Error Set

Mock MBA.com GMAT Practice Test (Victor Made Up) Architects and stonemasons, huge palace and temple clusters were built by the Maya without benefit of the wheel or animal transport. (A) huge palace and temple clusters were built by the Maya without benefit of the wheel or animal transport (B) without the benefits of animal transport or the wheel, huge palace and temple clusters were built by the Maya (C) the Maya built huge palace and temple clusters without the benefit of animal transport or the wheel (D) there were built, without the benefit of the wheel or animal transport, huge palace and temple clusters by the Maya (E) were the Maya who, without the benefit of the wheel or animal transport, built huge palace and temple clusters

After narrowing based on modifier issues, notice the structural issue with E... "Architects and stonemasons, were the Maya who," isn't correct grammatically... Should read, "Architects and stonemasons were the Maya who"

GMAT Mock 5 Five years ago, as part of a plan to encourage citizens of Levaska to increase the amount of money they put into savings, Levaska's government introduced special savings accounts in which up to $3,000 a year can be saved with no tax due on the interest unless money is withdrawn before the account holder reaches the age of sixty-five. Millions of dollars have accumulated in the special accounts, so the government's plan is obviously working. Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument? A. A substantial number of Levaskans have withdrawn at least some of the money they had invested in the special accounts. B. Workers in Levaska who already save money in long-term tax-free accounts that are offered through their workplace cannot take advantage of the special savings accounts introduced by the government. C. The rate at which interest earned on money deposited in regular savings accounts is taxed depends on the income bracket of the account holder. D. Many Levaskans who already had long-term savings have steadily been transferring those savings into the special accounts. E. Many of the economists who now claim that the government's plan has been successful criticized it when it was introduced.

All the other answers are essentially out of scope/not relevant Answer: D

Mock MBA.com GMAT Practice Test (Victor Made Up) In Holland, a larger percentage of the gross national product is spent on defense of their coasts from rising seas than is spent on military defense in the United States. (A) In Holland, a larger percentage of the gross national product is spent on defense of their coasts from rising seas than is spent on military defense in the United States. (B) In Holland they spend a larger percentage of their gross national product on defending their coasts from rising seas than the United States does on military defense. (C) A larger percentage of Holland's gross national product is spent on defending their coasts from rising seas than the United States spends on military defense. (D) Holland spends a larger percentage of its gross national product defending its coasts from rising seas than the military defense spending of the United States. (E) Holland spends a larger percentage of its gross national product on defending its coasts from rising seas than the United States does on military defense.

Notice here that the active voice is key... "Holland spends" and "United States does" Also notice the key pronoun issues with B and C Finally, there are clear comparison issues with A and D

Mock MBA.com GMAT Practice Test (Victor Made Up) While larger banks can afford to maintain their own data-processing operations, many smaller regional and community banks are finding that the cost associated with upgrading data-processing equipment and with the development and maintenance of new products and technical staff are prohibitive. (A) cost associated with (B) costs associated with (C) costs arising from (D) cost of (E) costs of

Notice here: a classic hard to recognize parallelism in a non-underline while there's a SVA recognition not underlined as well...

Mock MBA.com GMAT Practice Test (Victor Made Up) Visitors to the park have often looked up into the leafy canopy and saw monkeys sleeping on the branches, whose arms and legs hang like socks on a clothesline. (A) saw monkeys sleeping on the branches, whose arms and legs hang (B) saw monkeys sleeping on the branches, whose arms and legs were hanging (C) saw monkeys sleeping on the branches, with arms and legs hanging (D) seen monkeys sleeping on the branches, with arms and legs hanging (E) seen monkeys sleeping on the branches, whose arms and legs have hung

Notice: in this case, verbal parallelism isn't necessary for parallelism sake, but for meaning sake. It doesn't make any sense to say "Visitors have looked and saw"... Where the past perfect tense of "Visitors have looked up and seen" is more logical from a sequencing/when things happened perspective

Mock MBA.com GMAT Practice Test (Victor Made Up) The financial crash of October 1987 demonstrated that the world's capital markets are integrated more closely than never before and events in one part of the global village may be transmitted to the rest of the village — almost instantaneously. (A) integrated more closely than never before and (B) closely integrated more than ever before so (C) more closely integrated as never before while (D) more closely integrated than ever before and that (E) more than ever before closely integrated as

Notice: subtle two part parallelism happening... demonstrated 1) that (X) the world's... and 2) that (Y) events in one part...

GMAT Mock 3 Which of the following, if true, would most clearly undermine the possible explanation for the whirling gas in M87 that is mentioned in the last sentence of the first paragraph? (A) The stars in a star cluster at the center of M87 could exert a strong gravitational force without tearing the cluster apart. (B) A cluster of stars at the center would preclude the existence of certain other astronomical phenomena that have been observed at the center of M87. (C) The stars within many existing galaxies, such as NGC 4258, are more closely spaced than are the stars within the core of M87. (D) Only one other galaxy has been observed to contain gas clouds whirling about its center as they do about the core of M87. (E) The gravitational force of a cluster of a billion or so dim stars would be sufficient to cause a whirling ring of gas and dust to collect around the center of a galaxy.

Reading Comprehension Why I got this wrong: Didn't understand what preclude really meant....but means that other things can't happen (i,.e. Black hole in the center!) Answer: B

GMAT Mock 1 Today's technology allows manufacturers to make small cars more fuel-efficient now than at any time in their production history. (A) small cars more fuel-efficient now than at any time in their (B) small cars that are more fuel-efficient than they were at any time in their (C) small cars that are more fuel-efficient than those at any other time in (D) more fuel-efficient small cars than those at any other time in their (E) more fuel-efficient small cars now than at any time in

Why I got it wrong: Didn't notice the key meaning error when originally answering (choosing E). Also didn't see the issue with the comparison error - referencing "any time" versus "any other time" (similar to John Greene is a better writer than any writer.... versus better writer than any other writer) How to avoid mistake: Eliminate only on sure fired reasons why the answers are wrong. If they look fine, then save and come back to them. Answer: C

GMAT Mock 1 According to a survey of graduating medical students conducted by the Association of American Medical College, minority graduates are nearly four times more likely than are other graduates in planning to practice in socioeconomically deprived areas. (A) minority graduates are nearly four times more likely than are other graduates in planning to practice (B) minority graduates are nearly four times more likely than other graduates who plan on practicing (C) minority graduates are nearly four times as likely as other graduates to plan on practicing (D) it is nearly four times more likely that minority graduates rather than other graduates will plan to practice (E) it is nearly four times as likely for minority graduates than other graduates to plan to practice

Why I got it wrong: Didn't understand the comparison meaning being made in the sentence and the answer choices How to avoid mistake: Look at the key comparison structure and make sure that the meaning of the full question comes through correctly in the final answer. A) "4x more likely in planning to practice" doesn't make sense B) more likely than other graduates [missing to] C) More correct! "as likely as... to" works! D) "rather than" doesn't seem to work with the comparison structure; also opening it doesn't make sense for this comparison E) opening it doesn't make sense for this comparison; "as likely for" doesn't seem to work for structure

GMAT Mock 1 Only seven people this century have been killed by the great white shark, the man-eater of the movies—less than those killed by bee stings. (A) movies—less than those (B) movies—fewer than have been (C) movies, which is less than those (D) movies, a number lower than the people (E) movies, fewer than the ones

Why I got it wrong: Didn't understand the comparison rule here and the parallelism in the sentence How to avoid mistake: People are countable - thus we need to use fewer. Less is used for things that are uncountable (weight, time, distance) that require specific units of measure Good examples: Monkeys - Countable - Fewer/Many/Number Olive Oil - Uncountable - Less/Much/Amount A) less is wrong - people are countable B) right C) which is wrong D) lower conveys that the number is physically lower - illogical meaning E) the ones is making the sentence compare the amount of people killed by sharks with the specific people killed by bee stings...illogical comparison Answer: B

GMAT Mock 1 The new image of Stone Age people as systematic hunters of large animals, rather than merely scavenging for meat, have emerged from the examination of tools found in Germany, including three wooden spears that archaeologists believe to be about 400,000 years old. (A) merely scavenging for meat, have emerged from the examination of tools found in Germany, including (B) as mere scavenging for meat, have emerged from examining tools found in Germany, which include (C) as mere meat scavengers, has emerged from examining tools found in Germany that includes (D) mere scavengers of meat, has emerged from the examination of tools found in Germany, which includes (E) mere scavengers of meat, has emerged from the examination of tools found in Germany, including

Why I got it wrong: Didn't understand the modifier rules of which versus that versus a ,ing modifier How to avoid mistake: Look at the splits and understand the difference in meaning. In this case - "Germany that" and "Germany, which" present modifier meaning issues with the sentence. Additionally, avoid getting stuck debating small issues, when you can go and find more definitive issues with the sentence! Answer: E

GMAT Mock 1 In countries where automobile insurance includes compensation for whiplash injuries sustained in automobile accidents, reports of having suffered such injuries are twice as frequent as they are in countries where whiplash is not covered. Some commentators have argued, correctly, that since there is presently no objective test for whiplash, spurious reports of whiplash injuries cannot be readily identified. These commentators are, however, wrong to draw the further conclusion that in the countries with the higher rates of reported whiplash injuries, half of the reported cases are spurious. Clearly, in countries where automobile insurance does not include compensation for whiplash, people often have little incentive to report whiplash injuries that they actually have suffered. In the argument given, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles? A) The first is evidence that has been used to support a conclusion that the argument criticizes; the second is that conclusion. B) The first is evidence that has been used to support a conclusion that the argument criticizes; the second is the position that the argument defends. C) The first is a claim that has been used to support a conclusion that the argument accepts; the second is the position that the argument defends. D) The first is an intermediate conclusion that has been used to support a conclusion that the argument defends; the second is the position that the argument opposes. E) The first presents a claim that is disputed in the argument; the second is a conclusion that has been drawn on the basis of that claim.

Why I got it wrong: I didn't read the passage closely enough to understand the argument. Thus, when I was reading the answers, I didn't understand what they were saying. How to avoid mistake: If I am stumped on understanding the options, go back and look at the specific word choice next to the boldface that sets up the argument. Also - key framework to keep in mind For (Premise) ~ Fact (Evidence) Against (Counter) ~ Opinion (Position/Claim) Conclusion ~ Opinion (Position/Claim) Answer: A

GMAT Mock 1 The country of Baurisia has, until now, been self-sufficient in both grain and meat. However, with growing prosperity in Baurisia has come a steadily increasing per capita consumption of meat, and it takes several pounds of grain to produce one pound of meat. Therefore, since per capita income in Baurisia is almost certain to rise further but increases in domestic grain production are highly unlikely, Baurisia is soon to become an importer of grain. Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument? (A) When people increase their consumption of meat, they also tend to increase their consumption of grain. (B) The per capita consumption of meat in Baurisia is roughly the same accross all income levels. (C) Per capita consumption of meat has not increased substantially in recent years in those countries from which Baurisia is likely to import meat. (D) It is more economical for Baurisians to import meat than grain. (E) During Baurisia's years of growing prosperity, the country's population has remained relatively stable.

Why I got it wrong: I didn't. I included it as it was something I guessed on, but is a good illustration of a weakens question How to avoid mistake: Manage your time more efficiently, but these are the kids of questions you could skip to save time! A - Str b/c need more grain B - NR to income levels C - NR to other countries D - Wk b/c import meat instead E - NR to stability Answer: D

GMAT Mock 1 The primary purpose of the passage is to (A) identify the origin of a common misconception (B) discuss the implications of a generally accepted principle (C) present information relevant in evaluating a commonly held belief (D) defend a controversial assertion against a variety of counterarguments (E) explain under what circumstances a well-known phenomenon occurs

Why I got it wrong: I narrowed down to two and didn't refer back to the beginning of the passage...ultimately choosing an answer that was close, but wasn't precise enough. I didn't recognize that we were evaluating as much as the author was discussing implications (which is wrong) How to avoid the mistake: When I narrow down the answers, really think about the specific wording in the RC general questions Answer: C

GMAT Mock 3 In the mid-1970's, since birds were overcome by pollution, and routinely falling from the sky above Los Angeles freeways, this prompted officials in California to devise a plan that reduced automobile emissions. (A) since birds were overcome by pollution, and routinely falling from the sky above Los Angeles freeways, this prompted officials in California to devise a plan that reduced (B) since birds that had been overcome by pollution were routinely falling from the sky above Los Angeles freeways, it prompted officials in California to devise a plan that would reduce (C) birds had been overcome by pollution and routinely fell from the sky above Los Angeles freeways, prompting officials in California to devise a plan that reduced (D) birds overcome by pollution routinely fell from the sky above Los Angeles freeways, prompting officials in California to devise a plan to reduce (E) birds overcome by pollution and routinely falling from the sky above Los Angeles freeways were prompting officials in California to devise a plan to reduce

Why I got it wrong: Misunderstanding of needing sequencing of verbs... How to avoid this mistake: Understand the sequence of verbs (i.e. plan to = future) Answer: D

GMAT Mock 1 Radio Stations with radio data system (RDS) technology broadcast special program information that only radios with an RDS feature can receive. Between 1994 and 1996, the number of RDS radio stations in Verdland increased from 250 to 600. However, since the number of RDS equipped radios in Verdland was about the same in 1996 as in 1994, the number of Verdlanders receiving the special program information probably did not increase significantly. Which of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends? (A) Few if any of the RDS radio stations that began broadcasting in Verdland after 1994 broadcast to people with RDS-equipped radios living in areas not previously reached by RDS stations. (B) In 1996 Verdlanders who lived within the listening area of an RDS station already had a radio equipped to receive RDS. (C) Equipping a radio station with RDS technology does not decrease the station's listening area. (D) In 1996 Verdlanders who did not own radios equipped to receive RDS could not receive any programming from the RDS radio stations that began broadcasting in Verdland after 1994. (E) The RDS radio stations in Verdland in 1996 did not all offer the same type of programming.

