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655-705 (Hard)|   Long Passage|   Social Science|         
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Woodrow Wilson was referring to the liberal idea of the 17 Jul 2021, 10:28
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Can anyone please help in explaining how the author is criticizing the American Idea of continuous change? Which lines in the passage actually signify that the author is criticizing? Where is that mentioned that the American idea is flawed?
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The American idea of continuous change is criticized throughout the third paragraph of the passage. While the entire paragraph identifies the flaws of this idea, the final sentence of the passage offers a particularly strong denunciation. It says, “There is no honor but in the Wonderland race we must all run, all trying to win, none winning in the end (for there is no end).”

The idea is that the constant change of the American economy has created a race with no end. As a result, everybody is forced to run and compete, but nobody wins. This sentence is supported by the rest of the third paragraph which points out the flaws of and lack of stability in the American economy.



I hope that helps!
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Woodrow Wilson was referring to the liberal idea of the Updated on: 27 Feb 2026, 03:51
Originally posted by AkhilAggarwal on 03 Aug 2021, 19:12.
Last edited by Bunuel on 27 Feb 2026, 03:51, edited 1 time in total.
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Hi VeritasKarishma GMATNinja CrackVerbalGMAT

How we can say treadmill is continuously running,it also stops.Why "waterfall" cannot be considered continuously running item here as it keeps on flowing/running unless its source of water gets dried up.
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Woodrow Wilson was referring to the liberal idea of the Updated on: 27 Feb 2026, 03:53
Originally posted by GMATNinja on 28 Aug 2021, 12:47.
Last edited by Bunuel on 27 Feb 2026, 03:53, edited 2 times in total.
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Question 6


AkhilAggarwal
Hi VeritasKarishma GMATNinja CrackVerbalGMAT

How we can say treadmill is continuously running,it also stops.Why "waterfall" cannot be considered continuously running item here as it keeps on flowing/running unless its source of water gets dried up.
Show more
The following lines sum up the author’s assessment of the American economic system:

Quote:
There is no honor but in the Wonderland race we must all run, all trying to win, none winning in the end (for there is no end).
Show more
In other words, the American economic system is like a race where no one wins. Similarly, a treadmill allows you to run without making any progress; this makes it a good metaphor for the American economic system, so (C) is correct.

A waterfall provides continuous motion, but it does not relate to the idea of a race without progress. So (B) is out.
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Woodrow Wilson was referring to the liberal idea of the 24 Nov 2021, 11:39
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GMATNinja, can you please help me to identify where in the passage answer to the third question in the q8 has been provided? (I selected C for q8 originally. However, I don't have a clear understanding where in the passage answer to the third question in the q8 has been provided).
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Woodrow Wilson was referring to the liberal idea of the 04 Dec 2021, 16:05
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Question 8


tkorzhan1995
GMATNinja, can you please help me to identify where in the passage answer to the third question in the q8 has been provided? (I selected C for q8 originally. However, I don't have a clear understanding where in the passage answer to the third question in the q8 has been provided).
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Here's III for question 8:
Quote:
8. The passage contains information that would answer which of the following questions?
III. Has economic policy in the United States tended to reward independent action?
Show more
The information to answer this question is sprinkled throughout the passage. In the first paragraph, the author states that "we did not base our system on property but opportunity."

Opportunity for whom? In the second paragraph, we learn that "speculators, self-makers, [and] runners are always using the new opportunities given by our land."

From these two pieces, we can conclude that US economic policy tends to reward independent action. (C) is the correct answer to question 8.

I hope that helps!
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Woodrow Wilson was referring to the liberal idea of the 23 Dec 2022, 13:46
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Question 5 (+ full passage breakdown)


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It can be inferred from the passage that the author most probably thinks that giving the disenfranchised “a piece of the action” is

(A) a compassionate, if misdirected, legislative measure
(B) an example of Americans’ resistance to profound social change
(C) an innovative program for genuine social reform
(D) a monument to the efforts of industrial reformers
(E) a surprisingly “Old World” remedy for social ills


could someone explain this question please, how is the answer B
As with most questions, this one relies on a strong grasp of the passage’s overall purpose. So although this question is about one particular line, let’s begin by thinking about the purpose of each paragraph, and how it relates to the quote about “a piece of the action.” (Side note: feel free to check out our Ultimate RC Guide for Beginners for more on reading for purpose).

