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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 6): Flexible scheduling allows employees Updated on: 14 Aug 2025, 06:46
Originally posted by Bunuel on 07 Jul 2025, 08:00.
Last edited by Bunuel on 14 Aug 2025, 06:46, edited 2 times in total.
Changed "qualifies" to "shows a limitation of"
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B
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63% (01:53) correct 37% (02:02) wrong based on 489 sessions

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Flexible scheduling allows employees to choose their work hours within certain limits and is widely believed to increase productivity. Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible. However, this recommendation may not always serve that goal. Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently. Without that, delays and communication breakdowns can occur, undermining team effectiveness. Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

In the argument above, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that shows a limitation of that recommendation.
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.

 


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B
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 6): Flexible scheduling allows employees Updated on: 12 Aug 2025, 16:46
Originally posted by Bunuel on 07 Jul 2025, 08:30.
Last edited by bb on 12 Aug 2025, 16:46, edited 3 times in total.
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Bunuel
Flexible scheduling allows employees to choose their work hours within certain limits and is widely believed to increase productivity. Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible. However, this recommendation may not always serve that goal. Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently. Without that, delays and communication breakdowns can occur, undermining team effectiveness. Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

In the argument above, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.
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­

GMAT Club Official Explanation:



The argument begins by presenting the view of some consultants who claim that flexible schedules should be used to maximize productivity. The author then challenges that recommendation, arguing that fixed schedules may better serve the same goal under certain circumstances. The first boldface is a general position offered by others, and the second boldface is the author’s main conclusion.



A. Incorrect. BF1 Correct / BF2 Wrong.
BF1: OK. is a recommendation (use flex schedules) based on a goal (maximize productivity).
BF2: NOT OK. This statement does show a limitation of that recommendation by pointing out cases where it doesn't work. However, this description isn't the best one because it understates the role of the second statement. BF2 isn't just a minor point or a "consideration"; it is the main conclusion of the entire argument.


Correct answer: B

BF1: OK. It is a "general claim" ("implement...whenever possible") made by "some experts" (the consultants).
BF2: OK. It is the author's ultimate takeaway, signaled by the word "Therefore." It's the point the entire argument is structured to support. This makes it the main conclusion.


C. Incorrect.

BF1: NOT OK. The argument does not defend the first boldfaced statement; it challenges it.
BF2: NOT OK. The second boldfaced statement is the conclusion, not evidence. The evidence is the part about "close coordination" and "communication breakdowns."


D. Incorrect.

BF1: NOT OK. The first statement is not the goal but a way of reaching a goal
BF2: NOT OK. The second statement does not challenge the goal. The goal is maximizing productivity. The author fully supports this goal. In fact, BF2 explicitly says that maintaining fixed schedules serves "the very goal of maximizing productivity." The argument only challenges the strategy (flexible schedules), not the goal itself.


E. Incorrect.

BF1: NOT OK. The argument does not support the first statement; it opposes it.
BF1: NOT OK. The second statement is nota prediction about the future. It describes what is best under current, known conditions.
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Was confused between A and B.

In A, the first bold face was a recommendation from the consultants, and the second bold face qualifies that recommendation. Qualifies mean limit or make the recommendation more precise. As it says "the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases," this is a qualifier. So this is right.

In B,it says the first bold face is a claim(but it's actually a recommendation). The second bold face is the main conclusion which is true. But science, the firstboldface is wrong. This is not the right anwer.

So the correct answer is A.
Bunuel
Flexible scheduling allows employees to choose their work hours within certain limits and is widely believed to increase productivity. Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible. However, this recommendation may not always serve that goal. Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently. Without that, delays and communication breakdowns can occur, undermining team effectiveness. Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

In the argument above, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.

 


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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 6): Flexible scheduling allows employees 07 Jul 2025, 08:28
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Boldface 1: Opposite Viewpoint

Boldface 2: Main Conclusion of the arguement

Based on BF2, we can eliminate A, C & E since BF2 is not a fact & represents the main conclusion of the passage.

D: The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it ; the second challenges the validity of that goal.- First part is correct but the second is wrong since the arguement/BF2 never challenges the validity of the goal in itself, rather provides an alternative to achieve that goal.