Why I got it wrong: Running out of time and skipped because it seemed like a daunting question to tackle How to avoid mistake: When down to last two answers, use negation test to see if argument falls apart. In this case, if few radio stations broadcasted in areas previously reached and many radio stations broadcasted in areas not reached, then the argument would fall apart because we would expect those receiving the special programming to increase! Answer: A

GMAT Mock 3, SC Responding to the public's fascination with―and sometimes undue alarm over―possible threats from asteroids, a scale developed by astronomers rates the likelihood that a particular asteroid or comet may collide with Earth. (A) a scale developed by astronomers rates the likelihood that a particular asteroid or comet may (B) a scale that astronomers have developed rates how likely it is for a particular asteroid or comet to (C) astronomers have developed a scale to rate how likely a particular asteroid or comet will be to (D) astronomers have developed a scale for rating the likelihood that a particular asteroid or comet will (E) astronomers have developed a scale that rates the likelihood of a particular asteroid or comet that may

Why I got this wrong: Didn't read final choice around meaning (repeated words) "Likely will be...to" is totally wrong... How to avoid this mistake: Understand that redundancy is wrong in GMAT Pull some very similar words out and apply them to different contexts! Answer: D

GMAT Mock 3 Editorial: In Ledland, unemployed adults receive government assistance. To reduce unemployment, the government proposes to supplement the income of those who accept jobs that pay less than government assistance, thus enabling employers to hire workers cheaply. However, the supplement will not raise any worker's income above what government assistance would provide if he or she were not gainfully employed. Therefore, unemployed people will have no financial incentive to accept jobs that would entitle them to the supplement. Which of the following, if true about Ledland, most seriously weakens the argument of the editorial? (A) The government collects no taxes on assistance it provides to unemployed individuals and their families. (B) Neighboring countries with laws that mandate the minimum wage an employer must pay an employee have higher unemployment rates than Ledland currently has. (C) People who are employed and look for a new job tend to get higher-paying jobs than job seekers who are unemployed. (D) The yearly amount unemployed people receive from government assistance is less than the yearly income that the government defines as the poverty level. (E) People sometimes accept jobs that pay relatively little simply because they enjoy the work.

Why I got this wrong: I didn't understand the answer and how it impacted the conclusion How to avoid this mistake: Understand the full conclusion (both the financial incentive and the fact to accept a job) and how the answer pushes both of those Answer: C

PRACTICE VERBAL MOCK Proposed new safety rules for the Beach City airport would lengthen considerably the minimum time between takeoffs from the airport. In consequence, the airport would be able to accommodate 10 percent fewer flights than currently use the airport daily. The city's operating budget depends heavily on taxes generated by tourist spending, and most of the tourists come by plane. Therefore, the proposed new safety rules, if adopted, will reduce the revenue available for the operating budget. The argument depends on assuming which of the following? (A) There are no periods of the day during which the interval between flights taking off from the airport is significantly greater than the currently allowed. (B) Few, if any, of the tourists who use the Beach City airport do so when their main destination is a neighboring community and not Beach City itself. (C) If the proposed safety rules are adopted, the reduction in tourist numbers will not result mainly from a reduction in the number of tourists who spend relatively little in Beach City. (D) Increasing the minimum time between takeoffs is the only way to achieve necessary safety improvements without a large expenditure by the city government on airport enhancements. (E) The response to the adoption of the new safety rules would not include an increase in the number of passengers per flight.

Why I got this wrong: Chose an answer that wasn't in line with logic of the argument (i.e. answered one regarding cost, but didn't understand how it was focused on the ways to achieve the safety improvements) How to avoid mistake: When I see an assumption question and I'm down to two answers, choose the one that falls in line with the logic of the argument (i.e. focused on the volume of passengers which would drive overall tourist spending) Answer: E

Made up Verbal GMAT on Wiley Many gardeners believe that the variety of clematis vine that is most popular among gardeners in North America is jackmanii. This belief is apparently correct since, of the one million clematis plants sold per year by the largest clematis nursery in North America, ten percent are jackmanii. Which of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends? (A) The nursery sells more than 10 different varieties of clematis (B) The largest clematis nursery in North America sells nothing but clematis plants (C) Some of the jackmanii sold by the nursery are sold to gardeners outside North America (D) Most North American gardeners grow clematis in their gardens (E) For all nurseries in North America that specialize in clematis, at least 10% of the clematis plants they sell are jackmanii.

Why I got this wrong: Didn't build a proper framework for the argument...Premises and Conclusion... In this case, we used evidence that the plants sold mean that jackmanii is the most popular...the gap is that the plant somehow represents that... In this case, we need to stay in line with the logic and focus on the nursery itself and the percentages...whereas B and E go astray How to avoid this mistake: Build a strong understanding of the argument framework! Answer: A

Made up Verbal GMAT on Wiley A two-year study beginning in 1977 found that, among 85-year-old people, those whose immune systems were weakest were twice as likely to die within two years as others in the study. The cause of their deaths, however, was more often heart disease, against which the immune system does not protect, than cancer or infections, which are attacked by the immune system. Which of the following, if true, would offer the best prospects for explaining deaths in which weakness of the immune system, though present, played no causal role? (A) There were twice as many infections among those in the study with the weakest immune systems as among those with the strongest immune systems. (B) The majority of those in the study with the strongest immune systems died from infection or cancer by 1987. (C) Some of the drugs that had been used to treat the symptoms of heart disease had a side effect of weakening the immune system. (D) Most of those in the study who survived beyond the two-year period had recovered from a serious infection sometime prior to 1978. (E) Those in the study who survived into the 1980s had, in 1976, strengthened their immune systems through drug therapy.

Why I got this wrong: Didn't clearly understand the argument and what the question was asking. How to avoid this mistake: Focus...think about the argument and the goal... Goal: which answer explains that weak immune systems didn't play a role in the deaths Framework... Situation: Heart disease = cause of death (no relation to immune system) Why? - b/c heart disease is treated with drugs that weaken immune system! Surprise: People who died had weak immune systems Answer: C

Made up Verbal GMAT on Wiley The passage suggests that, in the early 1990s, Michaels would have been most likely to agree with which of the following statements about the disparity mentioned in lines 3-4? A. This disparity is relatively less extreme in the Northern Hemisphere because of sulfate cooling. B. This disparity is only a short-term phenomenon brought about by sulfate cooling. C. This disparity is most significant in those parts of the world dominated by oceans. D. The extent of this disparity is being masked by the temporary effect of sulfate cooling. E. The disparity confirms that current models of global warming are correct.

Why I got this wrong: Didn't identify where the answer came from and chose an answer that wasn't proven in the passage. How to avoid this mistake: With detail questions, you need to find something that is actually stated in the passage! Answer: B

GMAT Club Error Log A certain cultivated herb is one of a group of closely related plants that thrive in soil with high concentrations of metals that are toxic to most other plants. Agronomists studying the growth of this herb have discovered that it produces large amounts of histidine, an amino acid that, in test-tube solutions, renders these metals chemically inert. Hence, the herb's high histidine production must be the key feature that allows it to grow in metal-rich soils. In evaluating the argument, it would be most important to determine which of the following? (A) Whether the herb can thrive in soil that does not have high concentrations of the toxic metals (B) Whether others of the closely related group of plants also produce histidine in large quantities (C) Whether the herb's high level of histidine production is associated with an unusually low level of production of some other amino acid (D) Whether growing the herb in soil with high concentrations of the metals will, over time, reduce their concentrations in the soil (E) Whether the concentration of histidine in the growing herb declines as the plant approaches maturity

Why I got this wrong: Didn't do a full evaluation of Y/N...thus didn't realize how the answers affected the logic of the argument How to avoid this mistake: Do the right and full analysis to get this question right! If low on time, consider skipping Answer: B

Mock GMAT 2 Technological improvements and reduced equipment costs have made converting solar energy directly into electricity far more cost-efficient in the last decade. However, the threshold of economic viability for solar power (that is, the price per barrel to which oil would have to rise in order for new solar power plants to be more economical than new oil-fired power plants) is unchanged at thirty-five dollars. Which of the following, if true, does most to help explain why the increased cost-efficiency of solar power has not decreased its threshold of economic viability? (A) The cost of oil has fallen dramatically. (B) The reduction in the cost of solar-power equipment has occurred despite increased raw material costs for that equipment. (C) Technological changes have increased the efficiency of oil-fired power plants. (D) Most electricity is generated by coal-fired or nuclear, rather than oil-fired, power plants. (E) When the price of oil increases, reserves of oil not previously worth exploiting become economically viable.

Why I got this wrong: Didn't even read basically the most important part to get the answer (the parentheses)...if I'm going to read fast, I might as well skip to save time... How to avoid this mistake: Skip instead of reading fast...otherwise, read the whole damn argument! Answer: C

GMAT Mock 4 According to the passage, which of the following is probably true of the storage spaces mentioned in line 14? (A) They were used by the community elite for storage of their own food supplies. (B) They served a ceremonial as well as a practical function. (C) Their size is an indication of the wealth of the particular community to which they belonged. (D) Their existence proves that the community to which they belonged imported large amounts of food. (E) They belonged to and were used by the community as a whole.

Why I got this wrong: Didn't find the right detail in the passage around community... How to avoid this mistake: Narrow down to the best answer choices and look at what the details are most aligned with that answer the question (probably true) Answer: E

PRACTICE VERBAL MOCK According to the passage, which of the following is a prediction that is based on the strength of the gravitational attraction of small asteroids? (A) Small asteroids will be few in number. (B) Small asteroids will be monoliths. (C) Small asteroids will collide with other asteroids very rarely. (D) Most small asteroids will have very fast rotation rates. (E) Almost no small asteroids will have very slow rotation rates.

Why I got this wrong: Didn't go back to read the section and understand that it was specifically asking about small asteroids and totally missed this clause: "Conversely, most small asteroids should be monolithic, because impact fragments easily escape their feeble gravity." How to avoid this mistake: When the question is asking about something specific in the passage, go and find that specific word! Answer: B

Mock GMAT 2 As a large corporation in a small country, Hachnut wants its managers to have international experience, so each year it sponsors management education abroad for its management trainees. Hachnut has found, however, that the attrition rate of graduates from this program is very high, with many of them leaving Hachnut to join competing firms soon after completing the program. Hachnut does use performance during the program as a criterion in deciding among candidates for management positions, but both this function and the goal of providing international experience could be achieved in other ways. Therefore, if the attrition problem cannot be successfully addressed, Hachnut should discontinue the sponsorship program. In the argument given, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles? (A) The first describes a practice that the argument seeks to justify; the second states a judgment that is used in support of a justification for that practice. (B) The first describes a practice that the argument seeks to explain; the second presents part of the argument's explanation of that practice. (C) The first introduces a practice that the argument seeks to evaluate; the second provides grounds for holding that the practice cannot achieve its objective. (D) The first introduces a policy that the argument seeks to evaluate; the second provides grounds for holding that the policy is not needed. (E) The first introduces a consideration supporting a policy that the argument seeks to evaluate; the second provides evidence for concluding that the policy should be abandoned.

Why I got this wrong: Didn't go through the process of cleanly eliminating answers. Should have narrowed down to C & D based on first bold, and ultimately down to D based on the second bold How to avoid this mistake: Work through the process...read the argument clearly and answer! Answer: D

GMAT Club Error Log If the "new techniques" mentioned in line 31 were applied in studies of biological classifications other than bacteria, which of the following is most likely? (A) Some of those classifications will have to be reevaluated. (B) Many species of bacteria will be reclassified. (C) It will be determined that there are four main categories of living things rather than three. (D) It will be found that true bacteria are much older than eukaryotes (E) It will be found that there is a common ancestor of the eukaryotes, archaebacteria, and true bacteria.

Why I got this wrong: Didn't have key understanding of what the "new techniques" would drive...which is the fact that these new techniques revealed another branch in the categories of living organisms. Also didn't realize that the question used the term "classifications" so I won't be cleaning this in the passage. How to avoid this mistake: Understand that in inference questions, you have to understand the key messages in the passage and apply them in another instance. In this case, I didn't understand that they key message is that the new techniques drove new branch of category...thus re-evaluating the branches of categories Answer: A

PRACTICE VERBAL MOCK Which of the following statements about the earliest scientific investigators of quantum tunneling can be inferred from the passage? (A) They found it difficult to increase barrier thickness continually. (B) They anticipated the later results of Chiao and his colleagues. (C) They did not suppose that tunneling particles could travel faster than light. (D) They were unable to observe instances of successful tunneling. (E) They made use of photons to study the phenomenon of tunneling.

Why I got this wrong: Didn't know who the sentence was referring to...NEED TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THE QUESTION IS ASKING! How to avoid this mistake: Understand the question before you go back and find what you need. Didn't know that this was referring to those that noted it back in 1932, and thus wouldn't have ever chosen the right answer (that Wigner and Eisenbud finally stated that these particles can travel faster than light in 1955) Answer: C

GMAT Club Error Log Commemorative plaques cast from brass are a characteristic art form of the Benin culture of West Africa. Some scholars, noting that the oldest surviving plaques date to the 1400s, hypothesize that brass-casting techniques were introduced by the Portuguese, who came to Benin in 1485 A.D. But Portuguese records of that expedition mention cast-brass jewelry sent to Benin's king from neighboring Ife. So it is unlikely that Benin's knowledge of brass casting derived from the Portuguese. Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument? (A) The Portuguese records do not indicate whether their expedition of 1485 included metalworkers. (B) The Portuguese had no contact with Ife until the 1500s. (C) In the 1400s the Portuguese did not use cast brass for commemorative plaques. (D) As early as 1500 A.D., Benin artists were making brass plaques incorporating depictions of Europeans. (E) Copper, which is required for making brass, can be found throughout Benin territory.

Why I got this wrong: Didn't leverage the full set of the argument to strengthen...ruled out Ife too quickly... How to avoid this mistake: Be sure to understand how Ife will play a part in the logic of the argument.. If the Portugese didn't influence Ife before 1500, then the Portugese didn't ultimately influence Benin. Answer: B

GMAT Mock 4 The steel industry has changed radically over the last two decades, as large, integrated companies such as Bethlehem Steel once conducted operations from mining at one end of the process to shipping at the other have greatly downsized, or in some cases shut down altogether. (A) as large, integrated companies such as Bethlehem Steel (B) as large, integrated companies, such as Bethlehem Steel, that (C) with large, integrated companies, such as Bethlehem Steel, that (D) while large, integrated companies, such as Bethlehem Steel, that (E) and large, integrated companies such as Bethlehem Steel

Why I got this wrong: Didn't read the full sentence (beginning and end) with the answers, and thus didn't choose the right structure of the sentence to get the right meaning How to avoid this mistake: Understand that you need to connect the end of the sentence with the answer to understand the right meaning Answer: B (as and that)

PRACTICE VERBAL MOCK Among the Tsonga, a Bantu-speaking group of tribes in southeastern Africa, dance teams represent their own chief at the court of each other, providing entertainment in return for food, drink, and lodging. (A) the court of each other, providing entertainment in return for (B) the court of another and provide entertainment in return for (C) the court of the other, so as to provide entertainment as a return on (D) each other's court, entertainment being provided in return for (E) another's court and provide entertainment as a return on

Why I got this wrong: Didn't recognize the pronoun error...Boiled down to the final two (A and B) but the court of another makes more sense. How to avoid mistake: When I see a referent, make sure that the antecedent and meaning makes sense. Another refers to an individual whereas each other can mean a mutual collective of the groups... Answer: B

Made up Verbal GMAT on Wiley Less than 400 Sumatran rhinos survive on the Malay peninsula and on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo, and they occupy a small fraction of the species' former range. (A) Less than 400 Sumatran rhinos survive on the Malay peninsula and on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo, and they occupy a small fraction of the species' former range. (B) Less than 400 Sumatran rhinos, surviving on the Malay peninsula and on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo, occupy a small fraction of the species' former range. (C) Occupying a small fraction of the species' former range, the Malay peninsula and the islands of Sumatra and Borneo are where fewer than 400 Sumatran rhinos survive. (D) Occupying a small fraction of the species' former range, fewer than 400 Sumatran rhinos survive on the Malay peninsula and on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo. (E) Surviving on the Malay peninsula and on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo, less than 400 Sumatran rhinos occupy a small fraction of the species' former range.