Let's take a look at the first paragraph:
  • America sees its economic system as based on opportunity and mobility.
  • America sees the "Old World" system as based on property and stability.

Now the second paragraph:
  • America sees "Haves" as "agents of change."
  • America sees "Have-Nots" as wanting "stability, a strong referee to give them some position in the race."

And finally the third paragraph:
  • Reform in America has been ineffective (or "sterile") because its efforts at reform are limited by its view of its economic system as a "race".
  • One example of a "sterile" or ineffective reforms is including more people in the race, so they get a "piece of the action."
  • America would never "call off the race," meaning it would never enact a more extreme reform.
  • Because of America's views of its economic system, the race never ends and no one wins.

So basically, the statement about giving the disenfranchised a "piece of the action" is an example of an ineffective reform which America might enact. Let's now take a look at the question itself.

It can be inferred from the passage that the author most probably thinks that giving the disenfranchised “a piece of the action” is
Quote:
(A) a compassionate, if misdirected, legislative measure
The idea of being misdirected catches my eye, since we know the author thinks giving the disenfranchised “a piece of the action” is an example America’s failed effort at reform. But is it a legislative measure? Well, we don’t get any specifics about these reforms, so we have no basis to consider them “legislative measures.” But is it compassionate? I doubt it. The author clearly has some negative views of America’s economic system (“There is no honor in the Wonderland race we must all run…”), so compassionate doesn’t fit very well.

(A) is out.

Quote:
(B) an example of Americans’ resistance to profound social change
Right off the bat, I like that this identifies the statement as an example. Based on our reading, the purpose of the statement “a piece of the action” was to give an example of why America’s efforts at reform are sterile, so that makes sense. What about “resistance to profound social change?” Well, the passage says these efforts at reform are like allowing more people to compete in the race, as opposed to calling off the race. In other words, they are small efforts at reform that ultimately fail. And because these reforms fail, America is unable to produce “profound social change.”

Okay, so far so good. But what about the word profound? Well, America is willing to allow more competitors in the race, but not to call off the race. So while it makes small changes, it is unable to make large changes. So the word profound makes sense as well.

Let’s hold on to (B).

Quote:
(C) an innovative program for genuine social reform
Uh, no. The whole point is that this is an example of failed reform. Eliminate (C).

Quote:
(D) a monument to the efforts of industrial reformers
Again, the quote is an example of how America’s views of its economic system cause it to fail at social reform. So it’s not a positive testament (i.e. a monument) to reformers of any kind. (D) is out.

Quote:
(E) a surprisingly “Old World” remedy for social ills
Okay, a “remedy for social ills” catches my ear. This is an example of a reform to America’s economic system, which is arguably a “remedy for social ills,” so that isn’t terrible.

But is it an “Old World” remedy? Well, the quote was an example of America’s effort at reform. And if we go back to the first paragraph, we see that America’s views of its economic system (mobility and opportunity) were contrasted to the Old World views (stability and property). So really, this answer choice has it backwards. It’s not an Old World remedy, but an example of a typical American remedy. Eliminate (E).

So we are left with (B) as the answer to question 5.

Hope that helps!
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(1)
Earlier In the 1st para, it is mentioned that-
“Old World” categories of settled possessiveness versus unsettling deprivation
- According to this “Old World” values were based on property

Then it was mentioned later in the same para-
We did not base our system on property - Why is "DID" mentioned here? I am confused whether "DID" is referring to old world times.
- According to this “Old World” values were NOT based on property
Please clarify.

(2)
In the 2nd para, it is mentioned that-
The nonstarters were considered the ones who wanted stability, a strong referee to give them some position in the race - The race mentioned here is referring to the race of change

Then In the 3rd para, it is mentioned that-
“Reform” in America has been sterile because it can imagine no change except through the extension of this metaphor of a race, wider inclusion of competitors, “a piece of the action,” as it were, for the disenfranchised. There is no attempt to call off the race
- First of all, the main point of the passage was there should be the race of change and here it is talking about calling off the race. Why?
- 2nd, it should talk about the same race which the passage was talking about in para 2, right? - Reason: "The Race" mentioned both places.
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Woodrow Wilson was referring to the liberal idea of the 25 Dec 2022, 07:00
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Hi everyone, I'm rather new to GMAT Club.

