24BIT0586

Analytical reading
Question 1: Recent studies have highlighted the harmful effects of additives in food (colours,
preservatives, flavour enhancers etc.). There are no synthetic substances in the foods we produce
at Munch-on Foods – we use only natural ingredients. Hence you can be sure you are safeguarding
your family’s health when you buy our products.

Which of the following, if true, would most weaken the contention of Munch-on Foods?

A. Some synthetic substances are not harmful

B. Some natural substances found in foods can be harmful

C. Food without additives is unlikely to taste good

D. Munch-on Foods produces only breakfast cereals E. Without preservatives some foods could
cause harm

The statement from Munch-on Foods suggests that their use of only natural ingredients makes their
products safer than those with additives like preservatives, colour rings, or flavour enhancers.

To weaken this contention, we need to find a statement that suggests that natural ingredients might
not be as inherently safe or better than synthetic ones.

Option B: "Some natural substances found in foods can be harmful" would most weaken the
argument.

This is because it challenges the assumption that natural ingredients are always safe or healthier
than synthetic additives. If some natural substances can also be harmful, then using only natural
ingredients doesn't necessarily guarantee the safety of Munch-on Foods' products.

So, the correct answer is B.

Let's analyze why the other options are incorrect:

A. Some synthetic substances are not harmful.

This statement suggests that some synthetic substances can be harmless. However, it does not
directly weaken the argument that Munch-on Foods is safer due to using only natural ingredients.
Munch-on Foods' claim is that they avoid synthetic substances to ensure safety, but this option does
not directly counter the idea that natural ingredients are inherently safer than synthetic ones. It only
implies that not all synthetic substances are harmful, but it doesn't challenge the idea that natural
ingredients might be safer in general. Therefore, this option doesn't weaken the argument.
C. Food without additives is unlikely to taste good.

This statement is more about the flavor of the food and doesn't directly address the safety or health
concerns raised by Munch-on Foods. The argument about the safety of natural versus synthetic
ingredients is separate from the issue of taste. Therefore, this option doesn't weaken the health-
related argument.

D. Munch-on Foods produces only breakfast cereals.

This statement is about the product line of Munch-on Foods, but it doesn't address the health or
safety argument regarding the use of natural versus synthetic ingredients. Whether they produce
only breakfast cereals or a variety of products does not affect the validity of their claim about the
safety of natural ingredients. Therefore, this option is irrelevant to the argument about safety.

E. Without preservatives, some foods could cause harm.

This option actually supports Munch-on Foods' argument rather than weakening it. Munch-on Foods
is claiming that using only natural ingredients is safer, and this statement suggests that preservatives
(which are synthetic substances) are necessary for food safety in some cases. It implies that the
absence of preservatives could lead to harm, which strengthens the argument that additives (like
preservatives) are sometimes necessary for health and safety. Therefore, this option doesn't weaken
the argument.

In summary:

• A is not directly related to the safety argument.

• C focuses on taste, not safety.

• D is irrelevant to the safety claim.

• E supports the necessity of additives for safety, rather than weakening the argument.

• B directly challenges the safety of using only natural ingredients, making it the best option to
weaken the argument.

Question 2: The Burmese ferret badger burrows its home in the ground. Based on the fact that
different local populations of Burmese ferret badgers of the same species dig homes of different
styles, zoologists have concluded that the badgers building styles are a culturally acquired, rather
than a genetically transmitted trait. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the
conclusion drawn by the zoologists?

A. There are more common characteristics than there are differences among the Burmese ferret
badger’s styles of the local Burmese ferret badger population that has been studied most
extensively.

B. Young Burmese ferret badgers are inept at digging burrows and apparently spend years
watching their elders before becoming accomplished in the local style.

C. The homes of one species of badger lack the characteristics of the homes of most other species
of badger.
D. Burmese ferret badgers are found only in Burma and India, where local populations of the
badgers apparently seldom have contact with one another.

E. It is well known that the squeals of some badgers are learned rather than transmitted
genetically.

To strengthen the conclusion that the Burmese ferret badger's burrowing styles are culturally
acquired (learned) rather than genetically transmitted, we need evidence that suggests the behavior
is learned through experience or observation, rather than being a result of genetic inheritance.

Let's go through the options:

A. There are more common characteristics than there are differences among the Burmese ferret
badger’s styles of the local Burmese ferret badger population that has been studied most
extensively.

This statement does not directly address whether the burrowing styles are learned or genetically
inherited. It just says there are common characteristics across populations, which doesn't specifically
support the idea of cultural acquisition versus genetic transmission. This option doesn't strengthen
the conclusion.

B. Young Burmese ferret badgers are inept at digging burrows and apparently spend years
watching their elders before becoming accomplished in the local style.

This option directly supports the idea that the burrow-building behavior is learned. If young badgers
spend time observing and learning from older badgers, this strongly suggests that the burrowing
style is culturally acquired, rather than inherited genetically. This evidence of learning through
observation would significantly strengthen the conclusion drawn by the zoologists. This option
strengthens the conclusion.