Why I got this wrong: Didn't see a key split in the form of fewer versus less between D and E. Also didn't see how the meaning of D is preferred over E How to avoid this mistake: Think deeply about meaning...and how it changes between the two answers... Surviving modifying rhinos on a small faction doesn't make as much sense as occupying modifying rhinos surviving on islands. Answer: D

Mock GMAT 2 The success of the program to eradicate smallpox has stimulated experts to pursue what they had not previously considered possible−better control, if not eradication, of the other infections such as measles and yaws. (A) what they had not previously considered possible−better control, if not eradication, of the other infections such as (B) what they had not previously considered a possibility−better control, if not eradication, of such infections like (C) something they had not previously considered possible−better control, if not eradication, of such infections as (D) something not considered a previous possibility−better control and perhaps eradication, of other infections such as (E) the possibility of what they had not previously considered possible−better control and possibly eradication of infections like

Why I got this wrong: Didn't see that the redundancy of "the other infections such as" would carry How to avoid this mistake: Understand that although "of such infections as" doesn't sound good, it's better than the repetition of A Answer: C

GMAT Club Error Log The passage suggests that Jarvis' work has called into question which of the following explanatory variables for naked mole rat behavior? (A) Size (B) Age (C) Reproductive status (D) Rate of growth (E) Previously exhibited behavior

Why I got this wrong: I didn't quite understand the sentence given in the passage...combined with the confusing question of what was "called into question" "Jarvis' work has suggested that differences in growth rates may influence the length of time that an individual performs a task, regardless of its age." How to avoid this mistake: Focus on understanding the question and understanding what the specific detail in the passage is saying Answer: B

GMAT Mock 1 The first detailed study of magpie attacks in Australia indicates that by the time they had reached adulthood, 98 percent of men and 75 percent of women born in the country have been attacked by the birds. (A) by the time they had reached adulthood, 98 percent of men and 75 percent of women born in the country have been attacked by the birds (B) by the time they reach adulthood, 98 percent of men and 75 percent of women, who were born in the country, had been attacked by the birds (C) by the time they reached adulthood, 98 percent of men and 75 percent of women born in the country had been attacked by the birds (D) 98 percent of men and 75 percent of women that were born in the country were attacked by the birds by the time they reach adulthood (E) 98 percent of men and 75 percent of women who were born in the country, by the time they reached adulthood had been attacked by the birds

Why I got this wrong: Didn't see that this was a issue of verb tense and timing of the events How to avoid mistake: This requires a deep understanding of the verb tenses in order to narrow down to the right answer. Visualize the timing in another context that makes sense (by the time I fell asleep, I had been up for 24 hours) A) "they had reached adulthood...have been attacked" doesn't make sense for timing B) "reach adulthood...had been attacked" doesn't make sense for timing C) Correct D) "birds by the time they reach adulthood" creates ambiguous meaning for "they" E) incomplete sentence - the phrase with ",by" is a modifier of the earlier phrase, and instead should have a verb for the men and women...

GMAT MOCK 6 None of the houses that Frank Lloyd Wright built in the Prairie Style actually stood on the prairie, though the drawings in the 1910 Wasmuth edition of his work shows the buildings in the vast spaces of an imaginary Wild West. A. work shows the buildings B. work shows that the buildings were C. works show the buildings D. works show the buildings as being E. works show the buildings to have been

Why I got this wrong: Didn't see the meaning errors derived by the splits (additional modifiers/verbs) that change the meaning and make it illogical. In my head, adding the additional verbs "to have been" helped clarify where the buildings were...but instead, created this weird meaning of how the drawings show the buildings to have been (wrong verb tense as well because we're looking at the "1910 edition" in current day)...when really the drawings just show them in the Wild West. How to avoid this mistake: Look at the splits and see the difference in meaning. Particularly, we see that there is the addition of a verb or modifier after buildings...and see how that changes the meaning. Answer: C

GMAT MOCK 6 Bumblebees live in colonies of several hundred that often have many queens as well as a large number of workers. (A) of several hundred that often have many queens as well as (B) of several hundred, often with many of them being queens as well as having (C) having several hundred, and often many of them are queens as well as (D) that have several hundred of them, often with many queens as well as (E) with several hundred that often have many queens as well as having

Why I got this wrong: Didn't see the pronoun split and thus didn't see the error in meaning. How to avoid this mistake: After using rules to narrow it down, use the splits to drive understanding of differences in meaning! In this case, I didn't see how the addition of "them" was ambiguous in the sentence because of "Bumblebees" and "colonies" Answer: A

GMAT Club Error Log The author of the passage refers to Robert Filmer primarily in order to (A) show that Royalist ideology was somewhat more radical than most historians appear to realize (B) qualify the claim that patriarchalism formed the basis of Royalist ideology (C) question the view that most early feminists were associated with the Royalist faction (D) highlight an apparent tension between Royalist ideology and the ideas of early feminists (E) argue that Royalists held conflicting opinions on issues of family organization and women's political rights

Why I got this wrong: Didn't see the the true value of Filmer - his theorist ideas of Royalists relation to Patriarchalism that were in direct conflict with the beliefs of what Royalist women wrote about. I over simplified the answer in that it just made me "puzzled" about why they would be associated. "Since Royalist ideology is often associated with the radical patriarchalism of seventeenth century political theorist Robert Filmer—a patriarchalism that equates family and kingdom and asserts the divinely ordained absolute power of the king and, by analogy, of the male head of the household—historians have been understandably puzzled by the fact that Royalist women wrote the earliest extended criticisms of the absolute subordination of women in marriage and the earliest systematic assertions of women's rational and moral equality with men." How to avoid this mistake: Look very absolutely at where Filmer is introduced and what the author says in comparison/relation to Filmer Answer: D

GMAT Club Error Log 2. It can be inferred from the passage that the morphogenetic determinants present in the early embryo are (A) located in the nucleus of the embryo cells (B) evenly distributed unless the embryo is not developing normally (C) inactive until the embryo cells become irreversibly committed to their final function (D) identical to those that were already present in the unfertilized egg (E) present in larger quantities than is necessary for the development of a single individual

Why I got this wrong: Didn't take away the first part of the passage in that one embryo could result in two whole embryos... Didn't rule out options C, or D effectively! How to avoid this mistake: Rule out answers!! Find out why they're wrong... A, located on cytoplasm, not nucleus B, unevenly distributed! C, never mentions how they're irreversibly committed D, never mentions how they're identical...actually states how they're different from what they were from the start E is super inferred, but the beginning paragraph is the only place where embryos are discussed..and should have been inferred from that passage! Test the control Find function during the test... Answer: E

GMAT Mock 3, RC The author of the passage implies that the shift away from the views of Westinghouse's contemporaries should be regarded as (A) a natural outgrowth of the recent revival of interest in Edison (B) a result of scholarship based on previously unknown documents (C) reflective of modern neglect of the views of previous generations (D) inevitable, given the changing trends in historical interpretations (E) surprising, given the stature that Westinghouse once had

Why I got this wrong: Didn't take the text and compare to the 2 or 3 answers that should have been right...Needed to compare with E and C...to understand that it's more reflective of E (key word: Intriguiging) How to avoid this mistake: Understand the key words that are in the passage and how they more closely relate to one answer over another Answer: E

Mock GMAT 2 According to the passage, comparable worth principles are different in which of the following ways from other mandates intended to reduce or eliminate pay inequities: (A) Comparable worth principles address changes in the pay schedules of male as well as female workers (B) Comparable worth principles can be applied to employees in both the public and the private sector (C) Comparable worth principles emphasize the training and skill of workers (D) Comparable worth principles require changes in the employer's resource allocation (E) Comparable worth principles can be used to quantify the value of elements of dissimilar jobs

Why I got this wrong: Didn't think of bigger picture regarding comparison to other rather than focusing on detail that sounded right... How to avoid this mistake: Go to main idea around comparing... Answer: E

Made up Verbal GMAT on Wiley Which of the following best describes the function of lines 10-13 [First, mating between groups labeled as different species (hybridization), as often occurs in the canine family, is quite common in nature.]? (A) It elaborates the definition of the biological species concept given in a previous sentence. (B) It develops a point about the biological species concept made in the previous sentence. (C) It states the author's central point about the biological species concept. (D) It identifies a central assumption underlying the biological species concept. (E) It demonstrates why the biological species concept is invalid.

Why I got this wrong: Didn't think of proper inference principles...which is to find an answer that isn't extreme and is supported in the passage. I chose the extreme answer of E How to avoid this mistake: Answer B says something similar to E, but in a less extreme fashion...stating perspective on the biological species concept Answer: B

Mock GMAT 2 In many corporations, employees are being replaced by automated equipment in order to save money. However, many workers who lose their jobs to automation will need government assistance to survive, and the same corporations that are laying people off will eventually pay for that assistance through increased taxes and unemployment insurance payments. Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the author's argument? A) Many workers who have already lost their jobs to automation have been unable to find new jobs. (B) Many corporations that have failed to automate have seen their profits decline. (C) Taxes and unemployment insurance are paid also by corporations that are not automating. (D) Most of the new jobs created by automation pay less than the jobs eliminated by automation did. (E) The initial investment in machinery for automation is often greater than the short-term savings in labor costs.

Why I got this wrong: Didn't understand how A actually strengthen's the author's argument...in this case, strengthening happens in the form of basically proving that the argument comes true... How to avoid this mistake: Understand that to strengthen, it can be as easy as basically affirming that employees will lose jobs and need unemployment benefits (manifesting the argument to life) Answer: A

GMAT Club Error Log Tiger beetles are such fast runners that they can capture virtually any nonflying insect. However, when running toward an insect, the beetles intermittently stop, and then, a moment later, resume their attack. Perhaps they cannot maintain their pace and must pause for a moment's rest; but an alternative hypothesis is that while running tiger beetles are unable to process the resulting rapidly changing visual information, and so quickly go blind and stop. Which of the following, if discovered in experiments using artificially moved prey insects, would support one of the two hypotheses and undermine the other? A. When a prey insect is moved directly toward a beetle that has been chasing it, the beetle immediately turns and runs away without its usual intermittent stopping. B. In pursuing a moving insect, the beetles usually respond immediately to changes in the insect's direction, and pause equally frequently whether the chase is up or down an incline. C. The beetles maintain a fixed time interval between pauses, although when an insect that had been stationary begins to flee, the beetle increases its speed after its next pause. D. If, when a beetle pauses, it has not gained on the insect it is pursuing, the beetle generally ends its pursuit. E. When an obstacle is suddenly introduced just in front of running beetles, the beetles sometimes stop immediately, but they never respond by running around the barrier.

Why I got this wrong: Didn't understand how C strengthen's a part of the argument... I guess all the other answers were worse How to avoid this mistake: Pick the answer that isn't wrong! Most of the battle is just eliminating on really tough questions and the answer might not always be justifiable!!! Answer: C

Mock GMAT 2 A major impediment to wide acceptance of electric vehicles even on the part of people who use their cars almost exclusively for commuting is the inability to use their electric vehicles for occasional extended trips. In an attempt to make purchasing electric vehicles more attractive to commuters, one electric vehicle producer is planning to offer customers three days free rental of a conventional car for every 1,000 miles that they drive their electric vehicle. Which of the following, if true, most threatens the plan's prospects for success? (A) Many electric vehicles that are used for commercial purposes are not needed for extended trips. (B) Because a majority of commuters drive at least 100 miles a week, the cost to the producer of making good the offer would add considerably to the already high price of electric vehicles. (C) The relatively long time it takes to recharge the battery of an electric vehicle can easily be fitted into the regular patterns of car use characteristic of commuters. (D) Although electric vehicles are essentially emission-free in actual use, generating the electricity necessary for charging an electric vehicle's battery can burden the environment. (E) Some family vehicles are used primarily not for commuting but for making short local trips, such as to do errands.

Why I got this wrong: Didn't understand that to weaken, we have to consider the cost to the producer...not necessarily just the attraction for the consumer... How to avoid this mistake: Really understand how something would threaten the idea of increasing purchases of electric vehicles... In this case, the crazy cost would not allow the company to continue to list these cars for the bonus Answer: B

GMAT Mock 3 Most of Portugal's 250,000 university students boycotted classes in a one-day strike to protest a law that requires them to contribute $330 a year toward the cost of higher education, previously paying $7 per year. A. year toward the cost of higher education, previously paying $7 per year B. year toward the cost of higher education, for which was previously paid $7 per year C. year, compared to the previously $7 per year, toward the cost of higher education D. year toward the cost of higher education, instead of the $7 per year required previously E. year as opposed to the $7 per year required previously for the cost of higher education

Why I got this wrong: I didn't compare the final two choices for meaning and choose the one that had the more appropriate comparison How to avoid this mistake: Compare the specific meanings implied by the comparison/modifiers from each answer Answer: D

Mock GMAT 2 Twenty years ago, Balzania put in place regulations requiring operators of surface mines to pay for the reclamation of mined-out land. Since then, reclamation technology has not improved. Yet, the average reclamation cost for a surface coal mine being reclaimed today is only four dollars per ton of coal that the mine produced, less than half what it cost to reclaim surface mines in the years immediately after the regulations took effect. Which of the following, if true, most helps to account for the drop in reclamation costs described? A. Even after Balzania began requiring surface mine operators to pay reclamation costs, coal mines in Balzania continued to be less expensive to operate than coal mines in almost any other country. B. In the twenty years since the regulations took effect, the use of coal as a fuel has declined from the level it was at in the previous twenty years. C. Mine operators have generally ceased surface mining in the mountainous areas of Balzania because reclamation costs per ton of coal produced are particularly high for mines in such areas. D. Even after Balzania began requiring surface mine operators to pay reclamation costs, surface mines continued to produce coal at a lower total cost than underground mines. E. As compared to twenty years ago, a greater percentage of the coal mined in Balzania today comes from surface mines.

Why I got this wrong: Didn't understand the answer...didn't see how dropping the operations on high cost regions would decrease the overall cost. Also struggled understanding the question... How to avoid this mistake: If something isn't clear, re-read to better understand the answer and how it could explain the argument. Take time to re-read and don't get flustered.. Answer: C

GMAT Mock 1 Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the author's conclusion about the use of wage and price controls? (A) Countries that repeatedly use wage and price controls tend to have lower long-term economic growth rates than do other countries. (B) Countries that have extremely high inflation frequently place very stringent controls on wages and prices in an attempt to decrease the inflation. (C) Some countries have found that the use of wage and price controls succeeds in decreasing inflation but also causes a recession. (D) Policymakers who advocate the use of wage and price controls believe that these controls will deal with the underlying causes of inflation. (E) Policymakers who advocate the use of wage and price controls are usually more concerned about long-term economic goals than about short-term economic goals.

