Last visit was: 02 Sep 2026, 15:38 It is currently 02 Sep 2026, 15:38
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
User avatar
firefox300
Joined: 15 Dec 2025
Last visit: 27 Jul 2026
Posts: 151
Own Kudos:
140
 [1]
Posts: 151
Kudos: 140
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
GreenPill
Joined: 13 Jun 2026
Last visit: 02 Sep 2026
Posts: 37
Own Kudos:
25
 [1]
Products:
Posts: 37
Kudos: 25
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
JemimaRuth
Joined: 12 Nov 2023
Last visit: 18 Aug 2026
Posts: 12
Own Kudos:
5
 [1]
Given Kudos: 24
Location: Ghana
Posts: 12
Kudos: 5
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
huynguyen0311
Joined: 17 Nov 2024
Last visit: 16 Aug 2026
Posts: 22
Own Kudos:
13
 [1]
Given Kudos: 1
Posts: 22
Kudos: 13
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
A - timeline is not relevant
B - still can meet reduction target if there's initial implementation phase -> does not state anything ab the result
C - yes, weaken the statement
D - reduce by 20% is enough, no need to compare
E - success metric is congestion reduction target, not cost controlling
--> Correct answer is C
Bunuel
The city of Metropolis aims to reduce morning traffic congestion in the downtown core, defined as the average time spent waiting at red lights, by 20%. To achieve this, the city council has installed a new, highly advanced synchronization system for all traffic lights, an investment that cost $12 million. Since this system can increase the number of vehicles that pass through major intersections every hour by an average of 25%, the city council concludes that the installation of the new system will ensure that the city meets its congestion reduction target.

The argument above is flawed in that it:

(A) fails to establish a clear timeline for when the 20% reduction in congestion is expected to occur.
(B) fails to consider whether the advanced synchronization system will experience mechanical malfunctions or software errors during its initial implementation phase.
(C) assumes that the increased traffic flow through major intersections will not encourage more people to drive to the downtown core.
(D) provides statistical data from a new system but does not compare its performance with the city’s previous, older traffic light system.
(E) does not justify the $12 million investment by showing that the monetary benefits of reducing congestion will exceed the cost of the new system.

 


This question was provided by Manhattan Prep
for the GMAT World Cup Competition

Win $30,000 in prizes: Courses, Tests & more

 


⚠️ Important: GMAT Club does not allow AI-generated posts. AI-generated solutions are not eligible for kudos, and users who post them may face moderation action, including a ban.
User avatar
Vijendra.D
Joined: 12 Jun 2024
Last visit: 13 Aug 2026
Posts: 27
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 148
GMAT Focus 1: 575 Q81 V81 DI74
GMAT Focus 2: 615 Q85 V78 DI78
GMAT Focus 2: 615 Q85 V78 DI78
Posts: 27
Kudos: 15
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Let's analyse the stimulus

Aim is to reduce morning traffic congestion
Plan: advanced system can increase the number of vehicle passed through the intersection.
Conclusion: the new system will meet the target.

Let's eliminate option one by one

(A) fails to establish a clear timeline for when the 20% reduction in congestion is expected to occur.

Our aim is to reduce traffic, we are not concerned with the timeline. ELIMINATE

(B) fails to consider whether the advanced synchronization system will experience mechanical malfunctions or software errors during its initial implementation phase.

It's okay if the system will malfunction in the initial phase, eventually it can reduce the congestion. ELIMINATE

(C) assumes that the increased traffic flow through major intersections will not encourage more people to drive to the downtown core.

We are not concerned with more people to drive to downtown core. ELIMINATE.

(D) provides statistical data from a new system but does not compare its performance with the city’s previous, older traffic light system.

This Is the correct answer. The stimulus provides the data for new advanced system but it did not compare with the city data.

(E) does not justify the $12 million investment by showing that the monetary benefits of reducing congestion will exceed the cost of the new system.