C. The homes of one species of badger lack the characteristics of the homes of most other species
of badger.

While this might show that different species of badgers have different burrow-building styles, it does
not speak to whether Burmese ferret badgers' styles are learned or genetically determined. This
option doesn't strengthen the conclusion.

D. Burmese ferret badgers are found only in Burma and India, where local populations of the
badgers apparently seldom have contact with one another.

This option highlights the geographical separation of populations, which could support the idea that
different populations might develop different burrow styles. However, it doesn’t address whether the
styles are learned or genetically inherited. It’s possible for cultural behaviors to vary in isolated
populations, but this option doesn’t provide direct evidence of learning. This option doesn't strongly
strengthen the conclusion.

E. It is well known that the squeals of some badgers are learned rather than transmitted
genetically.
While this statement mentions a learned behavior (squeals), it pertains to a different behavior
(vocalization) rather than burrow building. Although it suggests that some badger behaviors are
learned, it doesn't directly relate to the burrowing behavior of Burmese ferret badgers. This option
doesn’t strengthen the conclusion specifically about burrowing.

Conclusion:

The best option that strengthens the zoologists' conclusion that burrowing styles are culturally
acquired (learned) is B, because it directly provides evidence that young Burmese ferret badgers
learn their burrow-building style by observing older badgers.

Question 3: Eating beets significantly lowers the risk of cancer, according to an article in a
nutritional magazine. The article refers to a study that found that people who consumed one or
more beets per day were half as likely to be diagnosed with the disease as people who did not.
Which of the following, if true, most weakens the argument in the magazine article?

A) Another study found that people who consumed one tablespoon of flax seed oil per day were
more than four times less likely to be diagnosed with cancer as those who did not.

B) Participants in the study reported consuming no vegetables other than beets.

C) The study was only conducted in one city.

D) In another experiment, cancer patients who ate one or more beets per day were no more likely
to recover than those who ate no beets.

E) The participants in the study who ate beets were more likely to exercise regularly than those
who did not eat beets.

To weaken the argument in the magazine article, we need to find evidence that challenges the direct
link between eating beets and a lower risk of cancer, or introduces factors that could explain the
observed effect without directly attributing it to beet consumption.

Let’s go through each option:

A) Another study found that people who consumed one tablespoon of flax seed oil per day were
more than four times less likely to be diagnosed with cancer as those who did not.

This provides evidence of another dietary factor (flax seed oil) potentially lowering cancer risk, but it
doesn’t directly address the beet study. While it introduces an alternative health factor, it doesn't
weaken the specific claim about beets. This does not weaken the argument about beets.

B) Participants in the study reported consuming no vegetables other than beets.

This statement could indicate a problem with the study design: if participants ate only beets, it’s hard
to say whether it was the beets specifically, or the absence of other vegetables, that contributed to
the observed outcome. This raises the possibility that other dietary factors, not just beets, may have
played a role. This weakens the argument by introducing a potential confounding factor.

C) The study was only conducted in one city.

D) In another experiment, cancer patients who ate one or more beets per day were no more likely
to recover than those who ate no beets.

This introduces evidence that beets may not have an effect on cancer recovery, but it doesn’t directly
address the initial claim about the risk of developing cancer. The article focuses on the prevention of
cancer, not recovery. This doesn’t directly weaken the argument about prevention.

E) The participants in the study who ate beets were more likely to exercise regularly than those
who did not eat beets.

This is a key point. Regular exercise is known to reduce the risk of cancer. If beet eaters exercised
more, it could be the exercise, not the beets, that is responsible for the reduced cancer risk. This
introduces a confounding factor that could explain the correlation without a causal relationship to
beet consumption. This significantly weakens the argument.

Conclusion:

E is the most effective option for weakening the argument because it suggests that a different
factor—exercise—could be the reason for the lower cancer risk, rather than beet consumption itself.

Question 4: Excavations on the now uninhabited isle of Kelton reveal a scene typical of towns
decimated by volcanic ash. Archaeologists have hypothesized that the destruction was due to
volcanic activity known to have occurred in the vicinity of the island in 160 B. C. Which of the
following, if true, most strongly supports the archaeologist’s hypothesis? A. No coins minted after
160 B.C. were found in Kelton, but coins minted before that year were found in abundance. B.
Pieces of gold and pearl jewellery that are often found in graves dating from years preceding and
following 160 B.C. were also found in several graves on the island. C. Most modern histories of the
region mention that several major volcanic eruptions occurred near the island in 160 B.C. D.
Several small jugs carved in styles popular in the region in the century between 200 B.C. and 100
B.C. were found in Kelton. E. Drawings of the styles that was definitely used in the region after 160
B.C. were found in Kelton.

The archaeologists’ hypothesis suggests that the destruction of the town on the isle of Kelton was
due to volcanic activity around 160 B.C. To support this hypothesis, we need evidence linking the
volcanic activity around that time to the destruction observed at the site.