Got 8/9 correct but felt my performance was almost completely luck-based (maybe a bit of impostor syndrome there)

I think I focused on the meaning of each paragraph, on the WHY, and I think I managed to grasp it quite successfully, but on some questions I felt lost and had to guess 50/50 since POE could not always get me to a definitive answer.

GMATNinja could you please explain why the Answer of Q9 is D and not B?
Thank you so much for the passage analysis above, it helped me make sense of what I could not understand while reading.
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Woodrow Wilson was referring to the liberal idea of the 04 Jan 2023, 08:24
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rohitrajishu

(1)
Earlier In the 1st para, it is mentioned that-
“Old World” categories of settled possessiveness versus unsettling deprivation
- According to this “Old World” values were based on property

Then it was mentioned later in the same para-
We did not base our system on property - Why is "DID" mentioned here? I am confused whether "DID" is referring to old world times.
- According to this “Old World” values were NOT based on property
Please clarify.

(2)
In the 2nd para, it is mentioned that-
The nonstarters were considered the ones who wanted stability, a strong referee to give them some position in the race - The race mentioned here is referring to the race of change

Then In the 3rd para, it is mentioned that-
“Reform” in America has been sterile because it can imagine no change except through the extension of this metaphor of a race, wider inclusion of competitors, “a piece of the action,” as it were, for the disenfranchised. There is no attempt to call off the race
- First of all, the main point of the passage was there should be the race of change and here it is talking about calling off the race. Why?
- 2nd, it should talk about the same race which the passage was talking about in para 2, right? - Reason: "The Race" mentioned both places.
Show more
To address your first question: Americans completely changed certain "Old World" frameworks. In the Old World (not America), stability was based on maintaining the status quo. People high up on the economic chain in this system -- those who had property -- wanted stability so they could keep that property. In America, stability was based on constant change and new opportunity. People high up on the economic chain in this NEW system -- those who were "economic leaders" -- wanted change so that they could seize new opportunities.

So, in the Old World the system was built on property and stability meant keeping that property. In America, by contrast, people wanted change so that they could seize new opportunities.

For your second question: The point of the passage is definitely not that we should continue this race -- the author thinks that the race kind of sucks. That's most apparent in the last line of the passage: "There is no honor but in the Wonderland race we must all run, all trying to win, none winning in the end (for there is no end)."

The "race" is the American economic system, in which there are always more and more opportunities for "self-starters." Even people who don't like this system and call for "reform" don't go far enough, according to the author. These reformers want to make the race a bit more fair, but they still think there should be a race.

The author, on the other hand, thinks that the race as a whole is no good. There are no winners, and lots of people (social workers, employees, etc.), are not honored in this system. That's why the author discusses calling off the race.

I hope that helps!
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Woodrow Wilson was referring to the liberal idea of the 04 Jan 2023, 10:48
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Question 9


juri01m
Hi everyone, I'm rather new to GMAT Club.

Got 8/9 correct but felt my performance was almost completely luck-based (maybe a bit of impostor syndrome there)

I think I focused on the meaning of each paragraph, on the WHY, and I think I managed to grasp it quite successfully, but on some questions I felt lost and had to guess 50/50 since POE could not always get me to a definitive answer.

GMATNinja could you please explain why the Answer of Q9 is D and not B?
Thank you so much for the passage analysis above, it helped me make sense of what I could not understand while reading.
Show more
Welcome to GMAT Club, juri01m!

Question 9 asks for the main idea of the passage. Here's (B) again:
Quote:
(B) The absence of a status quo ante has undermined United States economic structure.
Show more
The author discusses America's lack of a "status quo ante" in the first paragraph, when he/she is contrasting the Old World system with the American system.

Later, the author does criticize the American system -- but he/she never pins that criticism to the point about the status quo ante. In other words, the status quo ante thing isn't what undermines the US economic structure. The author certainly doesn't advocate for going back to something like the Old World system, which did cling to a status quo ante. Instead, the author just points out that the American system as a whole has many flaws.