Why I got this wrong: Didn't understand the argument and didn't go back into the passage to compare the answers with what was stated by the author How to avoid mistake: If a tricky Strengthen/Weaken comes up, make sure you have the time to answer and dive into it as if it were a CR question. Work through and eliminate wrong answers to find the right one. Understand the argument in the passage and what the author concludes. A) Would emphasize the similar point made about negative long term affects - Strengthen B) The conclusion isn't about decreasing inflation, but more so about the affects of long term economic growth - NR C) Weaken D) Weaken E) Weaken

GMAT MOCK 6 According to the passage, Sherwin's research team speculated that the social learning of unpalatability within a particular species might be discouraged if the animals (A) did not suffer serious effects from any noxious or toxic foods they ingested (B) consumed food in small quantities throughout the day rather than in a few large feedings (C) had an unusually large variety of foods available to them (D) interacted after feeding as well as during feeding (E) did not show signs of illness until considerable time had passed following the ingestion of noxious or toxic food

Why I got this wrong: Didn't understand the argument being stated in the passage...knew where it was located but didn't understand this: Sherwin's research team speculated that ecological or social constraints during the evolution of this species might have resulted in there being little benefit from the social learning of unpalatability, for instance, selective pressures for this mode of learning would be reduced if the birds rarely encountered noxious or toxic food or rarely interacted after eating such food, or if the consequences of ingestion were minimal. How to avoid mistake: Really try to understand the passage. In this case, I was rushing and thought that since the interaction was listed, that it might be an answer, but the logic of the question is to discourage the speculation and answer A attacks the argument much further than D or E. Answer: A

GMAT Mock 4 People who have spent a lot of time in contact with animals often develop animal-induced allergies, some of them quite serious. In a survey of current employees in major zoos, about 30 percent had animal-induced allergies. Based on this sample, experts conclude that among members of the general population who have spent a similarly large amount of time in close contact with animals, the percentage with animal-induced allergies is not 30 percent but substantially more. Which of the following, if true, provides the strongest grounds for the experts' conclusion? (A) A zoo employee who develops a serious animal-induced allergy is very likely to switch to some other occupation. (B) A zoo employee is more likely than a person in the general population to keep one or more animal pets at home. (C) The percentage of the general population whose level of exposure to animals matches that of a zoo employee is quite small. (D) Exposure to domestic pets is, on the whole, less likely to cause animal induced allergy than exposure to many of the animals kept in zoos. (E) Zoo employees seldom wear protective gear when they handle animals in their care.

Why I got this wrong: Didn't understand the argument, and its conclusion and thus didn't know how to answer the question. How to avoid this mistake: In this case, either realize that you're lost and skip within the first minute, or better yet, break down the argument and figure out how any of these answers would provide the conclusion that the general population would have a higher likelihood of animal induced allergies? Answer: A

GMAT Mock 3, RC The passage suggests which of the following about the accuracy of the commuter diatom's biological clock? (A) The accuracy of the commuter diatom's biological clock varies according to changes in the tidal cycle. (B) The unusual accuracy that characterizes the commuter diatom's biological clock is rare among intertidal species. (C) The commuter diatom's biological clock is likely to be more accurate than the biological clock of a species that is subject to less intense environmental pressures. (D) The commuter diatom's biological clock tends to be more accurate than the biological clocks of most other species because of the consistency of the tidal cycle. (E) The accuracy of the commuter diatom's biological clock tends to fluctuate when the diatom is observed under variable laboratory conditions.

Why I got this wrong: I didn't find the evidence in the passage How to avoid this mistake: Go back to the passage and read the context about the accuracy - it explicitly states how they have super accurate clocks due to the intense pressures Answer: C

GMAT Mock 1 As the honeybee's stinger is heavily barbed, staying where it is inserted, this results in the act of stinging causing the bee to sustain a fatal injury. (A) As the honeybee's stinger is heavily barbed, staying where it is inserted, this results in the act of stinging causing (B) As the heavily barbed stinger of the honeybee stays where it is inserted, with the result that the act of stinging causes (C) The honeybee's stinger, heavily barbed and staying where it is inserted, results in the fact that the act of stinging causes (D) The heavily barbed stinger of the honeybee stays where it is inserted, and results in the act of stinging causing (E) The honeybee's stinger is heavily barbed and stays where it is inserted, with the result that the act of stinging causes

Why I got this wrong: Didn't understand the meaning conveyed in the sentences and how it differed from each other How to avoid mistake: Look closely to the differences in the meaning of the sentences A) As X, this results - illogical meaning (results) B) As X, with the result - illogical meaning (result) C) The stinger, results - illogical meaning (stinger results) D) The stinger stays inserted, and results in the act of stinging causing - the second clause isn't a complete one, and thus the structure of the sentence is flawed - Also same issue above - the illogical meaning for the stinger results E) - correct...even though with the result doesn't sound right Answer: E

GMAT Mock 5 Although most smoking-related illnesses are caused by inhaling the tar in tobacco smoke, it is addiction to nicotine that prevents most smokers from quitting. In an effort to decrease the incidence of smoking-related illnesses, lawmakers in Sandonia plan to reduce the average quantity of nicotine per cigarette by half over the next five years. Unfortunately, smokers who are already addicted to nicotine tend to react to such reductions by smoking correspondingly more cigarettes. The information above most strongly supports which of the following predictions about the effects of implementing the Sandonian government's plan? A. The average quantity of tar inhaled by Sandonian smokers who are currently addicted to nicotine will probably not decrease during the next five years. B. Sandonian smokers who are not already addicted to nicotine will probably also begin to smoke more cigarettes during the next five years than they had previously. C. The annual number of Sandonian smokers developing smoking-related illnesses will probably decrease during the next five years. D. The proportion of Sandonian's attempting to quit smoking who succeed in that attempt will probably decrease during the next five years. E. The number of Sandonian's who quit smoking during the next five years will probably exceed the number who quit during the last five years.

Why I got this wrong: Didn't understand the question prompt/skipped the question How to avoid: Think of the conclusion and read the prompt thoroughly...don't assume it's just a strengthen just because it says support. Answer: A

GMAT Mock 4 Which of the following best describes the purpose of the sentence in lines 23-25 ("The Chinese , however,...the British")? A. Introduce a definition B. Signal a transition in focus C. Summarize the preceding paragraph D. Draw a contrast between two different theories. E. Present information that contradicts the Preceding paragraph.

Why I got this wrong: Didn't understand the subtle difference in meaning, but it wasn't a contrast and the theories weren't two totally different ideas...it was a transition because the Chinese still used a lot of the techniques and focused on other aspects of the process for improvement How to avoid this mistake: Really think about the difference in meaning when choosing between two answers. For me, contrast stood out in the moment, but read the entire answer...it's also about two different theories which isn't the case for the passage Answer: B

According to the passage, which of the following is true of plant antiherbivore chemistry? (A) Changes in a plant's antiherbivore chemistry may affect insect feeding behavior. (B) A plant's repellent effects often involve interactions between gum and resin. (C) A plant's antiherbivore responses assist in combating bacterial infections. (D) Plant antiherbivore chemistry plays only a minor role in the coevolution of plants and insects. (E) Researchers first studied repellent effects in plants beginning in the 1950s.

Why I got this wrong: Didn't understand the text How to avoid this mistake: Take the time to understand the text and the answers...don't skim! Such ideas led to the development of the specialized discipline of chemical ecology, which is concerned with the role of plant chemicals in interactions with other organisms and with the evolution and ecology of plant antiherbivore chemistry (plants' chemical defenses against attack by herbivores such as insects). Answer: A

The passage describes the work of Pinchbeck primarily in order to (A) demonstrate that some of the conclusions reached by recent historians were anticipated in earlier scholarship (B) provide an instance of the viewpoint that, according to the passage's author, is being superseded (C) illustrate the ways in which recent historians have built on the work of their predecessors (D) provide a point of reference for subsequent scholarship on women's work during the agricultural revolution (E) show the effect that the specialization introduced in the agricultural and industrial revolutions had on women's work

Why I got this wrong: Didn't understand the text In current historiography, the picture of a consistent, unequivocal decline in women's status with the advent of capitalism and industrialization is giving way to an analysis that not only emphasizes both change (whether improvement or decline) and continuity but also accounts for geographical and occupational variation. The history of women's work in English farmhouse cheese making between 1800 and 1930 is a case in point. How to avoid this mistake: Go back and understand text Answer: B

The author suggests which of the following about New York Socialists' commitment to the cost-of-living movement? (A) It lasted for a relatively short period of time (B) It was stronger than their commitment to the suffrage struggle. (C) It predated the cost-of-living protest that erupted in 1917. (D) It coincided with their attempts to bring more women into union organizing. (E) It explained the popularity of the Socialist party in NYC.

Why I got this wrong: Didn't understand the text Underneath the Socialists' brief commitment to cost-of-living organizing lay a basic indifference to the issue itself. How to avoid this mistake: Go back and understand text Answer: A

GMAT Club Error Log It can be inferred from the passage that the frequency with which pre-1830 cases have been cited in court decisions is an indication that A. judicial support for patent rights was strongest in the period before 1830 B. judicial support for patent rights did not increase after 1830 C. courts have returned to judicial standards that prevailed before 1830 D. verdicts favoring patentees in patent-infringement suits did not increase after 1830 E. judicial bias against patentees persisted after 1830

Why I got this wrong: Didn't understand what was the overall messaging around the main idea...it was that the courts didn't really change their perspective, but that the system changed around them...thus, the judicial support didn't change and there was no judicial bias... "But pre-1830 cases have been cited as frequently as later decisions, and they continue to be cited today, suggesting that the early decisions, many of which clearly declared that patent rights were a just recompense for inventive ingenuity, provided a lasting foundation for patent law." How to avoid this mistake: Understand where the author is going with the facts stated and why they're being included. In this case, the author was providing a lot of context for things that changed beyond the judges and that these cases "provided a lasting foundation", insisting that previous rulings are the standard and that the judges haven't changed their views. Answer: B

GMAT Club Error Log Plant scientists have used genetic engineering on seeds to produce crop plants that are highly resistant to insect damage. Unfortunately, the seeds themselves are quite expensive, and the plants require more fertilizer and water to grow well than normal ones. Thus, for most farmers the savings on pesticides would not compensate for the higher seed costs and the cost of additional fertilizer. However, since consumer demand for grains, fruits, and vegetables grown without the use of pesticides continues to rise, the use of genetically engineered seeds of this kind is likely to become widespread. In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles? (A) The first supplies a context for the argument; the second is the argument's main conclusion. (B) The first introduces a development that the argument predicts will have a certain outcome; the second is a state of affairs that the argument denies will be part of that outcome. (C) The first presents a development that the argument predicts will have a certain outcome; the second acknowledges a consideration that weighs against that prediction. (D) The first provides a certain outcome that the argument seeks to weigh against; the second is a consideration that support the main conclusion. (E) The first and the second each provide evidence to support the argument's main conclusion.

Why I got this wrong: Eliminated down to last two, but couldn't understand why C was wrong in the end...after reviewing, D is getting at more of the things the argument is trying to make...the main argument is not that they will save, but rather that use of engineered seeds will rise How to avoid this mistake: Don't fall for a trap answer that essentially reflects what the argument is doing, but answer what aligns more to the purpose of the argument (getting to a main conclusion) Think about the grand scheme of the argument and see if the question is trying to trick you from selecting a trap answer that is super close to being potentially right, but is ultimately not as right as the correct answer. Answer: D

GMAT Club Error Log According to the passage, which of the following is a supposition rather than a fact concerning the queen in a naked mole rat colony? (A) She is the largest member of the colony. (B) She exerts chemical control over the colony. (C) She mates with more than one male. (D) She attains her status through aggression. (E) She is the only breeding female.

Why I got this wrong: Eliminated the right answer because I didn't understand the passage below and chose an answer that was a rather large inference (C) The queen is the largest member of the colony, and she maintains her breeding status through a mixture of behavioral and, presumably, chemical control. How to avoid this mistake: B is the answer because this is detail question and for those, you need to find proof...not something that's made up in your head or a leap in conclusion. In the passage "presumably, chemical control." is all that is needed to answer this question since it is a supposition, not a fact! C & D are traps because you can infer these things, but there's nothing stating/supporting this throughout the passage. A) Yes, fact. "The queen is the largest member of the colony" B) ~ C) No mention, but an assumption in my head D) No mention, but statement about aggression to gain title as queen E) Yes, fact. "Other adult female mole rats neither ovulate nor breed." Answer: B

GMAT Mock 4 A manufacturer of workstations for computer-aided design seeks to increase sales to its most important corporate customers. Its strategy is to publish very low list prices for workstations in order to generate interest among the buyers for those corporations. Which of the following, if characteristic of the marketplace, would tend to cause the manufacture's strategy to fail? A. The proposed list prices would seem low to a typical buyer for the manufacturer's most important corporate customers. B. The capabilities of workstations suitable for given jobs are not significantly different among various manufactures. C. The manufacturer's most important corporate customers employ as buyers persons who are very knowledgeable about prices for workstations for customer-aided design. D. customers differ significantly in the percentage of resources they can devote to computer workstations. E. Buyers for corporations that purchase workstations for computer-aided design receive bonuses for negotiating large discounts from the list price

Why I got this wrong: Fell for a trap answer that was very similar to the right answer. Didn't understand the way that A may or may not cause the strategy to fail, whereas E does cause the strategy to fail How to avoid this mistake: Understand that traps will make it sound like something may or may not fail, but look at the premise and the conclusion of the argument and E attacks both and the assumption that low prices would generate interest from the buyers Answer: E

GMAT Club Error Log According to the passage, naked mole rat colonies may differ from all other known vertebrate groups in which of the following ways? (A) Naked mole rats exhibit an extreme form of altruism. (B) Naked mole rats are cooperative breeders. (C) Among naked mole rats, many males are permitted to breed with a single dominant female. (D) Among naked mole rats, different tasks are performed at different times in an individual's life. (E) Among naked mole rats, fighting results in the selection of a breeding female.

