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655-705 (Hard)|   Bold Face CR|         
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bart08241192
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 10): Walmart has recently begun 11 Jul 2025, 10:32
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A. Incorrect: The second point merely poses a question and does not serve as the conclusion of an argument.

B. Incorrect: The first point is not a matter for evaluation, and the second point does not constitute evidence.

C. Incorrect: Neither point provides evidence for the conclusion.

D. Correct: The first point establishes the context; the second point identifies the subject to be predicted. BINGO!!

E. Incorrect: The first point does not specify the subject of the conclusion, and the second point is not supportive evidence.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 10): Walmart has recently begun 11 Jul 2025, 10:37
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Bunuel
Walmart has recently begun transitioning from its traditional warehouse-based retail model to an online-first model. A question has arisen about whether this shift will lead to a reduction in the company’s fixed costs. This is quite likely, since expenses such as warehouse rentals and in-store salaries have historically contributed significantly to Walmart’s fixed costs.

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

A. The first introduces the context for the argument; the second is the central claim the argument attempts to justify.
B. The first presents an issue that the argument seeks to evaluate; the second provides evidence in support of a prediction made in the argument.
C. Both the first and the second provide evidence in support of the main claim.
D. The first establishes the context for the argument's evaluation; the second identifies the subject of that prediction.
E. The first identifies the subject of the main conclusion; the second provides evidence supporting that conclusion.


 


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A. Keep, analysis of both the boldfaces is correct.
B. Trap, second boldface is not evidence rather is a claim.
C. Trap, the first is not a claim.
D. Keep, The first and second boldface seems to align wit that is mention in the argument.
E. Keep, it looks like again the statements mentions what is in the paragraph.

Hnece we have now 3 options A, D, E and E seems to be giving the correct understanding as A's analysis about seend statement is a bit dicy and so is Option D, analyses about second boldface as it is not a prediction.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 10): Walmart has recently begun 11 Jul 2025, 11:05
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BF1: A question has arisen about whether this shift will lead to a reduction in the company’s fixed costs.

This introduces a central issue or question that argument is evaluating. It tells what discussion is all about.

BF2: expenses such as warehouse rentals and in-store salaries have historically contributed significantly to Walmart’s fixed costs.

This statement provides a reason or evidence to support the idea that a shift away from the traditional model would likely lead to a reduction in fixed costs.

B. The first presents an issue that the argument seeks to evaluate; the second provides evidence in support of a prediction made in the argument.

This is our option. The first part clearly states the issue or question to be evaluated (will fixed costs reduce?).
The argument then makes a prediction (quite likely) and the second boldfaced part provides the evidence for that prediction.


Option B.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 10): Walmart has recently begun 11 Jul 2025, 12:03
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lets check the given options,

A. The first introduces the context for the argument; the second is the central claim the argument attempts to justify.

The first part clearly gives the background.

The second part states the main idea that the argument tries to show is true (the central claim).

so this option fits perfectly.

B. The first presents an issue that the argument seeks to evaluate; the second provides evidence in support of a prediction made in the argument.

The first part isn't really an "issue" to evaluate; it's a fact about Walmart's changes.

The second part is the prediction itself, not the evidence for it. The evidence comes after the second bold part.

so this option is incorrect.

C. Both the first and the second provide evidence in support of the main claim.

Neither bold part is acting as "evidence." The evidence comes later.

so this option is incorrect.

D. The first establishes the context for the argument's evaluation; the second identifies the subject of that prediction.

The first part does set the context.

The second part does more than just "identify the subject." It is the question/prediction about fixed costs.

this option is less precise than A.

E. The first identifies the subject of the main conclusion; the second provides evidence supporting that conclusion.

The first part is context, not the subject of the main conclusion. The main conclusion is about fixed costs.

The second part is the prediction/claim, not evidence.

so this option is incorrect.

Option A best describes the roles of the two bolded sentences.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 10): Walmart has recently begun 11 Jul 2025, 12:49
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Statement 1: Walmart has recently begun transitioning from its traditional warehouse-based retail model to an online-first model.
Statement 2: whether this shift will lead to a reduction in the company’s fixed costs.

Statement A: This looks like a good candidate. First statement does introduce the context / premise of the discussion. While the second statement is posed as a question, it is treated as a claim which is then qualified by giving a reasoning in the following statement. KEEP.

