V33-13

Question

The larger a bridge, the greater its exposure to forces that can cause it to collapse. Since the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge in 1937, more than a dozen longer suspension bridges have successfully been built globally without incident. Furthermore, the only suspension bridges that have collapsed since 1937 have all been shorter than the Golden Gate.
 
Which of the following, if true, best explains why only suspension bridges shorter than the Golden Gate have collapsed since its completion?

A. A suspension mechanism becomes more viable for a bridge design as the span distance becomes longer.
B. All but one of the suspension bridges longer than the Golden Gate have been built outside of the United States.
C. In most instances, the size of a construction project is directly proportional to the care exhibited in its design and execution. 
D. The principles underlying the construction of suspension bridges have not changed markedly since the Golden Gate Bridge opened to traffic in 1937.
E. More suspension bridges have collapsed in the past 50 years than have any other type of bridge used in more than ten countries worldwide.

Bunuel · Answer

Official Solution:

The larger a bridge, the greater its exposure to forces that can cause it to collapse. Since the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge in 1937, more than a dozen longer suspension bridges have successfully been built globally without incident. Furthermore, the only suspension bridges that have collapsed since 1937 have all been shorter than the Golden Gate.
 
Which of the following, if true, best explains why only suspension bridges shorter than the Golden Gate have collapsed since its completion?

A. A suspension mechanism becomes more viable for a bridge design as the span distance becomes longer.
B. All but one of the suspension bridges longer than the Golden Gate have been built outside of the United States.
C. In most instances, the size of a construction project is directly proportional to the care exhibited in its design and execution. 
D. The principles underlying the construction of suspension bridges have not changed markedly since the Golden Gate Bridge opened to traffic in 1937.
E. More suspension bridges have collapsed in the past 50 years than have any other type of bridge used in more than ten countries worldwide.

Choice A: No. That  a suspension mechanism becomes more viable for a bridge design as the span distance becomes longer  provides no information to explain why  the only suspension bridges that have collapsed since 1937 have all been shorter than the Golden Gate . 
 
Choice B: No. That  all but one of the suspension bridges longer than the Golden Gate have been built outside of the United States  provides no information to explain why  the only suspension bridges that have collapsed since 1937 have all been shorter than the Golden Gate . 
 
 Choice C: Yes.  That  in most instances, the size of a construction project is directly proportional to the care exhibited in its design and execution  provides an explanation for why  the only suspension bridges that have collapsed since 1937 have all been shorter than the Golden Gate .
 
Choice D: No. That  the principles underlying the construction of suspension bridges have not changed markedly since the Golden Gate Bridge opened to traffic in 1937  provides no information to explain why  the only suspension bridges that have collapsed since 1937 have all been shorter than the Golden Gate .
 
Choice E: No. That  more suspension bridges have collapsed in the past 50 years than have any other type of bridge used in more than ten countries worldwide  makes it less reasonable that  the only suspension bridges that have collapsed since 1937 have all been shorter than the Golden Gate .

Answer: C

Saun2511 · Answer

Bunuel C says in 'most cases' whereas if we consider A, it would definitely explain why the shorter ones are collapsing. C saying in most cases, would not explain why only the shorter ones are collapsing, because in some, apart from most, there could be more care exhibited BUT they could still collapse if the design itself is not viable?

Pls correct me

Also, How to know if these questions are official questions from GMAC or from GMAT Club?

Pls correct me

Also, How to know if these questions are official questions from GMAC or from GMAT Club?

hr1212 · Answer

Hi  Saun2511 ,

The issue with Option A is that it highlights a relationship between span length and the viability of using a suspension design. However, it does not explain why a shorter suspension bridge would collapse. If a suspension bridge was constructed, it is reasonable to assume the design was considered viable during the planning stage. Suggesting otherwise raises broader concerns about the entire approval and construction process. It would be a stretch to assume the shorter bridge collapsed simply because the suspension design was not viable, as that relies on too many unsupported assumptions.

In contrast, Option C directly points to differences in design quality, materials, and execution. It suggests that smaller projects may not receive the same level of attention or oversight, possibly involving lower-grade materials or less experienced builders. This provides a clearer and more practical explanation for why shorter suspension bridges, even though they face fewer natural forces, could still be more likely to fail.

Also you can check the tags at the top of each GMAT Club question to identify whether it is an official GMAT problem or part of the GMAT Club tests.

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