cities of the state in addition to a lack of reliable methods of transporting goods between these two groups of cities.
C. The state’s infrastructure budget is not currently large enough to finance the construction of a freeway system.
D. Growth in the commercial traffic between two groups of cities is most often associated with the closeness of the transportation system with the cities.
E. The reliability of existing methods of transporting goods between the northern and southern cities of the state can be improved to some extent without building a freeway system


 


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Option A.
Building a freeway system that passes as much as ten miles from each city would be sufficient to greatly increase trade...
This directly weakens the necessity of the engineer’s specific proposal (≤5 miles). If 10 miles is sufficient, there’s no need to make it as close as 5 miles.
Strongly weakens.

Option B.
There are other, more important causes for the lack of trade...
This broadens the issue: if other causes are more significant, then building a freeway might not address the real problem.
Also weakens the argument, by challenging the assumption that better transport is the main solution.

Option C.
The state’s infrastructure budget is not currently large enough...
This attacks the feasibility, not the logic of the reasoning.
This is not a flaw in reasoning — it doesn’t show that the freeway is a bad or ineffective idea, just a costly one.
Not the strongest weakening option.

Option D.
Growth in commercial traffic is most often associated with the closeness of the transportation system...
This actually supports the engineer’s idea — the closer the freeway, the more growth.
Strengthens, not weakens.

Option E.
The reliability of existing methods can be improved without building a freeway...
This weakens the necessity of building a new system — if you can just improve what you already have, then the freeway isn't required.
Weaken.

Final Answer: A
It most directly undercuts the specific design requirement (≤5 miles). If trade can improve with a freeway 10 miles away, then the rigid “no more than five miles” logic is flawed.
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Option B states that there are other reasons other than the transport issue between the North and South which is causing the economic stagnation. If the proposed solution by the Civil engineer is implemented, it will still not solve for the other issues which exist, hence weakening the argument.
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Quote:
Civil Engineer: Trade between the northern and southern cities of our state has stagnated greatly. There are few reliable methods of transporting goods between these two groups of cities, so in order to spur economic growth in this state, we must build a freeway system, connecting the two groups of cities, that passes no more than five miles away from each city.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the civil engineer’s reasoning?

A. Building a freeway system that passes as much as ten miles from each city would be sufficient to greatly increase trade between the northern and southern cities of the state.
B. There are other, more important causes for the lack of trade between the northern and southern cities of the state in addition to a lack of reliable methods of transporting goods between these two groups of cities.
C. The state’s infrastructure budget is not currently large enough to finance the construction of a freeway system.
D. Growth in the commercial traffic between two groups of cities is most often associated with the closeness of the transportation system with the cities.
E. The reliability of existing methods of transporting goods between the northern and southern cities of the state can be improved to some extent without building a freeway system
Show more

Ans. B is the answer.
Conclusion :
Spur Economic Growth ---> Must build a freeway system
We need to weaken this--- find an alternate reason for increasing the economic growth.
A : Strengthens but 10 miles is mentioned instead of 5 miles. Anyway, we need to find an option that weakens so we can jump to next option.
B: Alternate reasoning found. The conclusion is attacked and hence is weakened. Hence B is the answer.
C: We do not need to worry how it will be implemented(budget issues)
D: Aims towards increasing the closeness of transportation - Main conclusion regarding freeway system not attacked.
E:"Can be improved to some extent "-- not 100 percent, we do not know if some extent improvement will increase the economic growth.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 1): Civil Engineer: Trade between the 30 Jun 2025, 22:59
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Reasoning: Freeway must be built that passes no more than five miles away from each city

A. This directly undermines the reasoning or the constraint set by Engineer. The freeway can be more than five miles away from each city. Keep

B. This does not undermine the benefit of freeway. Though there are other factors, freeway still could help in improving situation. Eliminate

C. Budget is not relevant to this reasoning. Eliminate

D. This actually supports engineer’s reasoning and claim. Eliminate

E. The reliability or the effectiveness of existing methods are not in question here. Eliminate

Answer: A
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Bunuel
Civil Engineer: Trade between the northern and southern cities of our state has stagnated greatly. There are few reliable methods of transporting goods between these two groups of cities, so in order to spur economic growth in this state, we must build a freeway system, connecting the two groups of cities, that passes no more than five miles away from each city.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the civil engineer’s reasoning?