Statement B: This is wrong since statement 2 is definitely not an evidence. ELIMINATE.

Statement C: This is wrong since statement 1 is just setting the context and not used to support any claim as such. ELIMINATE.

Statement D: This option is tricky. First part is definitely correct. But the second part refers to prediction instead of "evaluation". All in all, this is probably a weak candidate that seems relevant if read superficially but when compared to A, it is definitely not what clicks. ELIMINATE.

Statement E: Just like statement B, this is wrong because the second statement is not an evidence. ELIMINATE.

Answer is option A.
Bunuel
Walmart has recently begun transitioning from its traditional warehouse-based retail model to an online-first model. A question has arisen about whether this shift will lead to a reduction in the company’s fixed costs. This is quite likely, since expenses such as warehouse rentals and in-store salaries have historically contributed significantly to Walmart’s fixed costs.

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

A. The first introduces the context for the argument; the second is the central claim the argument attempts to justify.
B. The first presents an issue that the argument seeks to evaluate; the second provides evidence in support of a prediction made in the argument.
C. Both the first and the second provide evidence in support of the main claim.
D. The first establishes the context for the argument's evaluation; the second identifies the subject of that prediction.
E. The first identifies the subject of the main conclusion; the second provides evidence supporting that conclusion.


 


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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 10): Walmart has recently begun 11 Jul 2025, 12:59
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Bunuel
Walmart has recently begun transitioning from its traditional warehouse-based retail model to an online-first model. A question has arisen about whether this shift will lead to a reduction in the company’s fixed costs. This is quite likely, since expenses such as warehouse rentals and in-store salaries have historically contributed significantly to Walmart’s fixed costs.

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

A. The first introduces the context for the argument; the second is the central claim the argument attempts to justify.
B. The first presents an issue that the argument seeks to evaluate; the second provides evidence in support of a prediction made in the argument.
C. Both the first and the second provide evidence in support of the main claim.
D. The first establishes the context for the argument's evaluation; the second identifies the subject of that prediction.
E. The first identifies the subject of the main conclusion; the second provides evidence supporting that conclusion.


 


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The first bold faced argument starts the context of the issue in question. It sets the platform for the issue being discussed here. The BF1 mentions Walmart transitioning from traditional retail model of business to an Online model. The bold face statement is followed by a question - it raises an important inquiry or an issue that needs to be discussed further.

The rest of the statements are addressing this question in context of the BF1.

Let’s look into the options one by one :

A. The first introduces the context for the argument; the second is the central claim the argument attempts to justify.

The first part is correct and the second raises a question and seeks to debate and evaluate it . Not justify it. Hence eliminated.

B. The first presents an issue that the argument seeks to evaluate; the second provides evidence in support of a prediction made in the argument.

First statement is not an issue. But, a general context setting platform for the argument to be considered for discussion. Second, is not a support. So eliminating it.


C. Both the first and the second provide evidence in support of the main claim.

This is completely wrong.

D. The first establishes the context for the argument's evaluation; the second identifies the subject of that prediction.

This option is the correct answer. As, the first BF1 sets the context for the argument in evaluation. The second identifies the subject of that prediction. Whether the move will likely reduce the fixed cost.

E. The first identifies the subject of the main conclusion; the second provides evidence supporting that conclusion.

The first statement is not a main conclusion. Hence, eliminating it.

Option D.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 10): Walmart has recently begun 11 Jul 2025, 13:32
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The correct answer is choice (D)

The best way to approach this question is to read the whole passage then specifically the bolded passages and how they relate to each other. I identify which sentences are part of the premise/context and which are part of the argument/claim/conclusion. Then I can work through the answer choices to see which one assigns the right type of topics to the bolded sections.

A. The first introduces the context for the argument; the second is the central claim the argument attempts to justify.
(the first introduces context however the second however the second part does not lay out the full claim, that only occurs in the nonbolded final sentence)

B. The first presents an issue that the argument seeks to evaluate; the second provides evidence in support of a prediction made in the argument.
(the first part just provides context and not the issue itself, the second part is more of a claim than evidence)

C. Both the first and the second provide evidence in support of the main claim.
(the first part just provides context and not evidence per se, the second part is more of a claim than evidence)

D. The first establishes the context for the argument's evaluation; the second identifies the subject of that prediction.
(the first part provides context of a before & after of specifically the argument's claim, the second part identifies the potention subject of the argument itself, so this correctly describes both bolded sections)

E. The first identifies the subject of the main conclusion; the second provides evidence supporting that conclusion.
(the first part may identify the subject/context but the second provides a claim rather than evidence)
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 10): Walmart has recently begun 11 Jul 2025, 13:36
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Main conclusion is reduction in the company’s fixed costs is quite likely, since expenses such as warehouse rentals and in-store salaries have historically contributed significantly to Walmart’s fixed costs.

