Brand Zzzoom released a running shoe with a shock-absorbing sole devel

Question

Brand Zzzoom released a running shoe with a shock-absorbing sole developed using a new foam polymer that reduces muscle fatigue in the legs of runners. The density of the foam, however, results in the overall shoe weight being slightly heavier than most high quality running shoes. Professional runners who welcome the use of Zzzoom's new shoe will definitely experience an improved performance in their runs.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously strengthens the argument?

(C) Research shows that 72% of a runner's muscular energy is expired on impact with the running surface.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously strengthens the argument?

(A) The overall shoe weight is affected not only by the density of the sole but also by the materials used in the other components of the shoe.

(B) Since the muscles lifting the leg also lift the shoe, a lighter shoe is likely to produce better results than a heavier one.

(C) Research shows that 72% of a runner's muscular energy is expired on impact with the running surface.

(D) Too light a running shoe can result in the emergence of knee problems during old age.

(E) Aerodynamics can be critical in the optimization of a professional running shoe's performance.

Bunuel · Accepted Answer

OFFICIAL EXPLANATION

Brand Zzzoom released a running shoe with a shock-absorbing sole developed using a new foam polymer that reduces muscle fatigue in the legs of runners. The density of the foam, however, results in the overall shoe weight being slightly heavier than most high quality running shoes. Professional runners who welcome the use of Zzzoom's new shoe will definitely experience an improved performance in their runs.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously strengthens the argument?

(C) Research shows that 72% of a runner's muscular energy is expired on impact with the running surface.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously strengthens the argument?

(A) The overall shoe weight is affected not only by the density of the sole but also by the materials used in the other components of the shoe.

Incorrect.

To solve this Conclusion Strengthening question, first break down the argument. The first two sentences are premises which provide factual data; in the last sentence the author makes a prediction - it's the conclusion:

Premise A: the Zzzoom shoe reduces muscle fatigue in runners through shock-absorption
 +
Premise B: the Zzzoom shoe is heavier than other competing shoe
 =
Conclusion: running with the Zzzoom shoe will lead to better performance

Possible assumption: shock-absorption is more significant than weight for running purposes

Strengthening Data: ?

You are required to find data that supports the fact that the ZZZoom shoe is definitely better than any other. The correct answer could be one that confirms the argument's assumption.

This answer choice contradicts Premise B, which explicitly states the extra weight in the show is a result of the foam density. Therefore, it is irrelevant to the argument.

(B) Since the muscles lifting the leg also lift the shoe, a lighter shoe is likely to produce better results than a heavier one.

Incorrect.

Focus on the conclusion. We're trying to find a statement that will support it. This answer choice seems to weaken the conclusion by giving importance to the weight of the shoe.

(C) Research shows that 72% of a runner's muscular energy is expired on impact with the running surface.

Although the Zzzoom shoe is slightly heavier, according to the research in this answer choice, shock-absorption is a more important factor in running performance than weight (or any other factor): 72% of a runner's energy is lost on impact with the road. Because the Zzzoom shoes offers better shock-absorption rather than lighter weight, this answer choice strengthens the conclusion that it will improve a runner's performance.

(D) Too light a running shoe can result in the emergence of knee problems during old age.

Incorrect.

To solve this Conclusion Strengthening question, first break down the argument. The first two sentences are premises which provide factual data; in the last sentence the author makes a prediction - it's the conclusion:

Premise A: the Zzzoom shoe reduces muscle fatigue in runners through shock-absorption
 +
Premise B: the Zzzoom shoe is heavier than other competing shoe
 =
Conclusion: running with the Zzzoom shoe will lead to better performance

Possible assumption: shock-absorption is more significant than weight for running purposes

Strengthening Data: ?

You are required to find data that supports the fact that the ZZZoom shoe is definitely better than any other. The correct answer could be one that confirms the argument's assumption.

Although this answer choice supports the Zzzoom shoe, it does not actually support the argument's conclusion. The conclusion is about the improved performance of the runners and not about the effects they will experience much later in life.

(E) Aerodynamics can be critical in the optimization of a professional running shoe's performance.

Incorrect.

This answer choice introduces the topic of aerodynamics into the discussion. Since we know nothing about this aspect in Zzzoom's shoe, we cannot refer to it as a factor that strengthens the conclusion.

v12345 · Answer

(A) Incorrect as how shoe weight is there, is irrelevant to the argument.
(B) Incorrect as this option weakens the conclusion.
(C) Correct as it strengthens the conclusion, Zzzoom shoes have shock-absorbing sole.
(D) Incorrect as the conclusion is not about effects during old age.
(E) Incorrect as it is irrelevant to the argument.

Hence, OA is (C).

errorlogger · Answer

We need to strengthen the thought that using the new zzooom shoes will enhance the runners performance. We can also find a reason to say that the weight being slightly heavy doesn't have any impact.