Hence Ans is E
E: The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument. E accurately represents both boldfaces
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Information given:
- Flexible scheduling is widely believed to boost productivity
- Some consultants argue companies should always use flexible scheduling to maximize productivity
- The argument says: this recommendation may not always help, because some companies need synchronized hours for team effectiveness
- Therefore, sometimes fixed schedules are better for maximizing productivity

Question:
- In the argument above, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles

Solution:
- A: The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
- Indeed, the first statement is a recommendation (given by some consultants) based on a widely accepted goal (to maximize productivity), and the second statement qualifies the recommendation by showing that it isn't always the best

- B: The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
- The first statement is not a general claim, but rather a recommendation. The second statement does not function as a main conclusion of the argument as a whole.

- C: The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
- The argument provided in the second statement actually challenges the first the approach, rather than supporting it

- D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
- The goal (to maximize productivity) is not challenged, rather, the means is.

- E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.
- The first boldfaced part is not the author's conclusion. Rather, it's the consultants' recommendation.

Answer: A, The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
Bunuel
Flexible scheduling allows employees to choose their work hours within certain limits and is widely believed to increase productivity. Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible. However, this recommendation may not always serve that goal. Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently. Without that, delays and communication breakdowns can occur, undermining team effectiveness. Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

In the argument above, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.

 


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The argument begins by introducing a common belief and then presents the first bolded statement as a recommendation from "some consultants." The author then uses the transition word "However" to signal a counterargument, providing evidence that this recommendation may not always be suitable. The second bolded statement, introduced by the conclusion indicator "Therefore," presents the author's final, nuanced position.

The first bolded portion, "it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible," is a claim or recommendation that the author attributes to a third party ("some consultants"). The author does not endorse this view but rather presents it as a position to be evaluated and ultimately qualified.

The second bolded portion, "the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, be best served by maintaining fixed work schedules," is the main conclusion of the author's argument. It follows the author's own evidence and reasoning, and it serves as a direct response to the initial claim, offering a more situational perspective.

Option (B) accurately describes these roles. The first statement is a general claim supported by experts (the consultants), and the second statement is the main conclusion of the argument. Option (A) is incorrect because the second statement is a conclusion, not merely a "consideration." Option (C) is incorrect because the argument seeks to challenge, not defend, the first statement. Option (D) is incorrect because the argument does not challenge the goal of maximizing productivity but rather the method for achieving it. Option (E) is incorrect because the argument provides evidence against the first statement, not in support of it.

The correct answer is (B).
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First boldfaced portion: "Some consultants argue that because a company's goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible."
Second boldfaced portion: "Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules." The first boldfaced portion presents a recommendation made by consultants based on the goal of maximizing productivity. This is not the author's main conclusion but rather a position that the author will qualify.
The second boldfaced portion is clearly the author's main conclusion, indicated by "Therefore." The author concludes that sometimes fixed schedules (not flexible ones) may better serve the goal of maximizing productivity.
Now let's evaluate each answer choice:
A) The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
The first part is correct - it does state a recommendation based on the goal of productivity. However, the second boldfaced portion is not merely a "consideration" - its the author's main conclusion that directly counters the recommendation in the first boldfaced portion.
B) The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
This is correct. The first boldfaced portion expresses a claim made by "some consultants" (experts), and the second is clearly the author's main conclusion.
C) The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
Incorrect. The argument is not defending the approach in the first boldfaced portion but rather qualifying it. The second portion is not evidence but the conclusion.
D) The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it, the second challenges the validity of that goal.
Incorrect. The second boldfaced portion doesn't challenge the goal of maximizing productivity - it actually accepts this goal but suggests a different way to achieve it in some cases.
E) The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.
Incorrect. The first is not the argument's conclusion but a position the author qualifies. The second is not a prediction but the author's main conclusion.
The correct answer is B
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The key words in two bold faced portions should be taken into consideration for solving this question. Whenever possible in the first boldface and May in some cases in the second boldface. It is clearly stated in the first one that why flexible schedules are important. It should be applied whenever applicable according to the situation.
There is a counter arugument why there should be fixed routine instead of flexible routine. The second boldface says that sometimes fixed schedule be considered to increase productivity. There is no recommendation and no conclusion to that recommendation in the second boldface.
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A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
INCORRECT - "Widely accepted goal" is nowhere mentioned. The passage states "widely believed to increase productivity" and doesn't imply that increasing productivity is a "Widely accepted goal".

B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
CORRECT - The first is indeed a claim made by some experts. While the second is the main conclusion.

C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
INCORRECT

D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
INCORRECT

E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.
INCORRECT

Therefore, answer is B.
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BF1
Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible

BF2
Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.