A. Building a freeway system that passes as much as ten miles from each city would be sufficient to greatly increase trade between the northern and southern cities of the state.
B. There are other, more important causes for the lack of trade between the northern and southern cities of the state in addition to a lack of reliable methods of transporting goods between these two groups of cities.
C. The state’s infrastructure budget is not currently large enough to finance the construction of a freeway system.
D. Growth in the commercial traffic between two groups of cities is most often associated with the closeness of the transportation system with the cities.
E. The reliability of existing methods of transporting goods between the northern and southern cities of the state can be improved to some extent without building a freeway system


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Civil Engineer: Trade between the northern and southern cities of our state has stagnated greatly. There are few reliable methods of transporting goods between these two groups of cities, so in order to spur economic growth in this state, we must build a freeway system, connecting the two groups of cities, that passes no more than five miles away from each city.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the civil engineer’s reasoning?

A. Building a freeway system that passes as much as ten miles from each city would be sufficient to greatly increase trade between the northern and southern cities of the state.
B. There are other, more important causes for the lack of trade between the northern and southern cities of the state in addition to a lack of reliable methods of transporting goods between these two groups of cities.
C. The state’s infrastructure budget is not currently large enough to finance the construction of a freeway system.
D. Growth in the commercial traffic between two groups of cities is most often associated with the closeness of the transportation system with the cities.
E. The reliability of existing methods of transporting goods between the northern and southern cities of the state can be improved to some extent without building a freeway system

Answer: (B)

If there are other more important causes for the lack of trade between the northern and southern cities, then solving only the transportation may not improve the lack of trade - eventually spiking the economic growth as mentioned in the core argument. Hence it weakens the reasoning.
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Quote:
Civil Engineer: Trade between the northern and southern cities of our state has stagnated greatly. There are few reliable methods of transporting goods between these two groups of cities, so in order to spur economic growth in this state, we must build a freeway system, connecting the two groups of cities, that passes no more than five miles away from each city.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the civil engineer’s reasoning?

A. Building a freeway system that passes as much as ten miles from each city would be sufficient to greatly increase trade between the northern and southern cities of the state.
B. There are other, more important causes for the lack of trade between the northern and southern cities of the state in addition to a lack of reliable methods of transporting goods between these two groups of cities.
C. The state’s infrastructure budget is not currently large enough to finance the construction of a freeway system.
D. Growth in the commercial traffic between two groups of cities is most often associated with the closeness of the transportation system with the cities.
E. The reliability of existing methods of transporting goods between the northern and southern cities of the state can be improved to some extent without building a freeway system
Show more

Ans. Conclusion :
Spur Economic Growth ---> Must build a freeway system
We need to weaken this--- find an alternate reason for increasing the economic growth.
A : Strengthens but 10 miles is mentioned instead of 5 miles. Anyway, we need to find an option that weakens so we can jump to next option.
B: Alternate reasoning found. The conclusion is attacked and hence is weakened. Hence B is the answer.
C: We do not need to worry how it will be implemented(budget issues)
D: Aims towards increasing the closeness of transportation - Main conclusion regarding freeway system not attacked.
E:"Can be improved to some extent "-- not 100 percent, we do not know if some extent improvement will increase the economic growth.
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This is a tricky one and its unlike any other CR question I have solved, in that, there are 3 weakener options - A, B and E. I'll explain why C and D are not weakeners:
C - The size of the state's infra budget has no effect on whether building a freeway system will spur economic growth. The engineer's reasoning still stands.
D - D is a strengthener, since it emphasizes the importance of good transportation systems to commercial traffic and commerce.

Among A, B and E:
A: It weakens only a part of the engineer's reasoning. The engineer defines his plan with a proximity of 5 miles and option A weakens this claim by saying 10 miles is sufficient. This option doesn't weaken the engineer's claim that building a freeway system will spur economic growth.
B: Correct answer By introducing new variables such as more important causes for the lack of trade, it brings in the possibility of the freeway system being futile in spurring economic growth. More important causes such as : political strife between northern and southern cities, no overlap between goods that are consumed and sold in the two sets of cities,..etc.
E: This weakens the engineer's reasoning by saying that the the reliability of existing transportation methods can be improved to some extent which renders the freeway system unnecessary. Though a valid weakener, this option implicitly agrees with the engineer's assertion that freeway systems are more reliable. Besides is the extent to which the existing transport systems can be improved enough to spur economic growth? It doesn't challenge the engineer's argument that in order to spur economic growth, freeway systems are necessary.

