Many home Internet users want faster Internet connections. They are ch

Question

Many home Internet users want faster Internet connections. They are choosing to pay more money for fast “broadband” connections rather than using slower telephone “dial-up” connections. However, a new inexpensive computer program makes dial-up connections almost as fast as today’s broadband connections. Most home Internet users would not be willing to pay much more for Internet service that is only slightly faster. Therefore, most of those who use this program will no longer pay for broadband connections.

Which one of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument?

Which one of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument?

A. Slow connections are a common complaint among dial-up Internet users.

B. Many people use the Internet only at work or school.

C. Broadband Internet connections are not available everywhere.

D. The program can make broadband connections faster as well.

E. Many people are buying computers for the sole purpose of connecting to the Internet.

Source:  Master GMAT

navderm · Answer

The conclusion: most of those who use this program will no longer pay for broadband connections.

That is already being taken care of either the program or the broadband. Is irrelevant to the point.

If They use internet only at places where they don't have dial up connection available, then oops, what's the use of the program ?

Then Dial up program might actuallly be useful.

Strengthens.

Then ? So ? You would still need internet whether it's by dial up or broadband, Irrelevant.

B !

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Hello  navderm

Official Explanation

The author’s conclusion that Internet users who use the program won’t pay for broadband connections relies on the notion that with the program, dial-up connections will be almost as fast. However, if the program can speed up broadband connections as well, then it’s no longer a sure thing that people will drop their broadband since, under these circumstances, broadband may remain significantly faster than dial-up.

Choice A  is fully consistent with the premises in the argument, offering evidence that people may be enthusiastic about using the new program in conjunction with dial-up connections.

Choice B  is irrelevant because the argument specifically concerns home Internet users.

Choice C  does not weaken the argument because the relevant issue is whether people who already have broadband will drop it in favor of the dial-up/computer program combo.

Finally, the desire among computer buyers to use the Internet,  choice E , tells us nothing regarding the author’s claim that the new program will cause a shift in how some people connect.

Answer: D

siddharthkapoor · Answer

Any option that increases our belief that most of people who use the concerned program will continue to use broadband connections will weaken the argument. Option D does the job. Other options are totally irrelevant to the argument.

dips1122 · Answer

Going by the method of elimination:

A. Slow connections are a common complaint among dial-up Internet users.  (Doesn't provide any necessary info about the connection speed after the computer program, It may be high and complaints may be reduced)

B. Many people use the Internet only at work or school.  (Irrelevant)

C. Broadband Internet connections are not available everywhere.  (Strengthens the argument)

D. The program can make broadband connections faster as well.  (Could be a possible explanation, since it is mentioned that "people won't pay for slightly faster internet", but the installation of the program could further increase the speed of broadband, retaining its use)

E. Many people are buying computers for the sole purpose of connecting to the Internet.  (Redundant)

Thus D is the correct answer.

Many home Internet users want faster Internet connections. They are ch

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Many home Internet users want faster Internet connections. They are ch

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