A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
BF1 is recommendation and BF1 is consideration for a recommendation ; correct option

B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument. BF2 is not main conclusion of the argument

C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach. BF2 is not evidence


D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal. BF 2 is not challenging the validity of goal


E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion. there is no evidence cited

OPTION A is correct

Flexible scheduling allows employees to choose their work hours within certain limits and is widely believed to increase productivity. Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible. However, this recommendation may not always serve that goal. Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently. Without that, delays and communication breakdowns can occur, undermining team effectiveness. Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

In the argument above, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.
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Flexible scheduling allows employees to choose their work hours within certain limits and is widely believed to increase productivity. Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible. However, this recommendation may not always serve that goal. Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently. Without that, delays and communication breakdowns can occur, undermining team effectiveness. Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

In the argument above, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.

 


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We can clearly see from the first argument the recommendation and the second argument supports it's adoption hence we go for option A
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Breakdown of question structure -

Flexible scheduling allows employees to choose their work hours within certain limits and is widely believed to increase productivity. Premise/Evidence supporting BF-1

Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible. BF1- claim/suggestion supported by statement 1

However, this recommendation may not always serve that goal. Main Conclusion

Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently. Without that, delays and communication breakdowns can occur, undermining team effectiveness.Evidence in support of main conclusion

Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.Intermediate conclusion derived on basis of preceding statement and supporting the main conclusion

Option A - Incorrect. BF2 is not in recommendation/support of BF1
Option B - Incorrect. BF 2 is not he main conclusion
Option C - Incorrect. Argument is not defending BF -1 on the other hand its refuting it
Option D - Correct.
Option E - Incorrect. BF 1 is not supported by argument.
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Bold Face 1: Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible.

Some consultants, as experts, put the recommendation to achieve the certain goal

Bold Face2: Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

See the important keyword, Therefore. This means now this part is the conclusion the statement

Now let's evaluate options

A: The first part is correct but the second part is not because it is the main conclusion not just a qualifying consideration.
B: This is the correct answer as it mentioned first part is the experts recommendation to achieve the certain goal and 2nd part is the conclusion as mentioned on the top.
C: Both part is wrong. The argument does not defend this approach and 2nd part is conclusion and it is not in the support of bold Face 1
D: First part is correct but 2nd part is wrong, it doesn't challenges the validity but it present alternative for diff goal
E: Both part is wrong



Bunuel
Flexible scheduling allows employees to choose their work hours within certain limits and is widely believed to increase productivity. Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible. However, this recommendation may not always serve that goal. Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently. Without that, delays and communication breakdowns can occur, undermining team effectiveness. Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

In the argument above, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.

 


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Bunuel
Flexible scheduling allows employees to choose their work hours within certain limits and is widely believed to increase productivity. Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible. However, this recommendation may not always serve that goal. Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently. Without that, delays and communication breakdowns can occur, undermining team effectiveness. Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

In the argument above, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.

 


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Let's first look at the second boldface which mentions the vary conclusion of the argument. Therefore we can narrow down the our options to the ones that mention the second as the conclusion of the argument. Hence option B should be the answer.
Also we can see that first boldface is a claim. Which is what is mentioned in this option.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 6): Flexible scheduling allows employees 07 Jul 2025, 09:21
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Flexible scheduling allows employees to choose their work hours within certain limits and is widely believed to increase productivity. Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible. However, this recommendation may not always serve that goal. Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently. Without that, delays and communication breakdowns can occur, undermining team effectiveness. Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

In the argument above, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

A. CORRECT. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
Qualifies that recommendations means to put limitations on recommendations.....

B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
Main Conclusion is that the recommendation may not always serve the goal.....the second boldface...the second boldface is premise or support of that conclusion


C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
Nope..Arguement not seeks to defend the first approach....


D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
Nope..The second is not challenging the validity of the goal.....Goal is very much clear and valid for the author


E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.
Nope....Argument doesn't support it with evidence......

Bunuel
Flexible scheduling allows employees to choose their work hours within certain limits and is widely believed to increase productivity. Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible. However, this recommendation may not always serve that goal. Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently. Without that, delays and communication breakdowns can occur, undermining team effectiveness. Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

In the argument above, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.

 


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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 6): Flexible scheduling allows employees 07 Jul 2025, 09:26
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The first boldfaced statement simply reports what those consultants claim that “because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible.” It isn’t the author’s view but a general recommendation backed by experts. The second boldfaced statement (“Therefore...fixed work schedules.”) is the author’s own bottom‐line conclusion: in some cases, sticking with fixed hours better serves productivity. That exactly matches choice B: the first is a general expert‐supported claim, and the second is the argument’s main conclusion. The other options miss the mark A treats the second as merely a qualifier rather than the central thesis, C and E wrongly cast the second as evidence or prediction, and D mistakenly says the author challenges the goal itself instead of the strategy for achieving it.