A. The first introduces the context for the argument; the second is the central claim the argument attempts to justify. Correct, first is the evidence/context and second BF is justified through the final conclusion

B. The first presents an issue that the argument seeks to evaluate; the second provides evidence in support of a prediction made in the argument. First is the evidence/context and isn't evaluated, incorrect

C. Both the first and the second provide evidence in support of the main claim. First is the evidence but second BF is a claim taken further and not an evidence, Incorrect

D. The first establishes the context for the argument's evaluation; the second identifies the subject of that prediction. First BF just provides an evidence/context, it is not evaluated, second BF is evaluated, hence incorrect

E. The first identifies the subject of the main conclusion; the second provides evidence supporting that conclusion. First BF isn't the main conclusion, incorrect.

Ans A
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 10): Walmart has recently begun 11 Jul 2025, 13:46
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A. The first introduces the context for the argument; the second is the central claim the argument attempts to justify. The second is not a claim, it is the prediction argument attempts to justify.
B. The first presents an issue that the argument seeks to evaluate; the second provides evidence in support of a prediction made in the argument. The second is not a evidence
C. Both the first and the second provide evidence in support of the main claim. Both are not evidences.
D. The first establishes the context for the argument's evaluation; the second identifies the subject of that prediction.[Correct]. The first provides context and second is the subject of prediction.
E. The first identifies the subject of the main conclusion; the second provides evidence supporting that conclusion. The first is a context, not a conclusion and second is a subject, not a evidence.
Bunuel
Walmart has recently begun transitioning from its traditional warehouse-based retail model to an online-first model. A question has arisen about whether this shift will lead to a reduction in the company’s fixed costs. This is quite likely, since expenses such as warehouse rentals and in-store salaries have historically contributed significantly to Walmart’s fixed costs.

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

A. The first introduces the context for the argument; the second is the central claim the argument attempts to justify.
B. The first presents an issue that the argument seeks to evaluate; the second provides evidence in support of a prediction made in the argument.
C. Both the first and the second provide evidence in support of the main claim.
D. The first establishes the context for the argument's evaluation; the second identifies the subject of that prediction.
E. The first identifies the subject of the main conclusion; the second provides evidence supporting that conclusion.


 


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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 10): Walmart has recently begun 11 Jul 2025, 14:17
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A. The second is no claim, it states a question.
B. Discarded because th first is context.
C. Discarded because th first is context.
D. RIght, first serves as context for the prediction at the end, whereas the second introduces the theme which the end prediction is about. CORRECT ANSWER.
E. Discarded because th first is context.
Bunuel
Walmart has recently begun transitioning from its traditional warehouse-based retail model to an online-first model. A question has arisen about whether this shift will lead to a reduction in the company’s fixed costs. This is quite likely, since expenses such as warehouse rentals and in-store salaries have historically contributed significantly to Walmart’s fixed costs.

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

A. The first introduces the context for the argument; the second is the central claim the argument attempts to justify.
B. The first presents an issue that the argument seeks to evaluate; the second provides evidence in support of a prediction made in the argument.
C. Both the first and the second provide evidence in support of the main claim.
D. The first establishes the context for the argument's evaluation; the second identifies the subject of that prediction.
E. The first identifies the subject of the main conclusion; the second provides evidence supporting that conclusion.


 


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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 10): Walmart has recently begun 11 Jul 2025, 16:08
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Walmart has recently begun transitioning from its traditional warehouse-based retail model to an online-first model.
Ok. Factual information. The passage is just informing us what happened.

A question has arisen about


whether this shift will lead to a reduction in the company’s fixed costs.
That's is, as the brief text before says, "a question that arises"

This is quite likely, since expenses such as warehouse rentals and in-store salaries have historically contributed significantly to Walmart’s fixed costs.