Let’s evaluate each option to determine which one most strongly supports the hypothesis:

A. No coins minted after 160 B.C. were found in Kelton, but coins minted before that year were
found in abundance.

This suggests that the town's occupation or activity ceased around 160 B.C., which could imply that
the town was abandoned or destroyed around that time. However, it doesn’t directly support the
idea that the destruction was caused by volcanic activity. It only shows that the town stopped
functioning as a community after 160 B.C. This option is weak because it doesn't directly support
the volcanic hypothesis.
B. Pieces of gold and pearl jewelry that are often found in graves dating from years preceding and
following 160 B.C. were also found in several graves on the island.

This tells us about the presence of jewelry, but it does not directly connect to the cause of
destruction or support the volcanic activity hypothesis. It doesn't indicate anything specific about the
destruction of the town around 160 B.C. This option doesn't support the volcanic hypothesis.

C. Most modern histories of the region mention that several major volcanic eruptions occurred
near the island in 160 B.C.

This option directly supports the idea of volcanic activity around the time of the destruction of the
town. If several volcanic eruptions occurred near the island in 160 B.C., it strengthens the idea that
the destruction was caused by volcanic activity. This option strongly supports the archaeologists'
hypothesis.

D. Several small jugs carved in styles popular in the region in the century between 200 B.C. and 100
B.C. were found in Kelton.

This indicates that the town was occupied in the time period before 160 B.C. but doesn't provide
evidence of volcanic destruction or support the volcanic activity hypothesis. This option does not
support the volcanic hypothesis.

E. Drawings of the styles that were definitely used in the region after 160 B.C. were found in
Kelton.

This suggests the town's inhabitants had artistic influences from after 160 B.C., which could indicate
that the town continued or was re-inhabited after the volcanic event. However, it does not directly
address the cause of destruction. This option weakens the hypothesis because it suggests activity
after the volcanic event.

Conclusion:

C is the best choice because it provides direct historical context about volcanic activity in the region
in 160 B.C., which strongly supports the archaeologists’ hypothesis that volcanic activity caused the
destruction of the town.

Question 5: A new electronic security system will only allow a single person at a time to pass
through a secure door. A computer decides whether or not to unlock a secure door on the basis of
visual clues, which it uses to identify people with proper clearance. The shape of the head, the
shape and color of the eyes, the shape and color of the lips, and other characteristics of a person’s
head and face are analyzed to determine his or her identity. Only if the person trying to open a
secure door has the required clearance will the door unlock. Because this new system never fails,
an unauthorized person can never enter a secure door equipped with the system. If the statements
above are true, which of the following conclusions can be most properly drawn?

(A) The new system is sure to be enormously successful and revolutionize the entire security
industry.

(B) The new system can differentiate between people who are seeking to open a secure door and
people passing by a secure door.

(C) No two people have any facial features that are identical, for example, identical lips.
(D) High costs will not make the new security system economically unviable.

(E) The new computer system is able to identify some slight facial differences between people
who look very similar, such as identical twins.

The given statements provide information about how the new electronic security system works,
focusing on its ability to identify individuals based on facial characteristics, and how it never fails in
preventing unauthorized access.

Let’s evaluate each option to determine which conclusion can be most properly drawn:

(A) The new system is sure to be enormously successful and revolutionize the entire security
industry.

While the system is described as never failing in terms of security, there is no evidence provided that
guarantees it will revolutionize the entire security industry or be "enormously successful." Success
and industry-wide impact depend on many factors not mentioned in the passage, such as cost, public
adoption, and scalability. This conclusion is too speculative and cannot be properly drawn.

(B) The new system can differentiate between people who are seeking to open a secure door and
people passing by a secure door.

The passage doesn’t mention the system’s ability to distinguish between people approaching the
door with intent to pass through and people merely passing by. The focus is on verifying identity for
clearance, not distinguishing intentions. This conclusion is not supported.

(C) No two people have any facial features that are identical, for example, identical lips.

The passage describes how the system analyzes various facial features to identify individuals.
However, it doesn't claim that no two people have identical features. The system’s ability to
recognize people based on their faces doesn’t require that no two people share identical features,
only that it can distinguish individuals based on the features it analyzes. This conclusion is too
absolute and does not follow from the given statements.

(D) High costs will not make the new security system economically unviable.

The passage does not provide any information about the cost of the system or its economic viability.
It only describes how the system works. This conclusion cannot be properly drawn from the
information provided.

(E) The new computer system is able to identify some slight facial differences between people who
look very similar, such as identical twins.

The system analyzes features like the shape of the head, eyes, and lips to identify people. This
implies it can identify subtle differences between individuals, which would include distinguishing
people who look very similar, such as identical twins. This conclusion is most directly supported by
the information in the passage.

Conclusion:

(E) is the most properly drawn conclusion based on the passage, as it aligns with the system’s ability
to differentiate between people based on facial features, even those who may appear very similar.