Bunuel
Flexible scheduling allows employees to choose their work hours within certain limits and is widely believed to increase productivity. Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible. However, this recommendation may not always serve that goal. Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently. Without that, delays and communication breakdowns can occur, undermining team effectiveness. Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

In the argument above, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.

 


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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 6): Flexible scheduling allows employees 07 Jul 2025, 09:29
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Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible................The first boldface is a recommendation made by some consultants based on the goal to maximise productivity.

Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules....... This is the authors conclusion. Sometime to achieve maximum productivity, should maintain fixed work schedules. It doesn’t contradict the first but talks another way to keep up with goal.

Based on prethinking, option A should be the answer
A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.......... Correct
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument........First one is not a general claim.......No
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach........Arguement is not defending any approach.........No
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal...........The second doesn’t challenge the validity........No
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion............No evidence is given to support first.......No

A
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 6): Flexible scheduling allows employees 07 Jul 2025, 09:29
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Highlights:
FIRST: Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible.

SECOND : Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

Notes:
Second is the authors conclusion and it challenges the first. The goal is productivity and it is the author challenging experts/consultants who recommend one method.

A) First: yes it is a recommendation on a goal. Second: yes it qualifies

B) Frist: this does look to be supported by some experts. Second: This is the main conclusion of the author - Close but No. a little vague on general claim

C) First: the article does not defend the first part- No

D) Frist: yes it does this. Second: It does not challenge the goals validity - No

E) First: The argument does not support this - No

Answer: A
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 6): Flexible scheduling allows employees 07 Jul 2025, 09:34
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Let's evaluate the options:

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.

The first part accurately describes the first bold statement.

The second part: "the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules" is indeed a consideration that qualifies the initial recommendation. It doesn't outright reject the goal, but suggests the recommended method isn't universally applicable for achieving it. This fits well.

B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.

The first part is mostly accurate ("general claim supported by some experts" - consultants).

The second part is accurate, as the second bold sentence is the main conclusion.

However, Option A's description of the first bold as a "recommendation based on a widely accepted goal" is more precise given the context of "a company's goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules."

C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.

This is incorrect. The argument does not defend the popular approach (flexible scheduling); it argues against its universal application. The second bold part argues for fixed schedules in some cases, not flexible ones.

D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.

The first part is partially true, it identifies a strategy for achieving a goal.

However, the second part does not challenge the validity of the goal (maximizing productivity). It challenges the method to achieve the goal in certain situations.

E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.

The first part is incorrect. The first bold portion is a recommendation from consultants, not a conclusion of this argument that is then supported.

The second part is the conclusion of the argument, not a prediction based on a conclusion that precedes it.

Therefore, option A best describes the roles of the two boldfaced portions.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 6): Flexible scheduling allows employees 07 Jul 2025, 09:41
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Flexible scheduling allows employees to choose their work hours within certain limits and is widely believed to increase productivity. Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible. However, this recommendation may not always serve that goal. Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently. Without that, delays and communication breakdowns can occur, undermining team effectiveness. Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

BF2 = Conclusion: Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation. This makes sense. BF1 has a rec with the goal of "maximizing productivity" and BF2 is the conclusion, supporting the rec

B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument. It doesn't seem like a general claim

C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach. Argument is not defending BF1, in fact it is suggesting something which contradicts BF1

D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal. Goal validity is not being challenged

E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion. First is not the conclusion
Bunuel
Flexible scheduling allows employees to choose their work hours within certain limits and is widely believed to increase productivity. Some consultants argue that because a company’s goal is to maximize productivity, it should implement flexible schedules whenever possible. However, this recommendation may not always serve that goal. Companies that depend on close coordination among team members often require synchronized work hours to function efficiently. Without that, delays and communication breakdowns can occur, undermining team effectiveness. Therefore, the very goal of maximizing productivity may, in some cases, best be served by maintaining fixed work schedules.

In the argument above, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles?

A. The first states a recommendation based on a widely accepted goal; the second presents a consideration that qualifies that recommendation.
B. The first expresses a general claim supported by some experts; the second presents the main conclusion of the argument.
C. The first presents a popular approach that the argument seeks to defend; the second provides evidence in support of that approach.
D. The first identifies a goal and a strategy for achieving it; the second challenges the validity of that goal.
E. The first presents a conclusion that the argument later supports with evidence; the second is a prediction based on that conclusion.

 


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