Because the author doesn't argue that this issue in particular is what undermined the US economic structure, eliminate (B).

Here's (D):
Quote:
(D) The myth of the American free enterprise system is seriously flawed.
Show more
(D) is more broad than (B), which makes it a much better fit for the main idea of this particular passage. The author first describes the American free enterprise system, and then points out several flaws in that system.

(D) is the correct answer for question 9.

I hope that helps!
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Woodrow Wilson was referring to the liberal idea of the 24 Feb 2024, 18:45
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GMATNinja

Question 5 (+ full passage breakdown)


RandomUuser
It can be inferred from the passage that the author most probably thinks that giving the disenfranchised “a piece of the action” is

(A) a compassionate, if misdirected, legislative measure
(B) an example of Americans’ resistance to profound social change
(C) an innovative program for genuine social reform
(D) a monument to the efforts of industrial reformers
(E) a surprisingly “Old World” remedy for social ills


could someone explain this question please, how is the answer B
As with most questions, this one relies on a strong grasp of the passage’s overall purpose. So although this question is about one particular line, let’s begin by thinking about the purpose of each paragraph, and how it relates to the quote about “a piece of the action.” (Side note: feel free to check out our Ultimate RC Guide for Beginners for more on reading for purpose).

Let's take a look at the first paragraph:
  • America sees its economic system as based on opportunity and mobility.
  • America sees the "Old World" system as based on property and stability.

Now the second paragraph:
  • America sees "Haves" as "agents of change."
  • America sees "Have-Nots" as wanting "stability, a strong referee to give them some position in the race."

And finally the third paragraph:
  • Reform in America has been ineffective (or "sterile") because its efforts at reform are limited by its view of its economic system as a "race".
  • One example of a "sterile" or ineffective reforms is including more people in the race, so they get a "piece of the action."
  • America would never "call off the race," meaning it would never enact a more extreme reform.
  • Because of America's views of its economic system, the race never ends and no one wins.

So basically, the statement about giving the disenfranchised a "piece of the action" is an example of an ineffective reform which America might enact. Let's now take a look at the question itself.

It can be inferred from the passage that the author most probably thinks that giving the disenfranchised “a piece of the action” is
Quote:
(A) a compassionate, if misdirected, legislative measure
The idea of being misdirected catches my eye, since we know the author thinks giving the disenfranchised “a piece of the action” is an example America’s failed effort at reform. But is it a legislative measure? Well, we don’t get any specifics about these reforms, so we have no basis to consider them “legislative measures.” But is it compassionate? I doubt it. The author clearly has some negative views of America’s economic system (“There is no honor in the Wonderland race we must all run…”), so compassionate doesn’t fit very well.

(A) is out.

Quote:
(B) an example of Americans’ resistance to profound social change
Right off the bat, I like that this identifies the statement as an example. Based on our reading, the purpose of the statement “a piece of the action” was to give an example of why America’s efforts at reform are sterile, so that makes sense. What about “resistance to profound social change?” Well, the passage says these efforts at reform are like allowing more people to compete in the race, as opposed to calling off the race. In other words, they are small efforts at reform that ultimately fail. And because these reforms fail, America is unable to produce “profound social change.”

Okay, so far so good. But what about the word profound? Well, America is willing to allow more competitors in the race, but not to call off the race. So while it makes small changes, it is unable to make large changes. So the word profound makes sense as well.

Let’s hold on to (B).

Quote:
(C) an innovative program for genuine social reform
Uh, no. The whole point is that this is an example of failed reform. Eliminate (C).

Quote:
(D) a monument to the efforts of industrial reformers
Again, the quote is an example of how America’s views of its economic system cause it to fail at social reform. So it’s not a positive testament (i.e. a monument) to reformers of any kind. (D) is out.

Quote:
(E) a surprisingly “Old World” remedy for social ills
Okay, a “remedy for social ills” catches my ear. This is an example of a reform to America’s economic system, which is arguably a “remedy for social ills,” so that isn’t terrible.

