In the past few weeks, John, who is a teacher, has been arriving home

Question

In the past few weeks, John, who is a teacher, has been arriving home late. When asked by Jane about this behavior, he muttered something about having lots of pressure at work. Jane has also noticed that he talks on his cellular phone in a hushed voice, but hangs up when she enters the room. Jane concluded that John must be leading a double life as a secret agent.

Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports Jane's conclusion?

Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports Jane's conclusion?

(A) Spouses of John's colleagues have confirmed to Jane that their husbands and wives have also been arriving home late during the past few weeks.

(B) Jane has always been truthful to John.

(C) Jane's birthday is coming up soon, and John has thrown her a surprise party several times before.

(D) Jane found foreign passports with John's photo in his socks drawer.

(E) John's friends complain that they hardly see him lately because he's so busy.

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VivekSri · Answer

debanjanhalder · Answer

Answer is D; as the most accurate option strengthening the argument

PandCduo · Answer

This was the best question i have come across

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Bunuel · Answer

OFFICIAL EXPLANATION

In the past few weeks, John, who is a teacher, has been arriving home late. When asked by Jane about this behavior, he muttered something about having lots of pressure at work. Jane has also noticed that he talks on his cellular phone in a hushed voice, but hangs up when she enters the room. Jane concluded that John must be leading a double life as a secret agent.

Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports Jane's conclusion?

Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports Jane's conclusion?

(A) Spouses of John's colleagues have confirmed to Jane that their husbands and wives have also been arriving home late during the past few weeks.

Incorrect.

To solve this Conclusion Strengthening question, first break down the argument. The first three sentences are premises providing factual data. The last sentence uses the conclusion word concluded so it's Jane's conclusion:

Premise A: John has been arriving home late recently
 +
Premise B: John claimed that the reason for his late arrivals is an increased work load
 +
Premise C: John whispers privately on his phone and hangs up immediately when Jane enters the room 
 =
Jane's Conclusion: John is a secret agent

Possible assumption: John secretive behavior can only mean one thing - conspiracy!

Strengthening Data: ?

You are required to find data that strengthens the conclusion that John is a secret agent. The correct answer could be one that confirms the argument's assumption.

This answer choice weakens Jane's conclusion. By introducing the reports of John's co-workers, it shows that John has indeed been at work for longer than usual, just as he told Jane.

(B) Jane has always been truthful to John.

Incorrect.

This answer choice neither strengthens nor weakens Jane's conclusion. The argument deals with John's truthfulness to Jane and not the other way around.

(C) Jane's birthday is coming up soon, and John has thrown her a surprise party several times before.

Incorrect.

This answer choice weakens Jane's conclusion by providing an alternative explanation to the occurences presented in the argument. Perhaps John has been secretive and late because he's been busy organizing a surprise party for Jane.

(D) Jane found foreign passports with John's photo in his socks drawer.

This answer choice strengthens Jane's conclusion by adding another piece of evidence that shows that John has been up to some international conspiracy.

(E) John's friends complain that they hardly see him lately because he's so busy.

Incorrect.

To solve this Conclusion Strengthening question, first break down the argument. The first three sentences are premises providing factual data. The last sentence uses the conclusion word concluded so it's Jane's conclusion:

Premise A: John has been arriving home late recently
 +
Premise B: John claimed that the reason for his late arrivals is an increased work load
 +
Premise C: John whispers privately on his phone and hangs up immediately when Jane enters the room 
 =
Jane's Conclusion: John is a secret agent

Possible assumption: John secretive behavior can only mean one thing - conspiracy!

Strengthening Data: ?

You are required to find data that strengthens the conclusion that John is a secret agent. The correct answer could be one that confirms the argument's assumption.

This answer choice neither strengthens nor weakens Jane's conclusion. John could be busy either because he is a secret agent or for the same reason he told Jane - heavy work loads.

In the past few weeks, John, who is a teacher, has been arriving home

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GMAT Critical Reasoning (CR) Questions

In the past few weeks, John, who is a teacher, has been arriving home

Prep Toolkit

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My Rewards