Question: Though the press release and other official statements of oil companies take great pains to emphasize that the scientific community is not unanimous in the belief that global warming can be tied to the burning of fossil fuels and other human activities, oil companies clearly do not believe this to be the case. If there were actually credible, respected scientists who rejected human-caused climate change, these companies would surely spend more money to support the research doe by these dissenting voices, for they have a vested interest in making sure debate on the issue continues indefinitely.
Which of the following best explains the apparent discrepancy described above?
(A) Oil companies have only recently begun investing in scientific research that addresses climate change.
(B) Unless a researcher can credibly claim independence from those whom his research might benefit, they will not be as successful as those who can.
(C) Oil companies typically earmark money spent on research for technologies that would directly benefit their profits.
(D) Oil companies spend substantial amounts circulating their press releases and publicizing their other official statements.
(E) If a company spends money to support on side of a contentious issue, such support will be taken as a sign that the issue is already decided.
Though the Press Release and Other Official Statements of Oil Companies – is a GMAT Critical question. This particular GMAT Critical Reasoning topic has been taken from the book ‘501 GMAT Questions. In this particular topic, candidates need to choose the option that best suits the passage. GMAT critical reasoning tests the logical and analytical skills of the candidates. Critical reasoning in GMAT requires candidates to find the strengths and weaknesses of the argument, or find the logical flaw in the argument. The GMAT CR section contains 10 -13 GMAT critical reasoning questions out of 36 GMAT verbal questions.
Answer: E
Explanation: This is a GMAT critical reasoning question. We are looking for the option that explains the unsaid discrepancy in the passage.
The statement states- Though the press release and other official statements of oil companies take great pains to emphasize that the scientific community is not unanimous in the belief that global warming can be tied to the burning of fossil fuels and other human activities, oil companies clearly do not believe this to be the case. If there were actually credible, respected scientists who rejected human-caused climate change, these companies would surely spend more money to support the research done by these dissenting voices, for they have a vested interest in making sure debate on the issue continues indefinitely.
This can be deducted that even though oil companies put emphasis on scientific research but they are not sure if fossil fuels are increasing global warming. Different oil companies do not invest in research of scientists, who thinks that these are not the mail issue.
Discrepancy:
Though oil companies emphasise that scientists are not sure whether fossil fuels are leading to global warming, oil companies don't invest in research of scientists who believe that fossil fuels are not the culprit.
This is a bit unexpected. Proving that fossil fuels are not responsible is in their favour so they should financially support it.
Let us consider the given assumptions to check the best one which favour the given argument.
(A) Oil companies have only recently begun investing in scientific research that addresses climate change. – This is not relevant to the topic discussed. Hence, this is incorrect.
(B) Unless a researcher can credibly claim independence from those whom his research might benefit, they will not be as successful as those who can.
The initial part of option B is irrelevant but the latter part is irrelevant.
(C) Oil companies typically earmark money spent on research for technologies that would directly benefit their profits.
This does not support that it cannot spend on the research of any scientist.
(D) Oil companies spend substantial amounts circulating their press releases and publicizing their other official statements.
This does not support that it cannot spend on the research of any scientist.
(E) If a company spends money to support on side of a contentious issue, such support will be taken as a sign that the issue is already decided.
This option is ambiguous. Option E states that if any company spends money to support scientists for research work, it supports one side of this contentious issue. Hence this is an appropriate answer.
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