But is it an “Old World” remedy? Well, the quote was an example of America’s effort at reform. And if we go back to the first paragraph, we see that America’s views of its economic system (mobility and opportunity) were contrasted to the Old World views (stability and property). So really, this answer choice has it backwards. It’s not an Old World remedy, but an example of a typical American remedy. Eliminate (E).

So we are left with (B) as the answer to question 5.

Hope that helps!
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­GMATNinja , You wrote  that "Okay, so far so good. But what about the word profound? Well, America is willing to allow more competitors in the race, but not to call off the race. So while it makes small changes, it is unable to make large changes. So the word profound makes sense as well." .
Please help me understand which sentence in the passage makes you  say that "America was able to make small changes". GMATNinja KarishmaB
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Woodrow Wilson was referring to the liberal idea of the 11 Apr 2024, 10:33
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Question 5


sayan640

­GMATNinja , You wrote  that "Okay, so far so good. But what about the word profound? Well, America is willing to allow more competitors in the race, but not to call off the race. So while it makes small changes, it is unable to make large changes. So the word profound makes sense as well." .

Please help me understand which sentence in the passage makes you  say that "America was able to make small changes". GMATNinja KarishmaB
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­On the broadest level, in this passage the author critiques the "free enterprise system," which he/she likens to an athletic race. This system, according to the author, leads to all sort of problems: we don't honor people who make the system run (e.g., office clerks and social workers), we don't value our interdependence, and no one actually ever wins the race.

So, is anyone trying to fix this broken system? Yes -- the author mentions reformers at the beginning of the third paragraphs. The author isn't too happy with these people, though. He/she says that reform has been "sterile" because reformers can only conceive of small changes, such as "wider inclusion of competitors."

The problem with this, according to the author, is that the reformers are still locked into the metaphorical race. A much bigger change would be to call off the race altogether and come up with a totally different system.

That's why (B) works for question 5: we can infer that the author sees the small changes are just bandaids that show how resistant America is to the much bigger change.

I hope that helps!­
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Woodrow Wilson was referring to the liberal idea of the 30 May 2024, 23:07
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Q1 how a , it isn't a mythology. Why not B?

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Woodrow Wilson was referring to the liberal idea of the 17 Jun 2024, 15:47
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Question 1


BLAHBLEHBLAH
Q1 how a , it isn't a mythology. Why not B?

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­The first part of the final paragraph is key:
Quote:
“Reform” in America has been sterile because it can imagine no change except through the extension of this metaphor of a race, wider inclusion of competitors, “a piece of the action,” as it were, for the disenfranchised. There is no attempt to call off the race...
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America is inflexible because it can ONLY think of the economy as a race. If America were more flexible, it would be able to think outside of the race metaphor and perhaps question whether the race should be stopped. This keeps America stuck in a race that has no winners in the end.

The term "mythology" is, loosely, a pattern of beliefs or ideas ("mythos" would be a good synonym). So in this context, "mythology" just refers to the prevailing ideas and beliefs of the American economy -- basically, the idea that the economy is a perpetual "race". The author is criticizing the underlying beliefs of the American economy (a "race" that has no winners), so (A) fits.

Yes, the author does mention contrast “Old World” and “New World” economic ideologies, but the passage isn't here to help us understand "Old World" vs. "New World". In fact, we learn very little about the "Old World" in this passage.

The differences are described to help the reader understand the situation in the United States (how the "American economic mythology" came about). But the real goal of the passage is to criticize the situation, not just to show that it's different than the situation in the Old World.

I hope that helps!­
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Woodrow Wilson was referring to the liberal idea of the 24 Jun 2024, 04:04
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­1. The primary purpose of the passage is to
(A) criticize the inflexibility of American economic mythology

- The passage heavily critiques the American economic ideal of constant change and competition, calling it a "Wonderland race" with no winners.

- It highlights the limitations of the "race" metaphor, arguing it neglects the importance of stability and cooperation.

- The author criticizes the lack of respect for professions like office clerks and social workers, who are essential to the system's functioning.


2. According to the passage, “Old World” values were based on
(B) property

- The passage mentions the "Old World" categories of "settled possessiveness versus unsettling deprivation." This suggests an emphasis on having and keeping property as a defining characteristic.