Why I got this wrong: I didn't find the right place in the passage to compare naked mole rat colonies with other vertebrates. In this case, it would be the first and last paragraphs where they speak about vertebrates...and the answer is literally in the first sentence! How to avoid this mistake: Do a top to bottom scan / recall where you remember seeing the factoid and go back to pull an answer where there's proof (since this is a detail question, there needs to be written/literal proof) Answer: A

Mock GMAT 2 One of the limiting factors in human physical performance is the amount of oxygen that is absorbed by the muscles from the bloodstream. Accordingly, entrepreneurs have begun selling at gymnasiums and health clubs bottles of drinking water, labeled "SuperOXY," that has extra oxygen dissolved in the water. Such water would be useless in improving physical performance, however, since the only way to get oxygen into the bloodstream so that it can be absorbed by the muscles is through the lungs. Which of the following, if true, would serve the same function in the argument as the statement in boldface? (A) the water lost in exercising can be replaced with ordinary tap water (B) the amount of oxygen in the blood of people who are exercising is already more than the muscle can absorb (C) world-class athletes turn in record performance without such water (D) frequent physical exercise increases the body's ability to take in and use oxygen (E) lack of oxygen is not the only factor limiting human physical performance

Why I got this wrong: Fell for a trap answer...choosing an answer that sounds like the boldface, but really is something similar to something stated earlier in the argument...but the argument doesn't say anything about other limiting factors... How to avoid this mistake: Sometimes, you can't justify the right answer, and must choose one that at least is in line with the logic of the argument...in this case, that's the answer. The one that basically restates the beginning of the argument and isn't a far drawn conclusion Didn't think about this in a traditional boldface...when I should have...B/C the boldface is a premise and B is a premise supporting the conclusion Answer: B

Mock MBA.com GMAT Practice Test (Victor Made Up) With which of the following generalizations regarding management structures would the author of the passage most probably agree? (A) Hierarchical management structures are the most efficient management structures possible in a modern context. (B) Firms that routinely have a high volume of business transactions find it necessary to adopt hierarchical management structures. (C) Hierarchical management structures cannot be successfully implemented without modern communications and transportation. (D) Modern multinational firms with a relatively small volume of business transactions usually do not have hierarchically organized management structures. (E) Companies that adopt hierarchical management structures usually do so in order to facilitate expansion into foreign trade.

Why I got this wrong: Fell for an answer that was pretty much right, but didn't capture the main point of the passage. Too quickly eliminated the actual answer because I didn't think clearly enough about one of the main points and arguments of the passage...which is to talk about how even the early multinational organizations also had management structures: "In reality, however, early trading companies ... sold those goods both at home and in other countries. The large volume of transactions associated with these activities seems to have necessitated hierarchical management structures well before the advent of modern communications and transportation." How to avoid this mistake: Take a second to think about the main point of the passage...this will prevent from eliminating answers that are actually relevant, and prevent from choosing an answer that's true, but not correct. Answer: B

Made up Verbal GMAT on Wiley Unable to build nests or care for their young, a female cowbird lays up to 40 eggs a year in the nests of other birds, including warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and thrushes. (A) a female cowbird lays up to 40 eggs a year in the nests of other birds, including (B) a female cowbird will use the nests of other birds to lay up to 40 eggs a year, including those of (C) female cowbirds use the nests of other birds to lay up to 40 eggs a year, including those of (D) female cowbirds lay up to 40 eggs a year in the nests of other birds, including (E) up to 40 eggs a year are laid by female cowbirds in the nests of other birds, including

Why I got this wrong: Had assumed that the -ing modifier would modify the the main verb, but in this case...it's actually modifying the noun that's closer... Instead of the eggs, it needs to focus on the nests which is the cores subject of the -ing modifier "female cowbirds use the nests of other birds to lay up to 40 eggs a year, including those of" makes it sound like the eggs include the types of other birds How to avoid this mistake: The mechanic isn't necessarily that -ing modifiers automatically modify verbs, but it has to make logical sense to what's closer and what the meaning comes out to holistically... Answer: D

GMAT Mock 3 Tourists have long complained that hotel accommodations in Midville are too expensive.Starting last year, the city council, hoping to attract more tourists, lowered the hotel tax rate to 5 percent of room charges. By the end of last year, Midville had taken in no less money from hotel taxes than it did the year before, so an examination of the hotel records will show that more tourists stayed in city hotels last year than the year before. Which of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends? A. The tourists who stayed in Midville hotels last year were aware that the hotel tax rate had been lowered. B. The average price of hotel accommodations in Midville was not significantly higher than in hotels in other cities either last year or the year before. C. The average length of a tourist's stay in Midville hotels was not longer last year than it had been the year before. D. There were significantly more efforts to publicize Midville as a tourist destination last year than there had been the year before. E. On average, tourists in Midville did not spend significantly more on meals last year than they did on hotels accommodations.

Why I got this wrong: I didn't carefully read the answers How to avoid this mistake: Carefully read all of the answers and use the negation test to validate Answer: C

GMAT Mock 3 After more than four decades of research and development, a new type of jet engine is being tested that could eventually propel aircraft anywhere in the world within two hours or help boost cargoes into space at significantly lower costs than current methods permit. (A) tested that could eventually propel aircraft anywhere in the world within two hours or help (B) tested that could eventually have the capability of propelling aircraft anywhere in the world within two hours or to help (C) tested, eventually able to propel aircraft anywhere in the world within two hours, or helping (D) tested, and it eventually could propel aircraft anywhere in the world within two hours or helping (E) tested, and it could eventually have the capability to propel aircraft anywhere in the world within two hours or help

Why I got this wrong: I didn't chose the answer with clearer meaning (less repeated words) How to avoid this mistake: Understand the key differences in meaning regarding the modifiers Answer: A

GMAT Club Error Log 1. The author cites the fact that the Rio Grande pueblos were never formally withdrawn from public lands primarily in order to do which of the following? (A) Suggest why it might have been argued that the Winters doctrine ought not to apply to pueblo lands (B) Imply that the United States never really acquired sovereignty over pueblo lands (C) Argue that the pueblo lands ought still to be considered part of federal public lands (D) Support the argument that the water rights of citizens other than American Indians are limited by the Winters doctrine (E) Suggest that federal courts cannot claim jurisdiction over cases disputing the traditional diversion and use of water by Pueblo Indians

Why I got this wrong: I didn't read the whole paragraph back and address the question. Didn't use the right thoroughness and strategy. "Although they at that time became part of the United States, the pueblo lands never formally constituted a part of federal public lands; in any event, no treaty, statute, or executive order has ever designated or withdrawn the pueblos from public lands as American Indian reservations. This fact, however, has not barred application of the Winters doctrine." How to avoid this mistake: Apply high level understanding of passage then dive deep into details. Answer only what has literally been stated in the passage...don't stretch and say stuff that might be implied. Answer: A

GMAT Club Error Log As criminal activity on the Internet becomes more and more sophisticated, not only are thieves able to divert cash from company bank accounts, they can also pilfer valuable information such as business development strategies, new product specifications, and contract bidding plans, and sell the data to competitors. (A) they can also pilfer valuable information such as business development strategies, new product specifications, and contract bidding plans, and sell (B) they can also pilfer valuable information that includes business development strategies, new product specifications, and contract bidding plans, and selling (C) also pilfering valuable information including business development strategies, new product specifications, and contract bidding plans, selling (D) but also pilfer valuable information such as business development strategies, new product specifications, and contract bidding plans to sell (E) but also pilfering valuable information such as business development strategies, new product specifications, and contract bidding plans and selling

Why I got this wrong: I didn't recognize the glaring issues in parallelism (not only can thieves...,they can also...) that is right here and the meaning where "they can also pilfer and sell" in the right answer How to avoid this mistake: Look at the parallel structure and don't be married to the idea of a typical parallel idiom (not only X, but also). In this case, we were able to use "not only are thieves..., they can also pilfer...and sell..." In this case, the second they is necessary to keep the sentence meaning in tact. Answer: A

GMAT Club Error Log It can be inferred from the passage that the performance of tasks in naked mole rat colonies differs from task performance in eusocial insect societies in which of the following ways? (A) In naked mole rat colonies, all tasks are performed cooperatively. (B) In naked mole rat colonies, the performance of tasks is less rigidly determined by body shape. (C) In naked mole rat colonies, breeding is limited to the largest animals. (D) In eusocial insect societies, reproduction is limited to a single female. (E) In eusocial insect societies, the distribution of tasks is based on body size.

Why I got this wrong: I didn't track the differences and what was literally said in the passage below: Eusocial insect societies have rigid caste systems, each insect's role being defined by its behavior, body shape, and physiology. In naked mole rat societies, on the other hand, differences in behavior are related primarily to reproductive status (reproduction being limited to the queen and a few males), body size, and perhaps age. How to avoid this mistake: When inferring something, there needs to be proof within the passage, not something that isn't stated...inferences in RC/CR are not far drawn conclusions, but ones that are very small steps to conclusions Answer: B

GMAT Mock 3, CR Manatees, aquatic mammals inhabiting Florida's rivers and coastal waters, swim close to the surface and are frequently killed in collisions with boats. To address the problem, boat traffic in manatee-populated waters is being required to maintain very low speeds. Unfortunately, manatees are unable to hear low-pitched sounds and a boat's sound lowers in pitch as the boat slows. Therefore, this approach may in fact make things worse rather than better. Which of the following, if true, casts most doubt on the conclusion? (A) The areas where boats would have to maintain low speeds were decided partly on the basis of manatee-population estimates and partly from numbers of reported collisions between manatees and boats. (B) Because the water hyacinth that manatees feed on grows best in water that is nearly still, water hyacinth beds can be disturbed or damaged by fast-moving boat traffic. (C) Over the last several decades, boat traffic in Florida's coastal waters has been increasing almost continuously and now represents the greatest threat to the endangered manatee population. (D) The sound of a boat engine generally travels much further under water than it does through the air. (E) When experimenters exposed manatees to the recorded sounds of boats moving at various speeds, the creatures were unable to discern the sounds over normal-background noise.

Why I got this wrong: I didn't understand how the answer attacked the argument (or neutralized it moreso...) How to avoid this mistake: Understand the premises, the assumptions, and the conclusions of the argument. In weaken, attack one of these parts of the argument Answer: E

GMAT Club Error Log According to the passage, researchers working under the two-category hypothesis were correct in thinking that (A) prokaryotes form a coherent group (B) the common ancestor of all living things had complex properties (C) eukaryotes are fundamentally different from true bacteria (D) true bacteria are just as complex as eukaryotes (E) ancestral versions of eukaryotic genes functioned differently from their modern counterparts

Why I got this wrong: I didn't understand the big picture messaging in the passage...thus, made deciding between choice A and C difficult... How to avoid this mistake: In this case, choose the answer that most aligns with what is generally true...which is the idea that eukaryotes are different from true bacteria...prokaryotes... Prove that A is wrong because the passage states that "the true bacteria indeed form a large coherent group" not that prokaryotes form a coherent group Answer: C

GMAT Mock 3, SC According to findings derived from functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the area of the brain in which a second or third language is stored depends on the age of the language learner; whereas each language occupies a distinct area of the brain in an adult learner, language areas overlap in a young child. (A) whereas each language occupies a distinct area of the brain in an adult learner (B) whereas for adults each language occupies a distinct area of the brain and (C) each language occupies a distinct area of the brain when they are learned by an adult, while (D) each language in adults occupied a distinct area of the brain, while (E) each language occupying a distinct area of the brain for an adult learner, andu

Why I got this wrong: I didn't understand the correct way to do the comparison here... How to avoid this mistake: Understand the whereas, while, and although rule:https://gmat.targettestprep.com/lesson/1173 Answer: A

GMAT Club Error Log 3. It can be inferred from the passage that the author believes which of the following to be true of the amphibian extinctions that have recently been reported? (A) They have resulted primarily from human activities causing environmental degradation. (B)They could probably have been prevented if timely action had been taken to protect the habitats of amphibian species. (C) They should not come as a surprise, because amphibian populations generally have been declining for a number of years. (D) They have probably been caused by a combination of chance events. (E) They do not clearly constitute evidence of general environmental degradation.

Why I got this wrong: I didn't understand the entire flow of the passage and the main point that the author was making at the end How to avoid this mistake: Understand the story line of the passage and why the author is providing you certain facts! Answer: E

GMAT Club Error Log 6. It can be inferred from the passage that which of the following is dependent on the fertilization of an egg? (A) Copying of maternal genes to produce maternal messenger RNA (B) Synthesis of proteins called histones (C) Division of a cell into its nucleus and the cytoplasm (D) Determination of the egg cell's potential for division (E) Generation of all of a cell's morphogenetic determinants

Why I got this wrong: I didn't understand the flow and why the author was including certain details to illustrate the point of the structure of the cells throughout fertilization.... How to avoid this mistake: Read the passage from the point of curiosity...understand why the author is stating what they're stating and follow the flow/logic of the passage! This type of question takes multiple points of understanding throughout the passage and puts it into play for this question... In this case, the passage states... "Studying sea urchins, biologist Paul Gross found that an unfertilized egg contains substances that function as morphogenetic determinants.... When the egg is fertilized, the substances become active and, presumably, govern the behavior of the genes they interact with. The substances that Gross studied are maternal messenger RNA's—products of certain of the maternal genes. He and other biologists studying a wide variety of organisms have found that these particular RNA's direct, in large part, the synthesis of histones, a class of proteins that bind to DNA." Answer: B

GMAT Club Error Log Many of them chiseled from solid rock centuries ago, the mountainous regions of northern Ethiopia are dotted with hundreds of monasteries. (A) Many of them chiseled from solid rock centuries ago, the mountainous regions of northern Ethiopia are dotted with hundreds of monasteries. (B) Chiseled from solid rock centuries ago, the mountainous regions of northern Ethiopia are dotted with many hundreds of monasteries (C) Hundreds of monasteries, many of them chiseled from solid rock centuries ago, are dotting the mountainous regions of northern Ethiopia. (D) The mountainous regions of northern Ethiopia are dotted with hundreds of monasteries, many of which are chiseled from solid rock centuries ago. (E) The mountainous regions of northern Ethiopia are dotted with hundreds of monasteries, many of them chiseled from solid rock centuries ago.

Why I got this wrong: I didn't understand the meaning error associated with "are chiseled" and thought that there was enough pronoun ambiguity with "them chiseled" which made me over index to the modifier referent rather than the verb tense meaning error of "are" How to avoid this mistake: If the pronoun ambiguity isn't that unclear, think about what else is different. In this case, the verb tense was different...and thus caused a meaning error Answer: E

GMAT Club Error Log Quasars are so distant that their light has taken billions of years to reach the Earth; consequently, we see them as they were during the formation of the universe. (A) we see them as they were during (B) we see them as they had been during (C) we see them as if during (D) they appear to us as they did in (E) they appear to us as though in

Why I got this wrong: I didn't understand the meaning error associated with "as they did" versus "as they were". As they did makes it sound like the appear to us now just like they did when the universe started...which is not the right meaning at all! (subtle, yet very different) How to avoid this mistake: Make sure you think deeply about the split and what it is implied from a (1) grammar/structure, (2) meaning/ambiguity perspective Answer: A

Mock GMAT 2 Which of the following, if true, provides the LEAST support for the author's argument about commerce and political parties during Jackson's presidency? (A) Many supporters of Jackson resisted the commercialization that could result from participation in a national economy. (B) Protest against the corrupt and partisan nature of political parties in the United States subsided during Jackson's presidency. (C) During Jackson's presidency the use of money became more common than bartering of goods and services. (D) More northerners than southerners supported Jackson because southerners were opposed to the development of a commercial economy. (E) Andrew Jackson did not feel as strongly committed to the classical ideals of leadership as George Washington had felt.