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

A. The first introduces the context for the argument; the second is the central claim the argument attempts to justify.
The first part of the answer choice looks correct, but the second part does not. The second part is definitely not the central claim. Wrong answer.

B. The first presents an issue that the argument seeks to evaluate; the second provides evidence in support of a prediction made in the argument.
The first part does not present any issue, it's just factual information. Wrong answer.

C. Both the first and the second provide evidence in support of the main claim.
We could say that the first one maybe is an evidence. The second part, on the other hand, definitely is not an evidence. Wrong answer.

D. The first establishes the context for the argument's evaluation; the second identifies the subject of that prediction.
Yes, both parts match with our previous analysis. The first bold is telling us a factual information (context) while the second is identifying the subject of the prediction, that is "reduction in fixed costs".

E. The first identifies the subject of the main conclusion; the second provides evidence supporting that conclusion.
No, it does not match with our analysis. Wrong answer.

Answer = D.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 10): Walmart has recently begun 11 Jul 2025, 16:14
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Bunuel
Walmart has recently begun transitioning from its traditional warehouse-based retail model to an online-first model. A question has arisen about whether this shift will lead to a reduction in the company’s fixed costs. This is quite likely, since expenses such as warehouse rentals and in-store salaries have historically contributed significantly to Walmart’s fixed costs.

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

A. The first introduces the context for the argument; the second is the central claim the argument attempts to justify.
B. The first presents an issue that the argument seeks to evaluate; the second provides evidence in support of a prediction made in the argument.
C. Both the first and the second provide evidence in support of the main claim.
D. The first establishes the context for the argument's evaluation; the second identifies the subject of that prediction.
E. The first identifies the subject of the main conclusion; the second provides evidence supporting that conclusion.


 


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Thats a tough one. So what are we searching for specifically?

The first bold portion points out a situations, or better said: A change of situation and gives us the underlying context for any argumentation afterwards.
The second bold portion responds to the given question and transitions/prepares for the conclusion / An answer to the question asked.

if we look at the choices, we can derive to the following:
A) 2. Does not fit.
B) 2. Does not fit.
C) Both do not fit.
D) Hold; Both fit.
E) 2. Does not fit.

Therefore, i go with D), as its the only one, where both bolds are correctly described.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 10): Walmart has recently begun 11 Jul 2025, 16:53
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1.Walmart--transition--retail to first online model----->>introduces context for argument
2.Transition--reduce its fixed costs?---->>the central claim which is justified later
hence-A
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 10): Walmart has recently begun 11 Jul 2025, 18:04
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A. The first introduces the context for the argument; the second is the central claim the argument attempts to justify. [FIRST part true; Second part false]

B. The first presents an issue that the argument seeks to evaluate; the second provides evidence in support of a prediction made in the argument.[BOTH Parts false]

C. Both the first and the second provide evidence in support of the main claim. [color=#000000][BOTH Parts false][/color]

correct answer: D. The first establishes the context for the argument's evaluation; yes, the first bold establishes Walmart's transition from traditional warehouse-based to an online model

the second identifies the subject of that prediction; yes, "whether" is a prediction and, "whether" this shift will reduce operating margin is the subject that's under review.

E. The first identifies the subject of the main conclusion; the second provides evidence supporting that conclusion. [color=#000000][BOTH Parts false; second part was compelling, but no evidence is provided in bold] [/color]
Bunuel
Walmart has recently begun transitioning from its traditional warehouse-based retail model to an online-first model. A question has arisen about whether this shift will lead to a reduction in the company’s fixed costs. This is quite likely, since expenses such as warehouse rentals and in-store salaries have historically contributed significantly to Walmart’s fixed costs.

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

A. The first introduces the context for the argument; the second is the central claim the argument attempts to justify.
B. The first presents an issue that the argument seeks to evaluate; the second provides evidence in support of a prediction made in the argument.
C. Both the first and the second provide evidence in support of the main claim.
D. The first establishes the context for the argument's evaluation; the second identifies the subject of that prediction.
E. The first identifies the subject of the main conclusion; the second provides evidence supporting that conclusion.


 


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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 10): Walmart has recently begun 11 Jul 2025, 18:47
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Argument Breakdown:

First bold portion: "Walmart has recently begun transitioning from its traditional warehouse-based retail model to an online-first model."