(A) The overall shoe weight is affected not only by the density of the sole but also by the materials used in the other components of the shoe.
 Irrelevant !
(B) Since the muscles lifting the leg also lift the shoe, a lighter shoe is likely to produce better results than a heavier one.
 This weakens the argument!

(C) Research shows that 72% of a runner's muscular energy is expired on impact with the running surface.
 Yes, since it has shock-absorbing mechanism. This works in our favor

(D) Too light a running shoe can result in the emergence of knee problems during old age.
 Old age problems are not a problem of concern!

(E) Aerodynamics can be critical in the optimization of a professional running shoe's performance.
 Irrelevant!

IMO C

sumitkrocks · Answer

(A) The overall shoe weight is affected not only by the density of the sole but also by the materials used in the other components of the shoe. 
What cause weight to increase is not directly relevant

(B) Since the muscles lifting the leg also lift the shoe, a lighter shoe is likely to produce better results than a heavier one. 
This information weakens the conclusion

(C) Research shows that 72% of a runner's muscular energy is expired on impact with the running su rface.
Correct

(D) Too light a running shoe can result in the emergence of knee problems during old age. 
Irrelevant

(E) Aerodynamics can be critical in the optimization of a professional running shoe's performance. 
Generic irrelevant information

(C) is the answer IMO

IanStewart · Answer

I assume the OA is C here, but prep company CR questions like this probably do test takers more harm than good, because they encourage test takers to think about CR incorrectly. C really can't be the answer to a real GMAT CR question like this, because C  does not compare the Zzzoom shoe to other shoes . We don't care if 72% of "muscular energy is expired" (I think they mean "expended", but I also don't know what "muscular energy" could mean in this context) or if 12% is -- we care how much better Zzzoom is than other shoes. We already know  as a premise  that the Zzzoom shoe "reduces muscle fatigue". Restating a premise in a different way never strengthens an argument , and that's the most you could say answer C does here, but it really doesn't even do that much. This question doesn't have a good answer among the choices.

kantapong · Answer

Conclusion: new brand of shoes will improve running performance

(A) The overall shoe weight is affected not only by the density of the sole but also by the materials used in the other components of the shoe. (shoe weight, then since it is heavier, it does not support improvement in running performance)

(B) Since the muscles lifting the leg also lift the shoe, a lighter shoe is likely to produce better results than a heavier one. (this actually weakens because the new brand is heavier!)

(C) Research shows that 72% of a runner's muscular energy is expired on impact with the running surface. (YES - it reduced fatigue, and C supports that muscle fatigue plays role in running performance)

(D) Too light a running shoe can result in the emergence of knee problems during old age. (irrelevant)

(E) Aerodynamics can be critical in the optimization of a professional running shoe's performance. (irrelevant)

Ans = C

swim2109 · Answer

Conclusion: Zzzoom's new shoe will definitely experience an improved performance in their runs.

Premise: a new foam polymer that reduces muscle fatigue in the legs of runners. However, results in the overall shoe weight being slightly heavier than most high quality running shoes.

Pre-thinking: Anythig that tells us that heavier weight is not a problem or the fatigue is the critical factor in lowering ones performace.

C exatclt does that by telling that the overall energy consumed because of impact 72% (greater than any other component). Most certainly, the athletes muscle energy percentage would be lower.

mSKR · Answer

Brand Zzzoom released a running shoe with a shock-absorbing sole developed using a new foam polymer that reduces muscle fatigue in the legs of runners. The density of the foam, however, results in the overall shoe weight being slightly heavier than most high quality running shoes. Professional runners who welcome the use of Zzzoom's new shoe will definitely experience an improved performance in their runs.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously strengthens the argument?

(C) Research shows that 72% of a runner's muscular energy is expired on impact with the running surface.

Which of the following, if true , most seriously strengthens  the argument?

(A) The overall shoe weight is affected not only by the density of the sole but also by the  materials used in the other components  of the shoe.(irrelevant)
(B) Since the muscles lifting the leg also lift the shoe, a  lighter shoe  is likely to produce  better results  than a heavier one. (weakens the argument)
(D) Too light a running shoe can result in the emergence of knee problems during old age. (favours heavier shoes but irrelevant with scope discussed)
(E)  Aerodynamics can be critical  in the optimization of a professional running shoe's performance. ( irrelevant)

(C) Research shows that 72% of a runner's muscular energy is expired on impact with the running surface.

Only C left . but lot of open queries:
1. muscular energy is expired -is this right statement? expired at once? or every single time ? if 72% energy is expired then how can he run remaining with 28%?
2. how this energy expired is related with shock abosrbing soul? what if shock absorption is different concept altogether with energy expiration? Can you please explain how this is related with any shoe?
whether you wear light or heavy shoes, 72% energy is expired . then it is benefical in terms of lighter shoes?

IanStewart  : could you please help me to understand C relation with conclusion. I can't even reach to C remotely. please suggest.

VerbalBot · Answer

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Brand Zzzoom released a running shoe with a shock-absorbing sole devel

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Brand Zzzoom released a running shoe with a shock-absorbing sole devel

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