Our aim and conclusion is to reduce traffic, we are not concerned with the cost associated . ELIMINATE
User avatar
chasing725
Joined: 22 Jun 2025
Last visit: 16 Aug 2026
Posts: 241
Own Kudos:
235
 [1]
Given Kudos: 6
Location: United States (OR)
Schools: Stanford
Schools: Stanford
Posts: 241
Kudos: 235
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Bunuel
The city of Metropolis aims to reduce morning traffic congestion in the downtown core, defined as the average time spent waiting at red lights, by 20%. To achieve this, the city council has installed a new, highly advanced synchronization system for all traffic lights, an investment that cost $12 million. Since this system can increase the number of vehicles that pass through major intersections every hour by an average of 25%, the city council concludes that the installation of the new system will ensure that the city meets its congestion reduction target.

The argument above is flawed in that it:

(A) fails to establish a clear timeline for when the 20% reduction in congestion is expected to occur.
(B) fails to consider whether the advanced synchronization system will experience mechanical malfunctions or software errors during its initial implementation phase.
(C) assumes that the increased traffic flow through major intersections will not encourage more people to drive to the downtown core.
(D) provides statistical data from a new system but does not compare its performance with the city’s previous, older traffic light system.
(E) does not justify the $12 million investment by showing that the monetary benefits of reducing congestion will exceed the cost of the new system.

 


This question was provided by Manhattan Prep
for the GMAT World Cup Competition

Win $30,000 in prizes: Courses, Tests & more

 


⚠️ Important: GMAT Club does not allow AI-generated posts. AI-generated solutions are not eligible for kudos, and users who post them may face moderation action, including a ban.

A. Timeline is not the matter of contention here, so we can eliminate A.

B. We are interested what happens once the installation is done. Hence, this option is not relevant.

C. This weakens. If more people eventually drive, the there is no point of installation and the plan wont meet the goal.

D. The argument doesn't intend to compare plans. Hence, this is not a flaw.

E. The cost is not of consideration here. Hence we can eliminate E.

Option C
User avatar
AviNFC
Joined: 31 May 2023
Last visit: 09 Aug 2026
Posts: 365
Own Kudos:
421
 [1]
Given Kudos: 5
Posts: 365
Kudos: 421
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
(A) fails to establish a clear timeline for when the 20% reduction in congestion is expected to occur.Timelinebof the work is out of scope
(B) fails to consider whether the advanced synchronization system will experience mechanical malfunctions or software errors during its initial implementation phase.Even if fault occurs in implemention phase, the system may still be beneficial
(C) assumes that the increased traffic flow through major intersections will not encourage more people to drive to the downtown core.Correct. If significantly high no.of cars use this road, the average time may even increase
(D) provides statistical data from a new system but does not compare its performance with the city’s previous, older traffic light system.Irrelevat comparison
(E) does not justify the $12 million investment by showing that the monetary benefits of reducing congestion will exceed the cost of the new system.cost benfit is out of scope

Ans C
User avatar
FlushLoop
Joined: 05 Jul 2026
Last visit: 06 Aug 2026
Posts: 62
Own Kudos:
57
 [1]
Posts: 62
Kudos: 57
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Bunuel
The city of Metropolis aims to reduce morning traffic congestion in the downtown core, defined as the average time spent waiting at red lights, by 20%. To achieve this, the city council has installed a new, highly advanced synchronization system for all traffic lights, an investment that cost $12 million. Since this system can increase the number of vehicles that pass through major intersections every hour by an average of 25%, the city council concludes that the installation of the new system will ensure that the city meets its congestion reduction target.

The argument above is flawed in that it:

(A) fails to establish a clear timeline for when the 20% reduction in congestion is expected to occur.
(B) fails to consider whether the advanced synchronization system will experience mechanical malfunctions or software errors during its initial implementation phase.
(C) assumes that the increased traffic flow through major intersections will not encourage more people to drive to the downtown core.
(D) provides statistical data from a new system but does not compare its performance with the city’s previous, older traffic light system.
(E) does not justify the $12 million investment by showing that the monetary benefits of reducing congestion will exceed the cost of the new system.

 


This question was provided by Manhattan Prep
for the GMAT World Cup Competition

Win $30,000 in prizes: Courses, Tests & more

 


⚠️ Important: GMAT Club does not allow AI-generated posts. AI-generated solutions are not eligible for kudos, and users who post them may face moderation action, including a ban.