Even though there are three valid weakeners, my argument is that option B most seriously weakens the engineer's reasoning.
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Engineer's Logic: Bad transport is the reason for bad trade. Build freeway -> trade improves.

Weakener Goal: Show that building the freeway won't fix the trade problem or that bad transport isn't the real reason.

A (10 miles): Just a different freeway. Doesn't say it won't work.
B (Other more important causes): Directly says bad transport isn't the main problem. If it's not the main problem, the freeway won't fix trade much. This is the answer.
C (Budget): Financial problem, not a reasoning problem.
D (Closeness helps): Actually supports the freeway plan.
E (Improve existing): Offers an alternative, but doesn't say the freeway won't work or that transport isn't the problem.
Answer: B (It targets the core assumption that transportation is the primary issue).
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E. The reliability of existing methods of transporting goods between the northern and southern cities of the state can be improved to some extent without building a freeway system

Civil Engineer: Trade between the northern and southern cities of our state has stagnated greatly. There are few reliable methods of transporting goods between these two groups of cities, so in order to spur economic growth in this state, we must build a freeway system, connecting the two groups of cities, that passes no more than five miles away from each city.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the civil engineer’s reasoning?

A. Building a freeway system that passes as much as ten miles from each city would be sufficient to greatly increase trade between the northern and southern cities of the state. (Supports because the freeway being discussed in the conclusion is closer and will likely do better for commercial than what is stated here)
B. There are other, more important causes for the lack of trade between the northern and southern cities of the state in addition to a lack of reliable methods of transporting goods between these two groups of cities. (Weakens but doesn't directly attack the conclusion)
C. The state’s infrastructure budget is not currently large enough to finance the construction of a freeway system. (Unrelated)
D. Growth in the commercial traffic between two groups of cities is most often associated with the closeness of the transportation system with the cities. (Supports as any new transportation will increase the commercial traffic according to this)
E. The reliability of existing methods of transporting goods between the northern and southern cities of the state can be improved to some extent without building a freeway system (Weakens and Correct because it directly challenges the conclusion and advises against it because of the stated reason)
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E. The reliability of existing methods of transporting goods between the northern and southern cities of the state can be improved to some extent without building a freeway system

Civil Engineer: Trade between the northern and southern cities of our state has stagnated greatly. There are few reliable methods of transporting goods between these two groups of cities, so in order to spur economic growth in this state, we must build a freeway system, connecting the two groups of cities, that passes no more than five miles away from each city.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the civil engineer’s reasoning?

A. Building a freeway system that passes as much as ten miles from each city would be sufficient to greatly increase trade between the northern and southern cities of the state. (Supports because the freeway being discussed in the conclusion is closer and will likely do better for commercial than what is stated here)
B. There are other, more important causes for the lack of trade between the northern and southern cities of the state in addition to a lack of reliable methods of transporting goods between these two groups of cities. (Weakens but doesn't directly attack the conclusion)
C. The state’s infrastructure budget is not currently large enough to finance the construction of a freeway system. (Unrelated)
D. Growth in the commercial traffic between two groups of cities is most often associated with the closeness of the transportation system with the cities. (Supports as any new transportation will increase the commercial traffic according to this)
E. The reliability of existing methods of transporting goods between the northern and southern cities of the state can be improved to some extent without building a freeway system (Weakens and Correct because it directly challenges the conclusion and advises against it because of the stated reason)
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Bunuel
Civil Engineer: Trade between the northern and southern cities of our state has stagnated greatly. There are few reliable methods of transporting goods between these two groups of cities, so in order to spur economic growth in this state, we must build a freeway system, connecting the two groups of cities, that passes no more than five miles away from each city.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the civil engineer’s reasoning?

A. Building a freeway system that passes as much as ten miles from each city would be sufficient to greatly increase trade between the northern and southern cities of the state.
B. There are other, more important causes for the lack of trade between the northern and southern cities of the state in addition to a lack of reliable methods of transporting goods between these two groups of cities.
C. The state’s infrastructure budget is not currently large enough to finance the construction of a freeway system.
D. Growth in the commercial traffic between two groups of cities is most often associated with the closeness of the transportation system with the cities.
E. The reliability of existing methods of transporting goods between the northern and southern cities of the state can be improved to some extent without building a freeway system


 


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We have to find the option that weakens reasoning.
Engineer's argument: A Freeway system to facilitate trade between two groups of cities,
and it passes no more than 5 miles away from each city.