This is background information establishing the context of Walmart's strategic shift.

Second bold portion: "whether this shift will lead to a reduction in the company's fixed costs"

This presents the specific question/issue that the argument will address.

Conclusion: "This is quite likely" (that fixed costs will reduce)

The argument's main claim.

Supporting Evidence: "since expenses such as warehouse rentals and in-store salaries have historically contributed significantly to Walmart's fixed costs."

This explains why the conclusion is likely true.

Evaluating the Options:

A. Incorrect - The second bold is not the central claim; it's the question being examined. The conclusion ("this is quite likely") is the central claim.
B. Incorrect - The first bold is not presenting an issue; it's providing context. The second bold is the issue itself, not evidence.
C. Incorrect - Neither bold portion is evidence; the evidence comes after both bold parts.
D. Correct -

First bold establishes the context (transition to online-first model)

Second bold identifies what's being predicted (whether fixed costs will reduce)
E. Incorrect - The first bold is not the subject of the conclusion; it's background context. The second bold is the subject being predicted.

Why (D) is Correct:

The first bold portion sets up the situation (context), while the second bold portion identifies exactly what the argument will make a prediction about (subject of prediction). The actual prediction ("this is quite likely") and evidence follow these two elements.

Answer: D
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 10): Walmart has recently begun 11 Jul 2025, 19:17
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Walmart has recently begun transitioning from its traditional warehouse-based retail model to an online-first model.

This is a fact.

A question has arisen about whether this shift will lead to a reduction in the company’s fixed costs.

The second is a question.

This is quite likely (This is a conclusion and also answers the question), since expenses such as warehouse rentals and in-store salaries have historically contributed significantly to Walmart’s fixed costs.

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

B. The first presents an issue that the argument seeks to evaluate; the second provides evidence in support of a prediction made in the argument.

The first can be an issue, but the argument is not evaluating the issue, it's evaluating its effect on fixed cost, and the Second is not an evidence.

C. Both the first and the second provide evidence in support of the main claim.

Both are wrong.

D. The first establishes the context for the argument's evaluation; the second identifies the subject of that prediction.

The first is right, but the second is not identifying the subject.

E. The first identifies the subject of the main conclusion; the second provides evidence supporting that conclusion.

The fist is a fact/statement not identifying the subject, and second is not providing any evidence.

A. The first introduces the context for the argument; the second is the central claim the argument attempts to justify.

A fact can be context, and a question can be a claim, and the argument is going in favor of that claim, so it's justifying it. Correct.


Ans A.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 10): Walmart has recently begun 11 Jul 2025, 20:06
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A. The first introduces the context for the argument; the second is the central claim the argument attempts to justify.

The second is not the conclusion. The conclusion is: This is quite likely

B. The first presents an issue that the argument seeks to evaluate; the second provides evidence in support of a prediction made in the argument.

The second is not evidence; it's simply a question that the argument seeks to answer.

C. Both the first and the second provide evidence in support of the main claim.

The second is not evidence.

D. The first establishes the context for the argument's evaluation; the second identifies the subject of that prediction.

This is the answer. The second is the explanation of the prediction that is " This is quite likely."

E. The first identifies the subject of the main conclusion; the second provides evidence supporting that conclusion.

The first is not the main subject conclusion; it's just context. And the second is not evidence.

The answer is D.


Bunuel
Walmart has recently begun transitioning from its traditional warehouse-based retail model to an online-first model. A question has arisen about whether this shift will lead to a reduction in the company’s fixed costs. This is quite likely, since expenses such as warehouse rentals and in-store salaries have historically contributed significantly to Walmart’s fixed costs.

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

A. The first introduces the context for the argument; the second is the central claim the argument attempts to justify.
B. The first presents an issue that the argument seeks to evaluate; the second provides evidence in support of a prediction made in the argument.
C. Both the first and the second provide evidence in support of the main claim.
D. The first establishes the context for the argument's evaluation; the second identifies the subject of that prediction.
E. The first identifies the subject of the main conclusion; the second provides evidence supporting that conclusion.


 


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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 10): Walmart has recently begun 11 Jul 2025, 21:58
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Walmart has recently begun transitioning from its traditional warehouse-based retail model to an online-first model. A question has arisen about whether this shift will lead to a reduction in the company’s fixed costs. This is quite likely, since expenses such as warehouse rentals and in-store salaries have historically contributed significantly to Walmart’s fixed costs.