A. The timeline is not important for the conclusion. We can eliminate A.

B. Possible issues with the system are not the main flaw. Hence this is wrong.

C. Correct. The passage ignores that better traffic flow could attract more drivers.

D. Comparing with the old system is not necessary.

E. The cost of the system is unrelated to whether it reduces congestion.

Option C
User avatar
LibrarianTurtle
Joined: 12 Nov 2024
Last visit: 25 Aug 2026
Posts: 36
Own Kudos:
24
 [1]
Given Kudos: 8
GPA: 3.9
Products:
Posts: 36
Kudos: 24
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
What City Council aims?
- To reduce morning traffic congestion by 20% (Avg. time spent waiting at red lights)
What has been done to achieve it?
- A new system which costs 12 million dollars has been installed
- The new system increase the number of vehicles that pass through major intersections by every hour by an avg. of 25%
- The City council believes the new system will ensure the needs.
What is wrong here ? What can make this plan go south ?

A.) Regardless of the time of the reduction occurs, avg. waiting time at red light will decrease. (No Flaw - Target acquired)
B.) The System may experience malfunction during the initial phase but on the long run it can decrease the avg. waiting time. (No Flaw - Target Acquired)
D.) No need for comparison since 25% more vehicle passes less time of avg. wait during the red light. (No Flaw)
E.)What if the new system's cost of 12 million dollars is not justified ? Would that make the target of the city council unachievable ? No. (No flaw)

C.) What if more people seeing the new system actually decides to drive to the downtown core ? It will result in more vehicles thus the 25% increase of vehicle passage will not contribute to the avg. waiting time during the red light since more cars equals increases congestion.

Answer C
IMO
User avatar
Saks116
Joined: 05 Apr 2022
Last visit: 14 Aug 2026
Posts: 48
Own Kudos:
26
 [1]
Given Kudos: 32
Location: India
Posts: 48
Kudos: 26
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
C is the winner

A) Not related with the timline factor.
its about showing the chosen option is causing the more disadvantage.

b) irrelevant
C) Perfect, It is not considering the factor more movement will cause more congestion.
D) Irrelevant
E) Not realted monetary benefits
User avatar
kavyamahajan9
Joined: 09 Jun 2021
Last visit: 16 Aug 2026
Posts: 44
Own Kudos:
40
 [1]
Given Kudos: 1
Posts: 44
Kudos: 40
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Option C) - Increase traffic flow through major intersections will not encourage more people to the core
If more people are able to drive with smoother traffic, it will allow more people to drive and it can still congest the areas , so this is a direct flaw

why others are not the ans

Option A) - Timeline establishment - this is not a flaw but an implementation scenario

Option B) - Mechanical malfunctions - this is a normal happening is not direct fault to the plan as it does not invalidate that the traffic is reduced

Option D) - Performance with the older data - there is no need for the comparison , it the new system is working effectively now then it cannot be a flaw to the statement

Option E) - Monetary investment issue - this depends on the budgets and the country's ability so this is not correct as they have not stated any budgetary constraints.


Bunuel
The city of Metropolis aims to reduce morning traffic congestion in the downtown core, defined as the average time spent waiting at red lights, by 20%. To achieve this, the city council has installed a new, highly advanced synchronization system for all traffic lights, an investment that cost $12 million. Since this system can increase the number of vehicles that pass through major intersections every hour by an average of 25%, the city council concludes that the installation of the new system will ensure that the city meets its congestion reduction target.

The argument above is flawed in that it:

(A) fails to establish a clear timeline for when the 20% reduction in congestion is expected to occur.
(B) fails to consider whether the advanced synchronization system will experience mechanical malfunctions or software errors during its initial implementation phase.
(C) assumes that the increased traffic flow through major intersections will not encourage more people to drive to the downtown core.
(D) provides statistical data from a new system but does not compare its performance with the city’s previous, older traffic light system.
(E) does not justify the $12 million investment by showing that the monetary benefits of reducing congestion will exceed the cost of the new system.