Why I got this wrong: I didn't understand what the question was asking...chose an answer that didn't make any sense... How to avoid this mistake: Understand the question and use POE to get to the right answer... Pause, take a breath, and recenter/refocus, otherwise, skip! Answer: A

GMAT Mock 4, RC According to the passage, which of the following is true about the role played by ground squirrels in the ecology of grassland-wetland complexes? (A) While not important in the diet of raccoons or striped skunks, ground squirrels are a significant source of food for other waterfowl-nest predators. (B) Whereas ground squirrels are typically important as predators of songbird nests, their opportunistic predation on waterfowl nests also has an observable effect on waterfowl nesting success. (C) Although most waterfowl-nest predators prey on small mammals such as mice and ground squirrels, populations of ground squirrels tend to increase quickly enough to compensate for this level of predation. (D) Although ground squirrels have been known to prey on songbird nests, a larger portion of their diets is usually provided by predation on waterfowl nests. (E) Since larger predators tend to prefer small mammals to songbird eggs as a food source, a large population of ground squirrels plays an important role in controlling opportunistic predation on songbird nests.

Why I got this wrong: I didn't understand where the squirrels were mentioned throughout the passage How to avoid this mistake: In the high level mapping of this passage, understand which populations are being mentioned where and their general affects...didn't have that going into the questions Answer: A (tough one...needed to pull from two locations)

GMAT Club Error Log Which of the following statements best describes the author's method of argumentation in lines 24-31? A. The author describes an important standard of evaluation used by critics of Melville and then attacks that standard. B. The author admits a contention put forward by critics of Melville but then makes a countercharge against those critics. C. The author describes a charge advanced by critics of Melville and then points out a logical flaw in this charge. D. The author provides evidence that seems to support a position held by critics of Melville but then demonstrates that the evidence actually supports a diametrically opposed position. E. The author concedes an assertion made by critics of Melville but then mitigates the weight of the assertion by means of an explanation.

Why I got this wrong: I got so specific with what the author mentions in the passage, that sometimes, the specific details in the answers are what makes them wrong... A) not a standard of eval B) not a countercharge C) no logical flaw D) no diametrically opposed position... E) nothing wrong with this... How to avoid this mistake: Rule out answers...find reasons why they're wrong, not reasons why something might be right... Didn't see why the opposed position would have been wrong in this case, because I thought "the weight of the assertion" was BS for an answer...but nothing was really wrong for that... Because the author is trying to explain Melville's writing style, and thus "mitigates the weight" Need to see that although the author gives into the assertion, he justifies it and makes it seem like there's something good about the writing! (mitigating he weight of the fact that Melville doesn't write novels, but writes romances) Answer: E

GMAT Club Error Log The passage suggests which of the following about the seventeenth-century English women mentioned in line 2? A: Their status as forerunners of modern feminism is not entirely justified. B: They did not openly challenge the radical patriarchalism of Royalist Filmerian ideology. C: Cavendish was the first among these women to criticize women's subordination in marriage and assert women's equality with men. D: Their views on family organization and women's political rights were diametrically opposed to those of both Royalist and Parliamentarian ideology. E: Historians would be less puzzled if more of them were identified with the Parliamentarian side in the English Civil Wars.

Why I got this wrong: I had chosen an extreme answer that could be implied in the passage, but wasn't openly stated (D). How to avoid this mistake: Choose the answer that is actually stated in the passage (E) and not an extreme Answer: E

Mock MBA.com GMAT Practice Test (Victor Made Up) The passage is primarily concerned with evaluating (A) the importance of Florence Nightingale's innovations in the field of nursing (B) contrasting approaches to the writing of historical biography (C) contradictory accounts of Florence Nightingale's historical significance (D) the quality of health care in nineteenth-century England (E) the effect of the Crimean War on developments in the field of health care

Why I got this wrong: I was misguided by the messaging in the final paragraph, and didn't think about the wholistic messaging in the passage... Fell for a true, but not correct answer in A...true for the last paragraph, but not the primary concern of the passage in its entirety. How to avoid this mistake: Think about what the passage is really trying to cover...read the first few sentences on the subject: "Two recent publications offer different assessments of the career of the famous British nurse Florence Nightingale." Differing assessments = contradictory accounts Answer: C

PRACTICE VERBAL MOCK The use of lie detectors is based on the assumption that lying produces emotional reactions in an individual that, in turn, create unconscious physiological responses. (A) that, in turn, create unconscious physiological responses (B) that creates unconscious physiological responses in turn (C) creating, in turn, unconscious physiological responses (D) to create, in turn, physiological responses that are unconscious (E) who creates unconscious physiological responses in turn

Why I got this wrong: Misunderstood the meaning as it was the individual who creates the responses...but it was really the emotional reactions that create the responses. Didn't recognize the rule of modifying outside of prepositional phrase How to avoid mistake: In this case, think about how the modifier will modify the noun outside of the prepositional phrase "in an individual", thus the modifier is modifying the emotional reactions! Answer: A

GMAT Club Error Log Some historians of science have argued that science moves forward not so much because of the insights of great thinkers but because of more mundane developments, such as improved tools and technologies. (A) because of the insights of great thinkers but because of (B) because of the insights of great thinkers as the result of (C) because of the insights of great thinkers as because of (D) through the insights of great thinkers but through (E) through the insights of great thinkers but result from

Why I got this wrong: Narrowed answers down to A and C, but got caught up with the comparison idiom... between "not so much X but Y" versus "not so much X as Y". I didn't understand the meaning that the sentence was intending and thus got the question wrong. How to avoid this mistake: Know not to only rely on the right idiom structures "so...as" typically is wrong, but in this case, the meaning was correct and thus overrides the idiom structures because the "so...but" meaning wasn't right. Trust that meaning trumps the idiom/sound of the sentence Answer: C

GMAT Club Error Log A product that represents a clear technological advance over competing products can generally command a high price. Because technological advances tend to be quickly surpassed and companies want to make large profits while they still can, many companies charge the maximum possible price for such a product. But large profits on the new product will give competitors a strong incentive to quickly match the new product's capabilities. Consequently, the strategy to maximize overall profit from a new product is to charge less than the greatest possible price. In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles? (A) The first is an assumption that forms the basis for a course of action that the argument criticizes; the second presents the course of action endorsed by the argument. (B) The first is a consideration raised to explain the appeal of a certain strategy; the second is a consideration raised to call into question the wisdom of adopting that strategy. (C) The first is an assumption that has been used to justify a certain strategy; the second is a consideration that is used to cast doubt on that assumption. (D) The first is a consideration raised in support of a strategy the argument endorses; the second presents grounds in support of that consideration. (E) The first is a consideration raised to show that adopting a certain strategy is unlikely to achieve the intended effect; the second is presented to explain the appeal of that strategy.

Why I got this wrong: Narrowed down to B and C, but didn't see how the 2nd part of C literally doesn't make logical sense...it isn't questioning the assumption necessarily, but the outcome based on the assumption! How to avoid this mistake: Think about the meaning of the answer choices in the boldfaces and how the meaning of the 2nd part of B is more closely aligned than the 2nd part of C Think about the grand scheme of the argument and see if the question is trying to trick you from selecting a trap answer that is super close to being potentially right, but is ultimately not as right as the correct answer. Answer: B

GMAT Club Error Log 4. The author probably mentions Melville's Pierre to A. refute those literary critics who have made generalizations about the quality of Melville's fiction B. argue that the portrayal of characters is one of Melville's more accomplished literary skills C. give an example of a novel that was thought by James to resemble his own fiction D. suggest that literary critics find few exceptions to what they believe is a characteristic of Melville's fiction E. reinforce the contention of literary critics

Why I got this wrong: Narrowed down to D and E, but didn't realize that it was less of a reinforcement, and more of an exception in the moment... How to avoid this mistake: Re-read the detail in the passage to understand the argument...this is kind of a CR Inference question actually...and so, it's more so to state an "exception" as alluded to this line: "Critics argue that only Pierre (1852) ... is close to⠀⠀⠀ being a novel in the Jamesian sense." Answer: D

Mock MBA.com GMAT Practice Test (Victor Made Up) The passage suggests that which of the following is a prediction concerning meteor streams that can be derived from both the conventional theories mentioned in line 14 and the new computer-derived theory? (A) Dust particles in a meteor stream will usually be distributed evenly throughout any cross section of the steam. (B) The orbits of most meteor streams should cross the orbit of the Earth at some point and give rise to a meteor shower. (C) Over time the distribution of dust in a meteor stream will usually become denser at the outside edges of the stream than at the center. (D) Meteor showers caused by older by older meteor streams should be, on average, longer in duration than those caused by very young meteor streams. (E) The individual dust particles in older meteor streams should be, on average, smaller than those that compose younger meteor streams.

Why I got this wrong: Narrowed down to final two answers: C and D, but didn't eliminate C because I didn't realize how it was actually counter to the conventional theories...I just wouldn't have been able to justify D in the moment...that's why I took so long on this question. Justification really is that conventional theories are captured in this statement: "Astronomers have hypothesized that a meteor stream should broaden with time as the dust particles' individual orbits are perturbed by planetary gravitational fields." OG Explanation: Both theories contend that meteor streams broaden over time. Earth will experience longer showers with older stream, which is wider, than the one with younger stream, which is narrower. How to avoid this mistake: Choose an answer that you can't eliminate...don't worry about having to go back to justify...especially when you're running out of time. Choose an answer you can't eliminate and move on! Answer: D

GMAT Club Error Log Ramirez: The film industry claims that pirated DVDs, which are usually cheaper than legitimate DVDs and become available well before a film's official DVD release date, adversely affect its bottom line. But the industry should note what the spread of piracy indicates: consumers want lower prices and faster DVD releases. Lowering prices of DVDs and releasing them sooner would mitigate piracy's negative effect on film industry profits. The argument above relies on which of the following assumptions? A. Releasing legitimate DVDs earlier would not cause any reduction in the revenue the film industry receives from the films' theatrical release. B. Some people who would otherwise purchase pirated DVDs would be willing to purchase legitimate DVDs if they were less expensive and released earlier than they are now. C. The film industry will in the future be able to produce DVDs more cheaply than is currently the case. D. Some current sellers of pirated DVDs would likely discontinue their businesses if legitimate DVDs were released faster and priced lower. E. Current purchasers of pirated DVDs are aware that those DVDs are not authorized by the film industry.

Why I got this wrong: Narrowed down to final two, and didn't choose the answer that more aligns with argument...DVDs and profits driven by DVD sales How to avoid this mistake: Think about what's more relevant and accurate to the argument...so key with CR. Don't choose an answer just because it sounds right...choose one that aligns with the argument and what it's trying to do! Answer: B

GMAT Club Error Log Since it has become known that several of a bank's top executives have been buying shares in their own bank, the bank's depositors, who had been worried by rumors that the bank faced impending financial collapse, have been greatly relieved. They reason that, since top executives evidently have faith in the bank's financial soundness, those worrisome rumors must be false. Such reasoning might well be overoptimistic, however, since corporate executives have been known to buy shares in their own company in a calculated attempt to dispel negative rumors about the company's health. In the argument given, the two boldfaced portions play which of the following roles? (A) The first describes evidence that has been taken as supporting a conclusion; the second gives a reason for questioning that support.(B) The first describes evidence that has been taken as supporting a conclusion; the second states a contrary conclusion that is the main conclusion of the argument. (C) The first provides evidence in support of the main conclusion of the argument; the second states that conclusion. (D) The first describes the circumstance that the argument as a whole seeks to explain; the second gives the explanation that the argument seeks to establish. (E) The first describes the circumstance that the argument as a whole seeks to explain; the second provides evidence in support of the explanation that the argument seeks to establish.

Why I got this wrong: Narrowed down to last two (A and E) but didn't realize how the first part of E was wrong...and how A was more reflective of the argument How to avoid this mistake: In the moment, it really felt like the argument was trying to rationalize the actions of execs buying shares...but that is not the case. Additionally, A is more reflective of what the argument is trying to do Think about the grand scheme of the argument and see if the question is trying to trick you from selecting a trap answer that is super close to being potentially right, but is ultimately not as right as the correct answer. Answer: A

PRACTICE VERBAL MOCK Scientists have recently found evidence that black holes—regions of space in which matter is so concentrated and the pull of gravity so powerful that nothing, not even light, can emerge from them—probably exist at the core of nearly all galaxies and the mass of each black hole is proportional to its host galaxy. (A) exist at the core of nearly all galaxies and the mass of each black hole is proportional to (B) exist at the core of nearly all galaxies and that the mass of each black hole is proportional to that of (C) exist at the core of nearly all galaxies, and that the mass of each black hole is proportional to (D) exists at the core of nearly all galaxies, and that the mass of each black hole is proportional to that of (E) exists at the core of nearly all galaxies and the mass of each black hole is proportional to that of

Why I got this wrong: Narrowed down to the right final two based on SVA and parallelism, but didn't understand the "that/those" pronoun referent rules How to avoid mistake: that/those are pronouns that don't necessarily refer back to the same antecedent (aka the mass of each black hole isn't proportional to the mass of the black hole in the host galaxy) and thus is okay to use Also, the mass is proportional to the galaxy doesn't make any sense...go with the possibly right answer instead of the definitely wrong answer. Answer: B

Mock MBA.com GMAT Practice Test (Victor Made Up) Consumer advocate: It is generally true, at least in this state, that lawyers who advertise a specific service charge less for that service than lawyers who do not advertise. It is also true that each time restrictions on the advertising of legal services have been eliminated, the number of lawyers advertising their services has increased and legal costs to consumers have declined in consequence. However, eliminating the state requirement that legal advertisements must specify fees for specific services would almost certainly increase rather than further reduce consumers' legal costs. Lawyers would no longer have an incentive to lower their fees when they begin advertising and if no longer required to specify fee arrangements, many lawyers who now advertise would increase their fees. In the consumer advocate's argument, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles? (A) The first is a generalization that the consumer advocate accepts as true; the second is presented as a consequence that follows from the truth of that generalization. (B) The first is a pattern of cause and effect that the consumer advocate argues will be repeated in the case at issue; the second acknowledges a circumstance in which that pattern would not hold. (C) The first is a pattern of cause and effect that the consumer advocate predicts will not hold in the case at issue; the second offers a consideration in support of that prediction. (D) The first is evidence that the consumer advocate offers in support of a certain prediction; the second is that prediction. (E) The first acknowledges a consideration that weighs against the main position that the consumer advocate defends; the second is that position.