A. Building a freeway system that passes as much as ten miles from each city would be sufficient to greatly increase trade between the northern and southern cities of the state.
This statement weakens the reasoning as the same result can be obtained even if the freeway is built 10 miles away from each city. It need not be 5 miles and is a more cost-effective method. Correct.

B. There are other, more important causes for the lack of trade between the northern and southern cities of the state in addition to a lack of reliable methods of transporting goods between these two groups of cities.
The term "in addition to" tells us that this problem is also present among the other problems. The reasoning in this case isn't weakened, and the engineer's solution can be used to solve the issue to some extent. Incorrect.

C. The state’s infrastructure budget is not currently large enough to finance the construction of a freeway system.
This is more of a feasibility issue. Doesn't weaken the reasoning of the engineer. Incorrect.

D. Growth in the commercial traffic between two groups of cities is most often associated with the closeness of the transportation system with the cities.
This rather supports the engineer's reasoning. Hence, this option is Incorrect.

E. The reliability of existing methods of transporting goods between the northern and southern cities of the state can be improved to some extent without building a freeway system.
In this case, the main issue will be resolved up to a certain extent and remain. Hence, the engineer's reasoning still holds valid.
Incorrect.

Answer option A.
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A.

“Building a freeway system that passes as much as ten miles from each city would be sufficient to greatly increase trade between the northern and southern cities of the state.”

Explanation:
This directly weakens the core reasoning — the engineer insists on a costly, specific design (within 5 miles of every city).
If a less extreme version (10 miles) would work just as well, then the proposed plan is overkill and not justified.

✅ Strongly weakens — this is the correct answer.

⸻

B.

“There are other, more important causes for the lack of trade between the northern and southern cities of the state in addition to a lack of reliable methods of transporting goods between these two groups of cities.”

Explanation:
This says: “Yes, transportation might be a problem — but there are bigger problems too.”
That makes the argument less convincing, but it doesn’t say the freeway won’t help. It just says it might not be enough.

So it partially weakens the idea that the freeway will fix everything, but it doesn’t attack the necessity or logic of the specific freeway design.

❌ Weakens mildly, but not the best answer.

⸻

C.

“The state’s infrastructure budget is not currently large enough to finance the construction of a freeway system.”

Explanation:
This talks about feasibility, not logic.
Whether we can build it doesn’t affect whether it should be built to achieve the goal.

❌ Irrelevant to weakening the argument’s reasoning.

⸻

D.

“Growth in the commercial traffic between two groups of cities is most often associated with the closeness of the transportation system with the cities.”

Explanation:
This strengthens the argument.
It supports the idea that a closer freeway (within 5 miles) would actually help.

❌ Opposite of weakening.

⸻

E.

“The reliability of existing methods of transporting goods between the northern and southern cities of the state can be improved to some extent without building a freeway system.”

Explanation:
This provides an alternative solution — we might not need a freeway at all.
But it doesn’t weaken the reasoning to have a freeway

Ans A
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IMO the answer is B, because if this statement is true then building the freeway system won't spur economic growth.

Bunuel
Civil Engineer: Trade between the northern and southern cities of our state has stagnated greatly. There are few reliable methods of transporting goods between these two groups of cities, so in order to spur economic growth in this state, we must build a freeway system, connecting the two groups of cities, that passes no more than five miles away from each city.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the civil engineer’s reasoning?

A. Building a freeway system that passes as much as ten miles from each city would be sufficient to greatly increase trade between the northern and southern cities of the state.
B. There are other, more important causes for the lack of trade between the northern and southern cities of the state in addition to a lack of reliable methods of transporting goods between these two groups of cities.
C. The state’s infrastructure budget is not currently large enough to finance the construction of a freeway system.
D. Growth in the commercial traffic between two groups of cities is most often associated with the closeness of the transportation system with the cities.
E. The reliability of existing methods of transporting goods between the northern and southern cities of the state can be improved to some extent without building a freeway system


 


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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 1): Civil Engineer: Trade between the 01 Jul 2025, 02:33
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Bunuel
Civil Engineer: Trade between the northern and southern cities of our state has stagnated greatly. There are few reliable methods of transporting goods between these two groups of cities, so in order to spur economic growth in this state, we must build a freeway system, connecting the two groups of cities, that passes no more than five miles away from each city.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the civil engineer’s reasoning?