 


This question was provided by Manhattan Prep
for the GMAT World Cup Competition

Win $30,000 in prizes: Courses, Tests & more

 


⚠️ Important: GMAT Club does not allow AI-generated posts. AI-generated solutions are not eligible for kudos, and users who post them may face moderation action, including a ban.
User avatar
CuriousThinker
Joined: 02 Sep 2025
Last visit: 02 Sep 2026
Posts: 25
Own Kudos:
13
 [1]
Given Kudos: 18
Location: India
GPA: 8
Products:
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Bunuel
The city of Metropolis aims to reduce morning traffic congestion in the downtown core, defined as the average time spent waiting at red lights, by 20%. To achieve this, the city council has installed a new, highly advanced synchronization system for all traffic lights, an investment that cost $12 million. Since this system can increase the number of vehicles that pass through major intersections every hour by an average of 25%, the city council concludes that the installation of the new system will ensure that the city meets its congestion reduction target.

The argument above is flawed in that it:

(A) fails to establish a clear timeline for when the 20% reduction in congestion is expected to occur.
(B) fails to consider whether the advanced synchronization system will experience mechanical malfunctions or software errors during its initial implementation phase.
(C) assumes that the increased traffic flow through major intersections will not encourage more people to drive to the downtown core.
(D) provides statistical data from a new system but does not compare its performance with the city’s previous, older traffic light system.
(E) does not justify the $12 million investment by showing that the monetary benefits of reducing congestion will exceed the cost of the new system.

 


This question was provided by Manhattan Prep
for the GMAT World Cup Competition

Win $30,000 in prizes: Courses, Tests & more

 


⚠️ Important: GMAT Club does not allow AI-generated posts. AI-generated solutions are not eligible for kudos, and users who post them may face moderation action, including a ban.
Option A: Timeline is not our concern; hence, not the flaw
Option B: Mechanical malfunctions are not a regular event and can not be a consideration to point it as a flaw
Option C: Perfect! Since more vehicles can pass the number of vehicles option for the route will increase, leading to an increase in traffic. WINNER!!!
Option D: Previous stats are not a point of our conversation
Option E: Investment again is not a point of discussion
User avatar
SRIVISHUDDHA22
Joined: 08 Jan 2025
Last visit: 19 Aug 2026
Posts: 120
Own Kudos:
80
 [1]
Given Kudos: 371
Location: India
Schools: ISB '26
GPA: 9
Products:
Schools: ISB '26
Posts: 120
Kudos: 80
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Pre-thinking -Reducing the wait time and increasing the flow at intersection will encourage more people to take this route will possibly increase the congestion issue

A- Even if clear timeline is established it wont solve the underlying flaw in the argument .
B - These are just real world issues which is not the actual flaw in the argument C- Yes this addresses the actual issue what if the proposed plan just worsens the congestion issue.
D- Statistical data is irrelevant
E - Financial benefit /not is not the flaw here

'

Bunuel
The city of Metropolis aims to reduce morning traffic congestion in the downtown core, defined as the average time spent waiting at red lights, by 20%. To achieve this, the city council has installed a new, highly advanced synchronization system for all traffic lights, an investment that cost $12 million. Since this system can increase the number of vehicles that pass through major intersections every hour by an average of 25%, the city council concludes that the installation of the new system will ensure that the city meets its congestion reduction target.

The argument above is flawed in that it:

(A) fails to establish a clear timeline for when the 20% reduction in congestion is expected to occur.
(B) fails to consider whether the advanced synchronization system will experience mechanical malfunctions or software errors during its initial implementation phase.
(C) assumes that the increased traffic flow through major intersections will not encourage more people to drive to the downtown core.
(D) provides statistical data from a new system but does not compare its performance with the city’s previous, older traffic light system.
(E) does not justify the $12 million investment by showing that the monetary benefits of reducing congestion will exceed the cost of the new system.

 


This question was provided by Manhattan Prep
for the GMAT World Cup Competition

Win $30,000 in prizes: Courses, Tests & more

 


⚠️ Important: GMAT Club does not allow AI-generated posts. AI-generated solutions are not eligible for kudos, and users who post them may face moderation action, including a ban.
User avatar
Sakshi1405
Joined: 04 Jul 2021
Last visit: 02 Sep 2026
Posts: 35
Own Kudos:
33
 [1]
Given Kudos: 163
Location: India
Concentration: Entrepreneurship, Strategy
GMAT Focus 1: 645 Q87 V82 DI77
GPA: 2.88
WE:Supply Chain Management (Retail: E-commerce)
GMAT Focus 1: 645 Q87 V82 DI77
Posts: 35
Kudos: 33
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Conclusion by City council - The installation of new system will ensure that the city meets its congestion reduction target
Basis for it --> New system will let about 25% more vehicle to pass through major intersection thus reducing the wait time at red lights
Assumption could be --> no. of new cars will not increase, if it does goal might not be met -> this would break the conclusion