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

A. The first introduces the context for the argument; the second is the central claim the argument attempts to justify.
The second is not a claim

B. The first presents an issue that the argument seeks to evaluate; the second provides evidence in support of a prediction made in the argument.—-the first part isn’t being evaluated

C. Both the first and the second provide evidence in support of the main claim.—-
First and second neither are evidence.

D. The first establishes the context for the argument's evaluation; the second identifies the subject of that prediction.——
Yes second is subject for argument s prediction

E. The first identifies the subject of the main conclusion; the second provides evidence supporting that conclusion.— second doesn’t provide any evidence

Ans D
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 10): Walmart has recently begun 11 Jul 2025, 22:09
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Walmart has recently begun transitioning from its traditional warehouse-based retail model to an online-first model. A question has arisen about whether this shift will lead to a reduction in the company’s fixed costs. This is quite likely, since expenses such as warehouse rentals and in-store salaries have historically contributed significantly to Walmart’s fixed costs.

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

A. The first introduces the context for the argument; the second is the central claim the argument attempts to justify. => lets check. BF1 does introduces the context for argument, BF2 is not the central claim. it is a question which argument is trying to address. hence not the ans

B. The first presents an issue that the argument seeks to evaluate; the second provides evidence in support of a prediction made in the argument. => BF1 is not the issue and arugment is not trying to evaluate it. agument is trying evaluate BF2 and is not the evidence in support of prediction. so not the ans

C. Both the first and the second provide evidence in support of the main claim. => Both do not present any evidence to main claim. main claim is "This is quite likely..." but they do not support it. so not the ans

D. The first establishes the context for the argument's evaluation; the second identifies the subject of that prediction. => BF1 does establishes the context for our argument. it gives context on wallmart's new approach. BF2 is the subject as you can see it asks whether question which argument answers with "This is quite likely.." which we can say is prediction which is then justified with some evidence later in the argument. so this can be ans. lets keep this

E. The first identifies the subject of the main conclusion; the second provides evidence supporting that conclusion. => Ok BF1 is not the subject of main conclusion its just giving info or context on wallmart's new approach. Again BF2 is not providing any support its a question or subject for which argument is giving prediction. so not the ans


Hence Ans D
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 10): Walmart has recently begun 11 Jul 2025, 22:16
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Bunuel
Walmart has recently begun transitioning from its traditional warehouse-based retail model to an online-first model. A question has arisen about whether this shift will lead to a reduction in the company’s fixed costs. This is quite likely, since expenses such as warehouse rentals and in-store salaries have historically contributed significantly to Walmart’s fixed costs.

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

A. The first introduces the context for the argument; the second is the central claim the argument attempts to justify.
B. The first presents an issue that the argument seeks to evaluate; the second provides evidence in support of a prediction made in the argument.
C. Both the first and the second provide evidence in support of the main claim.
D. The first establishes the context for the argument's evaluation; the second identifies the subject of that prediction.
E. The first identifies the subject of the main conclusion; the second provides evidence supporting that conclusion.


 


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Boldface 1:
Walmart has recently begun transitioning from its traditional warehouse-based retail model to an online-first model.
This is a statement which provides us with the context of the argument.

Boldface 2:
whether this shift will lead to a reduction in the company’s fixed costs.
This is a question which the argument seeks to answer.

Let's analyse the options:
A. The first introduces the context for the argument; the second is the central claim the argument attempts to justify.
The first part is correct, but the second is not the central claim but rather a question.
Incorrect.

B. The first presents an issue that the argument seeks to evaluate; the second provides evidence in support of a prediction made in the argument.
The first doesn't present an issue the argument seeks to evaluate.
Incorrect.

C. Both the first and the second provide evidence in support of the main claim.
Nope, they don't provide evidence.
Incorrect.

D. The first establishes the context for the argument's evaluation; the second identifies the subject of that prediction.
The first establishes the context, and the second is the question, which identifies the subject of the prediction that the argument seeks to make.
Correct

E. The first identifies the subject of the main conclusion; the second provides evidence supporting that conclusion.
Nope, the first doesn't identify the subject of the main conclusion.
Incorrect.

ANSWER: D
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