Why I got this wrong: Overcomplicated analysis and understanding of answers...when I simply read for Premise/Conclusion and CounterPremise/CounterConclusion, I was able to much more easily narrow and answer. Consumer advocate: It is generally true, at least in this state, that lawyers who advertise a specific service charge less for that service than lawyers who do not advertise. (Background/Evidence/Counter-Premise) It is also true that each time restrictions on the advertising of legal services have been eliminated, the number of lawyers advertising their services has increased and legal costs to consumers have declined in consequence. (Evidence/Counter-Premise) However, eliminating the state requirement that legal advertisements must specify fees for specific services would almost certainly increase rather than further reduce consumers' legal costs. (Conclusion) Lawyers would no longer have an incentive to lower their fees when they begin advertising and if no longer required to specify fee arrangements, many lawyers who now advertise would increase their fees. (Supporting Main Conclusion) How to avoid this mistake: Simplify the analysis to the Premise/Conclusion and CounterPremise/Counter Conclusion analysis method and it will help a ton... This is because I clearly identified the conclusion, and would have realized that the last statement was a premise in support of that conclusion...because the other statements were counter-premises. Consider skipping when answers like this (over-complicated) come up Answer: C

GMAT Mock 4 Mice that have been given morphine are very likely to develop blood poisoning because bacteria that normally reside in the intestine typically respond to morphine by migrating into the bloodstream. However, when mice are given both morphine and the new drug naltrexone, blood poisoning is much less frequent, although it does still occur. These results provide support for researchers' prediction that naltrexone will turn out to be toxic to certain types of bacteria. Which of the following, if discovered to be true, would most seriously weaken the support for the researchers' prediction? (A) After being administered to mice, naltrexone does not pass from the bloodstream into the intestine. (B) Naltrexone inhibits morphine from triggering the migration of intestinal bacteria into the bloodstream. (C) Mice that have been given naltrexone but not morphine have no greater risk of developing blood poisoning than do mice that have not been given either substance. (D) The increased risk of blood poisoning is not the only harmful effect on mice of being given morphine. (E) Conditions other than the presence of intestinal bacteria in the bloodstream can cause blood poisoning in mice.

Why I got this wrong: Picked the wrong answer...conditions other than is not relevant to the premise, assumption, and conclusion of the argument How to avoid this mistake: Need to choose answer that attacks an assumption and breaks down the bridge between the premise and conclusion. When Naltrexone blocks morphine, that means that morphine won't migrate and thus naltrexone won't be toxic Answer: B

GMAT Club Error Log In some types of pine tree, a thick layer of needles protects the buds from which new growth proceeds; consequently they are able to withstand forest fires relatively well. (A) a thick layer of needles protects the buds from which new growth proceeds; consequently they are able to withstand forest fires relatively well (B) a thick needle layer protects buds from where new growth proceeds, so that they can withstand forest fires relatively well (C) a thick layer of needles protect the buds from which new growth proceeds; thus, they are able to withstand relatively well any forest fires (D) since the buds from which new growth proceeds are protected by a thick needle layer, consequently they can therefore withstand forest fires relatively well (E) because the buds where new growth happens are protected by a thick layer of needles, they are able to withstand forest fires relatively easily as a result

Why I got this wrong: Previously eliminated A too quickly instead of carefully evaluating it against other answers How to avoid this mistake: When no glaring errors stand out, avoid quickly eliminating, and instead, compare and eliminate other answers Answer: A

Mock GMAT 2 According to the passage, which of the following is true of comparable worth as a policy? (A) Comparable worth policy decisions in pay-inequity cases have often failed to satisfy the complaints (B) Comparable worth policies have been applied to both public-sector and private-sector employee pay schedules (C) Comparable worth as a policy has come to be widely criticized in the past decade (D) Many employers have considered comparable worth as a policy but very few have actually adopted is. (E) Early implementations of comparable worth policies resulted in only transitory gains in pay equity

Why I got this wrong: Quickly eliminated B because I didn't remember seeing it in the passage... So was left with C, but didn't critically analyze it as the right answer... It became a critical issue, not criticized... How to avoid this mistake: Be sure to scrutinize the final answer you arrive to...sometimes you might have eliminated right answers in RC because you don't remember hearing it...but should go back and prove that the mention in the text isn't right in answering the question Answer: B

GMAT MOCK 6 The primary purpose of the passage is to (A) present an alternative to a commonly accepted explanation for a phenomenon (B) reexamine a previously discredited explanation for a phenomenon in light of new evidence (C) criticize politicians and scholars for failing to anticipate a phenomenon (D) correct a common misconception about the impact a phenomenon has had on a government policy (E) analyze the ways in which a phenomenon has changed over time in response to market forces

Why I got this wrong: Was moving fast and didn't understand the focus of the passage (presenting alternative explanation for maternity leave - government involvement, not just labor market) How to avoid: When discussing the primary purpose, most of the time, it is reflected in the first few sentences of the passage: Many politicians, business leaders, and scholars discount the role of public policy and emphasize the role of the labor market when explaining employers' maternity-leave policies Answer: A

GMAT Mock 4 According to the passage, which of the following was true of attitudes toward marriage in colonial Philadelphia? A. Exemplars of a critique of marriage could be found in various literary forms, but they did not impact public attitudes except among educated young women. B. The diversity of the student body in the Quaker schools meant that attitudes toward marriage were more disparate there than elsewhere in Philadelphia society. C. Although critical attitudes toward marriage were widespread, Quaker schools' influence in disseminating these attitudes was limited. D. Criticisms of marriage in colonial Philadelphia were directed at only certain limited aspects of patriarchal marriage. E. The influence of the wide range of marital beliefs and practices present in Philadelphia's multiethnic population can be detected in the poetry that educated young women copied in their commonplace books.

Why I got this wrong: Ran out of time and didn't look at the details How to avoid this mistake: When wanting to quickly run through the question, go back to the passage where the question topic is mentioned, understand the detail, and choose the answer that most aligns with the detail "Here Wulf probably overstates Quaker schools' impact. At least three years' study would be (20) necessary to achieve the literacy competence necessary to grapple with the material she analyzes. ... While Wulf is correct that (35) a critique of patriarchal marriage circulated broadly, Quaker schools probably cannot be credited with instilling these ideas in the lower classes." Answer: C

GMAT Mock 4 From 1965 on, the region's standard of living has soared, but also unemployment and prices. (A) but also (B) and also (C) but so have (D) and so also (E) but so did

Why I got this wrong: Ran out of time, and didn't consider the parallelism and meaning. Mean to say that even though standards have gone up, these other negative things have also gone up How to avoid this mistake: Understand the parallelism of tense required through the verb choice to have the right meaning, look at the key differences in the answers, and thus narrow down to "have" as the right answer https://gmatclub.com/forum/the-most-efficient-approach-to-gmat-sentence-correction-133951.html Answer: C

GMAT Mock 4 Few of the corporate contributions to the earthquake relief fund, aside from Pterocom, were a significant difference from the usual amounts given by large companies for major international disasters. (A) aside from Pterocom, were a significant difference from the usual amounts (B) Pterocom's excepted, were a substantial departure from the usual amount of those (C) Pterocom excepted, broke the usual mold of those (D) notwithstanding Pterocom, veered much from the usual levels (E) apart from Pterocom's, departed significantly from the usual amounts

Why I got this wrong: Ran out of time, and didn't look for meaning error. After reading first part of sentence, the modifying part, the object being modified needs to align and thus is easily E. How to avoid this mistake: Quickly read for meaning and find the key differences in the answers to arrive to the right answer Answer: E

GMAT Mock 4, RC The primary purpose of the passage is to (A) describe some procedures used for wildlife management and consider some problems associated with the execution of those procedures (B) outline a problem related to a wildlife management procedure and offer potential explanations for the results of an experiment bearing on that problem (C) present experimental results that illustrate the need for certain wildlife management procedures and point out some inconsistencies in those results (D) argue that a certain procedure used for wildlife management should be modified because of its unintended consequences (E) propose that further experiments be performed to assess the long-term effects of certain wildlife management procedures

Why I got this wrong: Read for details and not for the overall messaging of the passage. Picked an answer that aligned more with the details and less on the overall message How to avoid this mistake: Trust the process, read for the high level messages in each paragraph and the turns the author takes. Then answer the primary purpose question with the bigger picture, not leading with details Answer: B

The author's argument that increased straying can "lower the overall fitness of subsequent generations" (see highlighted text) is based on which of the following assumptions? (A) A disturbance of salmonid spawning streams caused by human activity could increase the straying rate of affected salmonid populations as much as the aftermath of the Mount Saint Helens eruption did. (B) In the streams in which the straying salmonids spawn, these straying salmonids would amount to no more than 40 percent of the total spawning population (C) Salmonids in some streams benefit from particular local adaptions. (D) Nonenvironmental factors have no effect on salmonid straying rates. (E) At least some of the streams in which straying salmonids would spawn are pristine, affected by neither natural nor artificial disturbances.

Why I got this wrong: Really tough argument to follow and analyze...32% got wrong. Key is to pull from this passage, which is above the place where the highlighted text is mentioned. Didn't know where to find the argument... "Low levels of straying are crucial, since the process provides a source of novel genes and a mechanism by which a location can be repopulated should the fish there disappear. Yet high rates of straying can be problematic because misdirected fish may interbreed with the existing stock to such a degree that any local adaptations that are present become diluted." Justification: "The passage says "high rates of straying can be problematic because misdirected fish may interbreed with the existing stock to such a degree that any local adaptations that are present become diluted." In other words, the salmon in those pristine areas had adaptions particular suited to those areas, which made them quite fit, and along come a bunch of salmon from the polluted stream next door, and they genetically dilute the salmon of that pristine stream, making them less adapted to that unique niche, and hence less fit. That passage is enormous support for (C)" How to avoid this mistake: Think about where the core of the argument is made and pull from that information. I looked too closely to the highlighted text and didn't know where to go. Answer: C

GMAT Mock 4 Which of the following, if true, would most seriously undermine the author's basis for saying that Wulf overstates Quaker schools' impact (line 17-18) ? A. The information that Wulf herself provided on religious affiliation and gender of students is in fact accurate. B. Most poor, non-Quaker students enrolled in Quaker schools had completed one or two years' formal or informal schooling before enrolling. C. Not all of the young women whose commonplace books contained copies of poetry critical of marriage were Quakers. D. The poetry featured in young women's commonplace books frequently included allusions that were unlikely to be accessible to someone with only three years' study in school. E. In 1765 an unusually large proportion of the Quaker schools' student body consisted of poor girls from non-Quaker backgrounds.

Why I got this wrong: Running out of time and didn't understand the argument (details). Didn't understand what the question is asking and choose an answer that would undermine the fact that they could have gained the education before enrolling. How to avoid this mistake: Go back to the section and pull out the details. Build the argument from the details and attack the argument with an answer. Answer: B

Mock GMAT 2 Junior biomedical researchers have long assumed that their hirings and promotions depend significantly on the amount of their published work. People responsible for making hiring and promotion decisions in the biomedical research field, however, are influenced much more by the overall impact that a candidate's scientific publications have on his or her field than by the number of those publications. The information above, if accurate, argues most strongly against which of the following claims? (A) Even biomedical researchers who are just beginning their careers are expected already to have published articles of major significance to the field. (B) Contributions to the field of biomedical research are generally considered to be significant only if the work is published. (C) The potential scientific importance of not-yet-published work is sometimes taken into account in decisions regarding the hiring or promotion of biomedical researchers. (D) People responsible for hiring or promoting biomedical researchers can reasonably be expected to make a fair assessment of the overall impact of a candidate's publications on his or her field. (E) Biomedical researchers can substantially increase their chances of promotion by fragmenting their research findings so that they are published in several journals instead of one.

Why I got this wrong: Skipped How to avoid this mistake: Skip earlier questions you have no clue on! Answer: E

GMAT Mock 1 Following several years of declining advertising sales, the Greenville Times reorganized its advertising sales force. Before reorganization, the sales force was organized geographically, with some sales representatives concentrating on city-center businesses and others concentrating on different outlying regions. The reorganization attempted to increase the sales representatives' knowledge of clients' businesses by having each sales representative deal with only one type of industry or of retailing. After the reorganization, revenue from advertising sales increased. In assessing whether the improvement in advertising sales can properly be attributed to the reorganization, it would be most helpful to find out which of the following EXCEPT: (A) Two years ago, what proportion of the Greenville Time's total revenue was generated by advertising sales (B) Has the circulation of the Greenville Times increased substantially in the last two years (C) Has there been a substantial turnover in personnel in the advertising sales force over the last 2 years (D) Before the reorganization, had sales representatives found it difficult to keep up with relevant developments in all types of businesses to which they are assigned? (E) Has the economy in Greenville and the surrounding regions been growing rapidly over the last two years?

Why I got this wrong: Skipped - ran out of time How to avoid mistake: Answer this except question by understanding how a yes/no answer can change the direction of the argument. A) Revenue from ad sales two years ago doesn't matter regarding whether the improvement can be tied to the re-org B) If yes - then circ = increase in rev, If no, then circ not increase rev C) If yes - then reorg helps organize sales, if no, then re-org doesn't help, and therefore another reason might have caused D) If yes - then reorg helps keep industry alignment, if no - then reorg doesn't really help solve E) If yes - then econ growth drives increased rev, if no - then reorg could be attributed Answer: A

4. The passage provides information to answer which of the following questions? A. Would most book review editors prefer to have books reviewed without regard to the probable commercial success of the books? B. Are publishers' efforts to persuade bookstores to order certain books generally effective? C. On what basis do literary experts decide that a book is or is not important? D. What criteria are used to determine the length of a particular book review? E. Have book review practices in general changed significantly since a generation ago?

Why I got this wrong: Sometimes, when there's a detail question, I get too lost in reading through the passage to find the details, that I forgot what I was trying to answer...in this case, that's where I went wrong How to avoid this mistake: When revisiting the passage, ensure that you know what question you're trying to answer. In this case, I was searching for things that the passage hasn't provided information for... In reality though, finding the answer to this is tough because A and B are really close, but nothing is really mentioned about A, it's more inferred through the passage...but since this is a detail question, we need to go off of what has been mentioned...and it's that publishers are good at persuading editors (paragraph 2). Answer: B

GMAT Club Error Log Gusty westerly winds will continue to usher in a seasonably cool air mass into the region, as a broad area of high pressure will build and bring fair and dry weather for several days. (A) to usher in a seasonably cool air mass into the region, as a broad area of high pressure will build and (B) ushering in a seasonably cool air mass into the region and a broad area of high pressure will build that (C) to usher in a seasonably cool air mass to the region, a broad area of high pressure building, and (D) ushering a seasonably cool air mass in the region, with a broad area of high pressure building and (E) to usher a seasonably cool air mass into the region while a broad area of high pressure builds, which will

Why I got this wrong: Very subtle ways to eliminate options, especially A&B, and so I didn't choose an answer that was the least questionable...being E. Didn't recognize the repetition as enough to eliminate confidently! How to avoid this mistake: See that if there's really nothing wrong with Answer E, eliminate others for some redundancy...the GMAT prefers eloquence and simplicity in expressing meaning in sentences! Answer: E

GMAT MOCK 6 According to the passage, which of the following is true of the experiments on domestic hens conducted by Sherwin's research team? (A) Only a small number of observer hens appeared to learn to avoid food that was demonstrated by other hens to be noxious. (B) Observer hens ingested food preferentially only after numerous instances of witnessing demonstrator hens preferentially ingest that type of food. (C) Observer hens appeared unable to recognize when demonstrator hens found a particular food especially palatable. (D) Demonstrator hens reacted adversely to ingesting certain novel foods. (E) Demonstrator hens altered their behavior less obviously in response to noxious foods than in response to highly palatable foods.