Lets review options -
A -> this option talks about timeline of achieving the goal --> Not relevant
B -> even if malfuntions occur in initial implementation phase, once it stabilizes goal could be achieved
C -> similar to our pre-thinking assumption, lets hold on to this
D -> reduction of congestion by 20% is the goal, and if 25% more vehicles can pass due to installation of new system, previous light system's performance is not needed
E -> justification of investment is OOS

Thus, Option C is correct, if more people drives through then goal may not be met this breaks the conclusion
Bunuel
The city of Metropolis aims to reduce morning traffic congestion in the downtown core, defined as the average time spent waiting at red lights, by 20%. To achieve this, the city council has installed a new, highly advanced synchronization system for all traffic lights, an investment that cost $12 million. Since this system can increase the number of vehicles that pass through major intersections every hour by an average of 25%, the city council concludes that the installation of the new system will ensure that the city meets its congestion reduction target.

The argument above is flawed in that it:

(A) fails to establish a clear timeline for when the 20% reduction in congestion is expected to occur.
(B) fails to consider whether the advanced synchronization system will experience mechanical malfunctions or software errors during its initial implementation phase.
(C) assumes that the increased traffic flow through major intersections will not encourage more people to drive to the downtown core.
(D) provides statistical data from a new system but does not compare its performance with the city’s previous, older traffic light system.
(E) does not justify the $12 million investment by showing that the monetary benefits of reducing congestion will exceed the cost of the new system.

 


This question was provided by Manhattan Prep
for the GMAT World Cup Competition

Win $30,000 in prizes: Courses, Tests & more

 


⚠️ Important: GMAT Club does not allow AI-generated posts. AI-generated solutions are not eligible for kudos, and users who post them may face moderation action, including a ban.
User avatar
JiriNovacek
Joined: 14 Dec 2025
Last visit: 02 Sep 2026
Posts: 33
Own Kudos:
23
 [1]
Posts: 33
Kudos: 23
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
A) The timeline is not the flaw because no timeline is mentioned in the argument.

B) Speculative answer.

C) It is correct because the new system may attract more cars (more than 25%) than the additional capacity it creates.

D) is wrong, because the argument already contains a comparison with the old system (increase of 25% in comparison to the old system).

E) The argument is not about the economic benefits of the investment.
User avatar
shaliny
Joined: 30 Oct 2023
Last visit: 07 Aug 2026
Posts: 132
Own Kudos:
33
 [1]
Given Kudos: 1,212
Posts: 132
Kudos: 33
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Premise- system can increase # of vehicle through major intersections every hour
Conclusion: So installation of the new system will ensure that the city meets its congestion reduction target
author assumes: that increasing no. of vehicle through major intersections by 25% will not have any negative consequences for downtown core but leads to reduced traffic in D. core
A- conclusion is not based on timeline, just about reducing traffic in D. core- Irrelevant
B- even if there is initial malfunctioning still conclusion can be valid- Incorrect
C- This is telling about what author fails to consider about new system- Correct
D- completely Irrelevant
E-Justifying the investment would not affect even the cost of new system exceeds still goal can be achieved-Incorrect
Bunuel
The city of Metropolis aims to reduce morning traffic congestion in the downtown core, defined as the average time spent waiting at red lights, by 20%. To achieve this, the city council has installed a new, highly advanced synchronization system for all traffic lights, an investment that cost $12 million. Since this system can increase the number of vehicles that pass through major intersections every hour by an average of 25%, the city council concludes that the installation of the new system will ensure that the city meets its congestion reduction target.

The argument above is flawed in that it:

(A) fails to establish a clear timeline for when the 20% reduction in congestion is expected to occur.
(B) fails to consider whether the advanced synchronization system will experience mechanical malfunctions or software errors during its initial implementation phase.
(C) assumes that the increased traffic flow through major intersections will not encourage more people to drive to the downtown core.
(D) provides statistical data from a new system but does not compare its performance with the city’s previous, older traffic light system.
(E) does not justify the $12 million investment by showing that the monetary benefits of reducing congestion will exceed the cost of the new system.