A. Building a freeway system that passes as much as ten miles from each city would be sufficient to greatly increase trade between the northern and southern cities of the state.
B. There are other, more important causes for the lack of trade between the northern and southern cities of the state in addition to a lack of reliable methods of transporting goods between these two groups of cities.
C. The state’s infrastructure budget is not currently large enough to finance the construction of a freeway system.
D. Growth in the commercial traffic between two groups of cities is most often associated with the closeness of the transportation system with the cities.
E. The reliability of existing methods of transporting goods between the northern and southern cities of the state can be improved to some extent without building a freeway system


 


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A. Building a freeway system that passes as much as ten miles from each city would be sufficient to greatly increase trade between the northern and southern cities of the state.
--> The engineer mentions "no more than 5 km" in his conclusion for the freeway restriction. If 10 km is sufficient for increasing trade between the cities, then this weakens the argument

B. There are other, more important causes for the lack of trade between the northern and southern cities of the state in addition to a lack of reliable methods of transporting goods between these two groups of cities.
--> The arguments never suggests that this is the only way to increase trade. This is in line with the argument that improving reliable transportation methods can lead to economic growth as it is one of the factors if not the only or most important one.

C. The state’s infrastructure budget is not currently large enough to finance the construction of a freeway system.
--> Cost dependency is not discussed in the argument; hence, this does not affect the argument.

D. Growth in the commercial traffic between two groups of cities is most often associated with the closeness of the transportation system with the cities.
--> This more likely strengthens the argument

E. The reliability of existing methods of transporting goods between the northern and southern cities of the state can be improved to some extent without building a freeway system
--> This proposes an alternate plan to remediate the issue, but the argument isn't weakened by it.

IMHO Option A
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 1): Civil Engineer: Trade between the 01 Jul 2025, 03:23
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My guess is E. While there are only a few reliable methods of transportation, a new transportation system does not need to be built in order to achieve the goal; improving the existing methods is sufficient.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 1): Civil Engineer: Trade between the 01 Jul 2025, 03:45
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If there are other more important reasons that affect trade between the two cities then building the new freeway system will not resolve the issue
Ans B
Bunuel
Civil Engineer: Trade between the northern and southern cities of our state has stagnated greatly. There are few reliable methods of transporting goods between these two groups of cities, so in order to spur economic growth in this state, we must build a freeway system, connecting the two groups of cities, that passes no more than five miles away from each city.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the civil engineer’s reasoning?

A. Building a freeway system that passes as much as ten miles from each city would be sufficient to greatly increase trade between the northern and southern cities of the state.
B. There are other, more important causes for the lack of trade between the northern and southern cities of the state in addition to a lack of reliable methods of transporting goods between these two groups of cities.
C. The state’s infrastructure budget is not currently large enough to finance the construction of a freeway system.
D. Growth in the commercial traffic between two groups of cities is most often associated with the closeness of the transportation system with the cities.
E. The reliability of existing methods of transporting goods between the northern and southern cities of the state can be improved to some extent without building a freeway system


 


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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 1): Civil Engineer: Trade between the 01 Jul 2025, 03:49
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I chose option E because it is the only choice stating that there is no need for the city to establish a freeway system, as there is another available option. This directly weakens the civil engineer’s conclusion that the city must build the freeway system to solve the problem.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 1): Civil Engineer: Trade between the 01 Jul 2025, 04:06
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Civil Engineer: Trade between the northern and southern cities of our state has stagnated greatly. There are few reliable methods of transporting goods between these two groups of cities, so in order to spur economic growth in this state, we must build a freeway system, connecting the two groups of cities, that passes no more than five miles away from each city.

Trade is stagnant -> for economic growth - transportation needs to be improved -> hence, freeway system to be build

A. Building a freeway system that passes as much as ten miles from each city would be sufficient to greatly increase trade between the northern and southern cities of the state. - If building free way up to 10 miles is enough, then the given plan is leading to unnecessary wastage, Hence the answer.

B. There are other, more important causes for the lack of trade between the northern and southern cities of the state in addition to a lack of reliable methods of transporting goods between these two groups of cities. - If true, building the freeway will help for economic growth.
C. The state’s infrastructure budget is not currently large enough to finance the construction of a freeway system. Even though budget is the issue, building freeway still can improve the economy.
D. Growth in the commercial traffic between two groups of cities is most often associated with the closeness of the transportation system with the cities.- Supports the given reasoning.
E. The reliability of existing methods of transporting goods between the northern and southern cities of the state can be improved to some extent without building a freeway system - Other Improvements can be done without building the freeway but building freeway won't harm and will addon.
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