The State Department is a much sought after office for college

Question

The State Department is a much sought after office for college graduates interested in international relations. Benjamin F., a young college graduate, is interested in international relations and would like to acquire a position in the State Department. Thus, he has decided to study French to improve his chances.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously strengthens Benjamin F.'s decision to study French?

(A) 60% of those who are accepted to the State Department know at least basic French.

(B) The percentage of French speakers among State Department workers is no different from that percentage in the general population.

(C) The Applicant's Guide to the State Department does not specify knowledge of foreign languages as a prerequisite.

(D) A strong command of Spanish is an advantage for those applying for positions in the State Department.

(E) A friend of Benjamin F.'s has recommended that Benjamin study French.

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CareerLauncherMBA · Answer

The conclusion we are testing is:
"Benjamin’s decision to study French will improve his chances of getting into the State Department."

We want a statement that most strengthens that reasoning — i.e., one that shows that knowing French makes an applicant more likely to get accepted.

Option-by-option analysis:

(A) 60% of those who are accepted to the State Department know at least basic French.
This strongly suggests that French is common among successful applicants, which could mean it is advantageous. This correlates with better chances and thus strengthens the decision.

(B) The percentage of French speakers among State Department workers is no different from that in the general population.
This suggests French speakers are not any more prevalent in the State Department than in the general population, which weakens the decision.

(C) The Applicant's Guide ... does not specify foreign languages as a prerequisite.
Not having it as a formal requirement doesn’t mean it’s not an advantage; but this doesn't provide a reason that French specifically improves chances.

(D) A strong command of Spanish is an advantage ...
This strengthens Spanish as an advantage, not French. Irrelevant.

(E) A friend of Benjamin's recommended ...
Anecdotal advice, not evidence that it increases acceptance.

Best Answer:

(A) — "60% of those who are accepted to the State Department know at least basic French"
This is the only choice that suggests a meaningful correlation between knowing French and being accepted, strengthening Benjamin’s decision

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A_Nishith · Answer

"Benjamin’s decision to study French will improve his chances of getting into the State Department."

We want a statement that most strengthens that reasoning — i.e., one that shows that knowing French makes an applicant more likely to get accepted.

Option-by-option analysis:

(A) 60% of those who are accepted to the State Department know at least basic French.
This strongly suggests that French is common among successful applicants, which could mean it is advantageous. This correlates with better chances and thus strengthens the decision.

Answer: A

Bunuel · Answer

Official Explanation

To solve this  Conclusion  Strengthening question, first break down the argument. The first two sentences are  premises  which provide factual data; the last sentence includes a  conclusion  conjunction (thus) so it's the conclusion:

Premises:  Benjamin F. would like to work at the State Department.
=
 Conclusion:  Studying French will improve his chances.

Possible assumption:  French is a required skill in the State Department

Strengthening Data: ?

You are required to find data that supports Benjamin learning French. The correct answer could be one that confirms the argument's assumption.

(A)  This answer choice provides data about other cases where French proved useful in getting accepted to the State Department: if 60% of the applicants who make it to the State Department know French, and Benjamin F. wants in, his decision to study French makes more sense, i.e., is strengthened.

(B)  This answer choice  weakens Benjamin's decision:  if the chance of French speakers to get accepted is just like everyone else's, studying French won't help him.

(C)  This answer choice  neither strengthens nor weakens  Benjamin F.'s conclusion; it tells us that French is not required to work in State Department, but does not explain whether knowing French enhances one's chances to get accepted.

(D)  Same as C

(E)  This answer choice  neither strengthens nor weakens  Benjamin F.'s conclusion; as we know nothing of Benjamin's friend, his recommendation has no significance regarding how to get accepted to the State Department.

Answer: A

The State Department is a much sought after office for college

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GMAT Critical Reasoning (CR) Questions

The State Department is a much sought after office for college

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