 


This question was provided by Manhattan Prep
for the GMAT World Cup Competition

Win $30,000 in prizes: Courses, Tests & more

 


⚠️ Important: GMAT Club does not allow AI-generated posts. AI-generated solutions are not eligible for kudos, and users who post them may face moderation action, including a ban.
User avatar
snorlax02
Joined: 22 Dec 2025
Last visit: 30 Jul 2026
Posts: 39
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 4
Posts: 39
Kudos: 24
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Target or plan -> 20% reduction in congestion in downtown core
Action -> new system - increased 25% vehicle through major intersections

Few counter arguments
1. The increase in traffic at major intersections might not be from the ones using downtown core
2. No stats or results of the new system to proof its effectiveness

A -> timeline is secondary is not the main flaw in argument
B -> Possible choice
C -> Not sure about this
D -> Possible answer as the effectiveness of the system can be argued compared to existing system
E -> Monetary value also should come later for discussion after the systems effectiveness is measured or we have some solid results

So I am not really sure about this one so I tried to eliminate the choices
a - X
b - maybe
c - X could be but even if more people don't come to downtown the current situation will remain as it is right?
d - maybe
e - X

Ans - D
Bunuel
The city of Metropolis aims to reduce morning traffic congestion in the downtown core, defined as the average time spent waiting at red lights, by 20%. To achieve this, the city council has installed a new, highly advanced synchronization system for all traffic lights, an investment that cost $12 million. Since this system can increase the number of vehicles that pass through major intersections every hour by an average of 25%, the city council concludes that the installation of the new system will ensure that the city meets its congestion reduction target.

The argument above is flawed in that it:

(A) fails to establish a clear timeline for when the 20% reduction in congestion is expected to occur.
(B) fails to consider whether the advanced synchronization system will experience mechanical malfunctions or software errors during its initial implementation phase.
(C) assumes that the increased traffic flow through major intersections will not encourage more people to drive to the downtown core.
(D) provides statistical data from a new system but does not compare its performance with the city’s previous, older traffic light system.
(E) does not justify the $12 million investment by showing that the monetary benefits of reducing congestion will exceed the cost of the new system.

 


This question was provided by Manhattan Prep
for the GMAT World Cup Competition

Win $30,000 in prizes: Courses, Tests & more

 


⚠️ Important: GMAT Club does not allow AI-generated posts. AI-generated solutions are not eligible for kudos, and users who post them may face moderation action, including a ban.
User avatar
sunshineeee
Joined: 17 May 2020
Last visit: 30 Aug 2026
Posts: 174
Own Kudos:
53
 [1]
Given Kudos: 266
Location: Indonesia
Products:
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Conclusion: Installation of the new system will ensure the city meets its congestion reduction target
Evidence:
1. Target: reduce morning traffic congestion by 20%
2. Investment in the new system can increase # of vehicles that pass through the major intersection every hour by avg of 25%; it costs $12M

Missing link, assumption:
Increase the number of vehicles that pass the intersection -> can reduce morning traffic congestion
With the assumption, the number of vehicles will not increase when the system is implemented

Flaw:
C. assumes that increased traffic flow through the major intersection WILL NOT ENCOURAGE more people to drive to downtown

Others incorrect
A. INCORRECT because it is not about the timeline
B. INCORRECT because it is not about malfunction/error
D. INCORRECT because it is not about comparing to past performance
E. INCORRECT because we did not compare the investment return here
Bunuel
The city of Metropolis aims to reduce morning traffic congestion in the downtown core, defined as the average time spent waiting at red lights, by 20%. To achieve this, the city council has installed a new, highly advanced synchronization system for all traffic lights, an investment that cost $12 million. Since this system can increase the number of vehicles that pass through major intersections every hour by an average of 25%, the city council concludes that the installation of the new system will ensure that the city meets its congestion reduction target.