- The author contrasts this with the American ideal based on "opportunity" and "mobility," implying a difference in how wealth and stability are achieved.


3. In the context of the author’s discussion of regulating change, which of the following could be most probably regarded as a “strong referee” in the United States?
(C) A federal court judge


- The passage refers to a need for a "strong referee" and a "regulative hand" to potentially calm "manic speculation" and provide stability.

- Federal court judges hold significant power in interpreting laws and regulations, potentially acting as a check on economic activities.


4. The author sets off the word “Reform” with quotation marks in order to
(E) assert that reform in the United States has not been fundamental

- The passage uses quotation marks around "Reform" when discussing its limitations.

- The following sentence talks about "Reform" not being able to imagine change beyond extending the "race" metaphor.

- This suggests the author views current reform efforts as superficial, focusing on including more people in the existing system rather than questioning the system itself.


5. It can be inferred from the passage that the author most probably thinks that giving the disenfranchised “a piece of the action” is
(B) an example of Americans’ resistance to profound social change

- The passage criticizes the focus on including more people in the existing "race" metaphor of the American economy.

- The author argues for a more fundamental shift in values, not just expanding participation within the current system.

- Phrases like "sterile" and "wider inclusion of competitors" suggest the author views this approach as superficial and not leading to true social change.


6. Which of the following metaphors could the author most appropriately use to summarize his own assessment of the American economic system
(C) A treadmill

- The passage criticizes the American economic system as a constant "race" with no end, where everyone is running faster and faster but not necessarily getting anywhere.

- A treadmill represents constant movement without actual progress, which aligns with the author's argument about the system lacking stability and failing to value essential contributions. 

(A) A windmill - While windmills use wind for power, they don't necessarily convey the lack of progress or negative aspects the author highlights.

(B) A waterfall - Waterfalls symbolize power and movement, but don't capture the sense of being stuck in a repetitive cycle.

(D) A gyroscope - Gyroscopes maintain stability, which contradicts the author's critique of the system lacking stability.

(E) A bellows - Bellows are used to create airflow, which doesn't directly connect to the author's specific criticisms of the economic system.


7. It can be inferred from the passage that Woodrow Wilson’s ideas about the economic market
(B) perpetuated traditional legends about America

The passage suggests that Wilson's ideas align with the American mythology of constant change and opportunity over stability, which are traditional American legends. This fits well with the passage’s critique.

(A) encouraged those who “make the system work”
The passage explicitly states that there is "no heroism of the office clerk" and no pride in stable industrial work or being an employee. This indicates that Wilson’s ideas did not encourage those who make the system work in stable, traditional roles.

(C) revealed the prejudices of a man born wealthy
The passage does not provide information about Wilson's personal background or suggest that his ideas were influenced by personal prejudices related to wealth.

(D) foreshadowed the stock market crash of 1929
The passage does not make any connections between Wilson's ideas and the stock market crash of 1929.

(E) began a tradition of presidential proclamations on economics
The passage does not discuss whether Wilson began a tradition of presidential proclamations on economics.


8. The passage contains information that would answer which of the following questions?
(C) III only

I. What techniques have industrialists used to manipulate a free market?
The passage does not discuss specific techniques used by industrialists to manipulate the free market. It focuses on the ideology and metaphor of the race in the American economic system rather than specific actions taken by industrialists.

II. In what ways are “New World” and “Old World” economic policies similar?
The passage mentions "Old World" categories but doesn't go into detail about economic policy similarities with the "New World" (America).

III. Has economic policy in the United States tended to reward independent action?
The passage heavily discusses the American economic system's emphasis on opportunity, mobility, and individual success. This can be seen as rewarding independent action.


9. Which of the following best expresses the author’s main point?
(D) The myth of the American free enterprise system is seriously flawed.

- The passage heavily criticizes the American economic ideal as a "Wonderland race" with constant change and competition, but no real winners.

- It highlights how this focus on mobility and change undervalues essential contributions to the system (office workers, social workers).

- The author argues for a more nuanced view that acknowledges the need for stability and cooperation alongside opportunity.­
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Woodrow Wilson was referring to the liberal idea of the 01 Mar 2026, 11:24
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