Why I got this wrong: Was feeling the pressure of timing and falling really behind, so I had to move fast and didn't go back to the passage well enough. I also only looked at a limited part of the 3rd paragraph, when I should have scanned the entire third paragraph to understand what the team did. Didn't re-read the part about: "Even when demonstrator hens reacted with obvious disgust to a specific food, via vigorous head shaking and bill wiping, there was no evidence that observers subsequently avoided eating that food." How to avoid this mistake: If all of the answers sound wrong, go back and find the right detail in the passage - and go further back if necessary. Otherwise, skip! Answer: D

PRACTICE VERBAL MOCK The World Wildlife Fund has declared that global warming, a phenomenon most scientists agree to be caused by human beings in burning fossil fuels, will create havoc among migratory birds by altering the environment in ways harmful to their habitats. (A) a phenomenon most scientists agree to be caused by human beings in burning fossil fuels, (B) a phenomenon most scientists agree that is caused by fossil fuels burned by human beings, (C) a phenomenon that most scientists agree is caused by human beings' burning of fossil fuels, (D) which most scientists agree on as a phenomenon caused by human beings who burn fossil fuels, (E) which most scientists agree to be a phenomenon caused by fossil fuels burned by human beings,

Why I got this wrong: Was stuck on the idea that it needed to be a "which" modifier, but it can be a general phenomenon because it is an appositive, thus I need to look at other parts of the sentence to understand the error and didn't see the meaning error about what it's caused by How to avoid mistake: understand that there are red-herrings with modifiers and focus on other reason why the sentence might be wrong (i.e. meaning in what causes the global warming). You're going to get distracted by sentences that don't sound right, so focus on the different ways the meaning could be unclear or ambiguous - be strict and literal with the meaning Answer: C

Made up Verbal GMAT on Wiley Which of the following statements, if true, would most effectively counter the author's criticism of Locke at the end of the passage? (A) Locke was unfamiliar with the labor theory of value as it was formulated by his intellectual heirs. (B) In Locke's day, there was no possibility of ordinary workers becoming shareholders or pension beneficiaries. (C) During Locke's lifetime, capital goods did not make a significant productive contribution to the economy. (D) The precise statistical calculation of the productive contributions of labor and capital goods is not possible without computers. (E) The terms "capital goods" and "consumer goods" were coined by modern economists and do not appear in Locke's writings.

Why I got this wrong: Went fast...didn't read details and provide good inference. A actually isn't true because he was familiar and built the foundation for heirs to create the labor theory of value... How to avoid this mistake: Use the text to support the inference! Don't draw it without going back! "The labor theory of value systematically disregards the productive contribution of capital goods—a failing for which Locke must bear part of the blame." Answer: C

PRACTICE VERBAL MOCK The passage implies which of the following about the five asteroids mentioned in line 12? (A) Their rotation rates are approximately the same. (B) They have undergone approximately the same number of collisions. (C) They are monoliths. (D) They are composed of fragments that have escaped the gravity of larger asteroids. (E) They were detected only recently.

Why I got this wrong: didn't understand the logic of the passage (i.e. how monoliths have the bell curve whereas rubble has the end of the bell cut off, and the exceptions referred in line 12 are ones with the bell, and thus are monoliths) How to avoid this mistake: Sometimes need to go back and read the detail and passage over to understand the context...not as easy as reading the sentence over again Answer: C

GMAT MOCK 6 Recent findings lend strong support to the theory that a black hole lies at the center of the Milky Way and of many of the 100 billion other galaxies estimated to exist in the universe. (A) that a black hole lies at the center of the Milky Way and of (B) that a black hole lies at the Milky Way's center and (C) that there is a black hole lying at the Milky Way's center and (D) of a black hole lying at the Milky Way's center and (E) of a black hole that lies at the center of the Milky Way and of

Why I got this wrong: took a really long time to realize the meaning, and still didn't fully understand it. Rather than the theory of a black hole in the center of the Milky Way AND the theory of the 100 billion other galaxies...it was about the theory of a black hole in the center of the MW AND the 100B other galaxies How to avoid this mistake: In the middle of a brain fry, do try to pull yourself out and think about how the splits create differing meaning. In this situation, I fell in love with the meaning I wanted to see...when there was a subtle meaning difference. And apparently, the idiom is "theory that". Kind of have to bring in original thinking as well of how black holes are in the center of these galaxies. https://gmatclub.com/forum/ultimate-sc-guide-for-beginners-gmat-ninja-244623.html Answer: A

GMAT Mock 5 The milk of many mammals contains cannabinoids, substances that are known to stimulate certain receptors in the brain. To investigate the function of cannabinoids, researchers injected newborn mice with a chemical that is known to block cannabinoids from reaching their receptors in the brain. The injected mice showed far less interest in feeding than normal newborn mice do. Therefore, cannabinoids probably function to stimulate the appetite. Which of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends? A. Newborn mice do not normally ingest any substance other than their mothers' milk. B. Cannabinoids are the only substances in mammals' milk that stimulate the appetite. C. The mothers of newborn mice do not normally make any effort to encourage their babies to feed. D. The milk of mammals would be less nutritious if it did not contain cannabinoids. E. The chemical that blocks cannabinoids from stimulating their brain receptors does not independently inhibit the appetite.

Why I was wrong: Chose the wrong answer, didn't use the negation rule...Got confused about how the injections would affect the mice. Knew that the blocking was something that How to avoid mistake: Use the negation rule to help rule out answers...if chemical that blocks the cannabinoids inhibits the appetite, then the argument falls apart and the cannabinoids don't function to stimulate Answer: E

GMAT Mock 5 The principal feature of the redesigned checks is a series of printed instructions that the company hopes will help merchants confirm a check's authenticity, which includes reminders to watch the endorsement, compare signatures, and view the watermark while holding the check to the light. (A) which includes reminders to watch the endorsement, compare signatures, and view (B) which include reminders for watching the endorsement, to compare signatures and view (C) by including reminders for watching the endorsement, comparing signatures, and viewing (D) including reminders to watch the endorsement, comparing signatures and viewing (E) including reminders to watch the endorsement, compare signatures, and view

Why I was wrong: Didn't choose based on principled understanding of modifiers...(which modifies wrong noun and creates ambiguous meaning) How to avoid mistake: I need to choose these answers based on what I know, not on the rare exceptions I don't fully understand. In this case, E was much more clear in it's modifier "including" rather than "which" Answer: E

GMAT Mock 5 NASA's methodical approach to the exploration of Mars has not yet answered the questions of whether biological life forms ever emerged on Mars and whether, presuming such life forms having left fossil traces to begin with, those traces can still exist in some moist recesses of the cold and arid planet. (A) and whether, presuming such life forms having left fossil traces to begin with, those traces can (B) and whether, if it is presumed that such life forms left some fossil traces to begin with, can those traces (C) and whether, presuming such life forms left fossil traces to begin with, those traces (D) and, presuming such life forms did leave some fossil traces to begin with, if they can (E) and, presuming such life forms to have left fossil traces to begin with, if they

Why I was wrong: Didn't have enough time to answer. Didn't look at the differences in answers...and how the meaning would differ How to avoid mistake: Do better on timing! Answer: C

GMAT Mock 5, RC According to the passage, which of the following constitutes prevailing scholarly opinion regarding the beginning of modern science? (A) Many important elements of the modern approach to science were already in place in the fourteenth century (B) The development of modern science was initiated by the pioneering work of Jean Buridan (C) Modern science began with the widespread application of the principle of Occam's razor. (D) Modern science began with a shift in focus from investigation of the miraculous to investigation of the regular operation of the world (E) Modern science began with certain major achievements made during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries

Why I was wrong: Didn't recognize the key part of the question...(Prevailing scholarly opinion) How to avoid mistake: Be sure to understand the "Detail" referenced in the question and where it's stated in the text. Don't get stuck on the first answer that sounds right. Answer: E

GMAT Mock 5 Critical-thinking instruction is predicated on two assumptions: that there are clearly identifiable thinking skills that students can be taught to recognize and apply appropriately, and if recognized and applied, students will become more effective thinkers. (A) if recognized and applied, students (B) if these skills are recognized and applied, that students (C) if students recognize and apply them, that they (D) that if recognized and applied, students (E) that if students recognize and apply these skills, they

Why I was wrong: Didn't see the meaning error (how the modifier "if recognized and applied" would be ambiguous, and modify students) with my answer choice and didn't realize that the parallelism was something to heavily consider. How to avoid mistake: Understand how the meaning can be differ in the answer choices through the modifier (modifying the clause before or after) Answer: E

GMAT Mock 5 The passage is primarily concerned with (A) reporting an author's view of a phenomenon (B) disputing the reasons usually given for an unexpected change (C) evaluating the conclusions reached by an author (D) assessing the impact of certain legal decisions (E) defending a controversial point of view

Why I was wrong: Didn't think big picture...got stuck on detail and answered a general question with a detail. Didn't understand how the author was presenting a lot of their judgements through the facts... How to avoid mistake: Think of the big picture of the passage! Answer: A

GMAT Mock 5 In the past, every ten-percentage-point increase in cigarette prices in the country of Coponia has decreased per capita sales of cigarettes by four percent. Coponia is about to raise taxes on cigarettes by 9 cents per pack. The average price of cigarettes in Coponia is and has been for more than a year 90 cents per pack. So the tax hike stands an excellent chance of reducing per capita sales of cigarettes by four percent. Which of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends? A. Tobacco companies are unlikely to reduce their profit per pack of cigarettes to avoid an increase in the cost per pack to consumers in Coponia. B. Previous increases in cigarette prices in Coponia have generally been due to increases in taxes on cigarettes. C. Any decrease in per capita sales of cigarettes in Coponia will result mainly from an increase in the number of people who quit smoking entirely. D. At present, the price of a pack of cigarettes in Coponia includes taxes that amount to less than ten percent of the total selling price. E. The number of people in Coponia who smoke cigarettes has remained relatively constant for the past several years.

Why I was wrong: Didn't understand the answer choice in A. Didn't go in understanding what were the key assumptions (Price Cost = Profit) How to avoid mistake: Think of the profit model when going into questions like this (and all of the assumptions that could be included). Also, negate answer choice to see if it holds up. Answer: A

GMAT Mock 5 The passage most strongly suggests that its author would agree with which of the following statements about clocks? A) Before 1921 no one had designed a clock that used electricity to aid in its timekeeping functions. B) Atomic clocks depend on the operation of mechanisms that were invented by William Shortt and first used in the Shortt clock. C) No type of clock that keeps time more stably and accurately than a Shortt clock relies fundamentally on the operation of a pendulum. D) Subtle changes in the earth's rotation slightly reduce the accuracy of all clocks used in observatories after 1921. E) At least some mechanical clocks that do not have pendulums are almost identical to Shortt clocks in their mode of operation.

Why I was wrong: Didn't understand the bigger picture of why the other information was being shared...it was to indicate that the clocks were incredibly accurate and encompassing How to avoid mistake: When asking about what the author would most agree to, think about the big picture in what the author is trying to get across. Additionally, make sure to read the big picture throughout the passage... "Shortt clocks were standard provision in astronomical observatories of the 1920s and 1930s, and are credited with keeping time to better than two milliseconds in a day. Many were on record as losing or gaining no more than one second in a year—a stability of one part in 30 million. The first indications of seasonal variations in the earth's rotation were gleaned by the use of Shortt clocks." Answer: C

GMAT Mock 5 The passage most strongly suggests that the study described in the third paragraph would not have been possible in the absence of A) accurate information regarding the times at which high and low ocean tides occurred at various locations during 1984 B) comparative data regarding the use of Shortt clocks in observatories between 1921 and 1932 C) a non-Shortt clock that was known to keep time extremely precisely and reliably D) an Innovative electric-power source that was not available in the 1920s and 1930s E) optical data-transmission devices to communicate between the U.S. Naval Observatory and other research facilities

Why I was wrong: Didn't understand the later part of the passage at all... i.e. the third passage. I didn't even think of the atomic clocks...which was why A sounded like a trap answer How to avoid mistake: Go back to the passage and understand what the detailed question!!! Answer: C

GMAT Mock 5 Which of the following studies would proceed in a way most similar to the way in which, according to the passage. Scharf's book interprets Eleanor Roosevelt's career? (A) An exploration of the activities of a wealthy social reformer in terms of the ideals held by the reformer (B) A history of the leaders of a political party which explained how the conflicting aims of its individual leaders thwarted and diverted the activities of each leader (C) An account of the legislative career of a conservative senator which showed his goals to have been derived from a national conservative movement of which the senator was a part (D) A biography of a famous athlete which explained her high level of motivation in terms of the kind of family in which she grew up (E) A history of the individuals who led the movement to end slavery in the United States which attributed the movement's success to the efforts of those exceptional individuals

Why I was wrong: I didn't look closely to understand the passage in more detail, and thus fell into a trap answer that sounded about right...I didn't understand the bigger idea about how Eleanor's career wasn't idiosyncratic, but rather a part of a larger social movement How to avoid mistake: When there's a detailed question, go back to the passage and find the key points of the passage and understand the bigger idea. Answer: C

GMAT Mock 5 It can be inferred from the passage that the author would be most likely to agree with which of the following statements concerning modern science? (A) The use of experiments is the crucial factor enabling scientists to engage in what can properly be described as modern science. (B) A certain set of scientific achievements had to be accomplished before scientists could engage in modern science. (C) The scientific revolution of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries marks the beginning of what should be considered modern science. (D) The origins of modern science can be traced back to the articulation of a particular approach to the study of nature. (E) Any scientific experiments conducted before the sixteenth century were unlikely to reflect a focus on modern science

Why I was wrong: I tried to think too hard about drawing an inference and eliminated the answer that related much more to the big idea of the passage How to avoid mistake: Think big picture about the main idea that the author was conveying (shift in thinking thanks to Buridan). Don't loose track of the important keywords in each answer...(i.e. "the crucial factor" is a red flag). Additionally, the correct answer addresses the main point of the passage and thus is likely what the author would most align with Answer: D

GMAT Mock 5 Navigators have known for thousands of years that the ocean has variable currents, but it is only in the last half century that a reasonably clear picture has emerged of the patterns and causes of ocean currents. (A) a reasonably clear picture has emerged of the patterns and causes of ocean currents (B) a reasonably clear picture of the patterns of ocean currents and their causes have emerged (C) a reasonably clear picture emerged of ocean currents, their patterns and the causes of them (D) there have emerged a reasonably clear picture of the patterns of ocean currents and what caused them (E) there had emerged a reasonably clear picture of the patterns of ocean currents and their causes

Why I was wrong: Understood that it was a modifier/meaning error, but didn't see the specific errors in final answers How to avoid mistake: Watch out for ambiguity in these modifiers...and ambiguity in pronouns. Come into answers with good understanding of meaning. This greatly helps the modifier selection process. Answer: A