The argument above is flawed in that it:

(A) fails to establish a clear timeline for when the 20% reduction in congestion is expected to occur.
(B) fails to consider whether the advanced synchronization system will experience mechanical malfunctions or software errors during its initial implementation phase.
(C) assumes that the increased traffic flow through major intersections will not encourage more people to drive to the downtown core.
(D) provides statistical data from a new system but does not compare its performance with the city’s previous, older traffic light system.
(E) does not justify the $12 million investment by showing that the monetary benefits of reducing congestion will exceed the cost of the new system.

 


This question was provided by Manhattan Prep
for the GMAT World Cup Competition

Win $30,000 in prizes: Courses, Tests & more

 


⚠️ Important: GMAT Club does not allow AI-generated posts. AI-generated solutions are not eligible for kudos, and users who post them may face moderation action, including a ban.
User avatar
prepapr
Joined: 06 Jan 2025
Last visit: 25 Aug 2026
Posts: 165
Own Kudos:
121
 [1]
Given Kudos: 71
Location: India
GMAT Focus 1: 675 Q84 V84 DI82
GPA: 8.9
Products:
GMAT Focus 1: 675 Q84 V84 DI82
Posts: 165
Kudos: 121
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Premise: City wants to reduce traffic congestion by 20%
New traffic system increases vehicles passing through signals by 25%
Conclusion: The new system will ensure the city achieves its congestion reduction
Logical gap: Assumes higher traffic flow = 20%less congestion

Analysing answer choices
A) irrelevant. timing is not the issue
B) Out of scope. Introduces a new possibility
C) Better traffic flow may attract more drivers. This is correct. More drivers could offset the improvement, so congestion may not decrease by 20%
D)Not required.The flaw is assuming increased flow guarantees reduced congestion
E) out ot scope. The conclusion is about reducing congestion,not cost constraints.

Hence C is the answer
Bunuel
The city of Metropolis aims to reduce morning traffic congestion in the downtown core, defined as the average time spent waiting at red lights, by 20%. To achieve this, the city council has installed a new, highly advanced synchronization system for all traffic lights, an investment that cost $12 million. Since this system can increase the number of vehicles that pass through major intersections every hour by an average of 25%, the city council concludes that the installation of the new system will ensure that the city meets its congestion reduction target.

The argument above is flawed in that it:

(A) fails to establish a clear timeline for when the 20% reduction in congestion is expected to occur.
(B) fails to consider whether the advanced synchronization system will experience mechanical malfunctions or software errors during its initial implementation phase.
(C) assumes that the increased traffic flow through major intersections will not encourage more people to drive to the downtown core.
(D) provides statistical data from a new system but does not compare its performance with the city’s previous, older traffic light system.
(E) does not justify the $12 million investment by showing that the monetary benefits of reducing congestion will exceed the cost of the new system.

 


This question was provided by Manhattan Prep
for the GMAT World Cup Competition

Win $30,000 in prizes: Courses, Tests & more

 


⚠️ Important: GMAT Club does not allow AI-generated posts. AI-generated solutions are not eligible for kudos, and users who post them may face moderation action, including a ban.
User avatar
krrishabh96
Joined: 26 Jun 2023
Last visit: 02 Sep 2026
Posts: 20
Own Kudos:
5
 [1]
Given Kudos: 4
Posts: 20
Kudos: 5
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
We need to understand the main assumption here which is that the total volume of traffic will remain constant. We need to find the options which attack our assumption.
Lets get down the options and check:

A) Fails to establish a clear timeline... A missing timeline does not invalidate the underlying mechanics of whether the system can achieve the goal. What if it achieve 6 months late or 1 year late, but if it can achieve the the goal then that's not the problem, right? Incorrect

B) fails to consider whether the advanced sync... If it failed initially but after fixing, it get solved. Then our goal is achieved. It isn't the primary flaw, it not weaking our assumption. Incorrect

C) assumes that the increase traffic flow... Now this option looks interesting. If the new system makes driving through the downtown core faster and more efficient, it is highly likely to attract more people who you know maybe took public transport, or carpooled to avoid the traffic. If this surge happens then again the volume will increase. This option directly attacking our assumption. Correct

D) provide statistical data.. The argument has the stated point with an increase of 25% with current baseline. It is stated already. Incorrect

E) does not justify the $12 million.... Not related to money.. out of scope Incorrect
   1   2   3   4   5   6   
Moderators:
GMAT Club Verbal Expert
7399 posts
Verbal Forum Moderator
705 posts