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Understanding the Argument Structure:
The author argues that the trend of replacing lab experiments with computer simulations should be stopped. Why? Because students graduate without knowing how to work with laboratory equipment.

The Hidden Assumption:
The argument ASSUMES that lacking lab equipment experience will be a PROBLEM when students reach university.

Think about it: The author's logic chain is:
1. Lab experiments disappearing → 2. Students don't learn equipment skills → 3. This hurts them at university → 4. Therefore, stop this trend

Why (E) is Correct:
Answer (E) directly attacks the hidden assumption.

If "University students can learn science effectively without having had experience in working with laboratory equipment," then the author's concern is baseless.

It's like arguing: "We must teach everyone to ride horses because they'll need transportation!"
Response: "Actually, people get around just fine with cars and never need to ride horses."

The "problem" the argument warns about... isn't actually a problem.

Why Other Answers Fail:
(A) Science changing rapidly - doesn't address whether lacking lab skills hurts students at university

(B) Teachers demonstrate experiments - watching ≠ learning to USE equipment yourself

(C) Computers teach terminology - off-topic; the argument is about equipment skills, not vocabulary

(D) Schools invested in computers - sunk cost fallacy; doesn't address whether the trend is harmful

On Weaken questions, identify the ASSUMPTION (the unstated link between evidence and conclusion), then find the answer that attacks it.

Answer: E

gmatophobia
The laboratory experiment, the most effective method for teaching science, is disappearing from most secondary school curricula, and students are now simulating experiments with computers. This trend should be stopped. It results in many students’ completing secondary school and going on to a university without knowing how to work with laboratory equipment.

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

(A) Scientific knowledge is changing so rapidly it is difficult for secondary schools to keep up without using computers.

(B) In some secondary schools, teachers conduct laboratory experiments while students observe.

(C) Computers have proven to be a valuable tool for teaching secondary school students scientific terminology.

(D) Secondary schools and universities across the nation have put a great deal of money into purchasing computers.

(E) University students can learn science effectively without having had experience in working with laboratory equipment.


PrepTest 46, Section 2
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