Question: A recent study of Las Vegas clubs showed that out of a large group of club-goers surveyed, those who visited clubs more than three times a week typically drank significantly more alcoholic beverages per club visit than those who attended clubs three times a week or less. Therefore, people trying to cut back on alcohol consumption in Las Vegas should limit their club-going to three times a week maximum.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the author’s conclusion?

1. Las Vegas clubs offer drink specials to customers who frequent their clubs more than 3+ times a week.
2. The study’s results only held up for Las Vegas clubs, not for clubs in other major cities in Nevada.
3. Many recovering alcoholics in Las Vegas formerly frequented clubs more than three times a week.
4. The study also showed that club-goers who attend clubs 3+ times a week, unlike those who attend less than three times a week, typically choose to visit upscale clubs which require two-drink minimums.
5. Drink coupons are extremely popular in Las Vegas clubs, and are typically distributed evenly to all patrons in Las Vegas clubs, though they must be used within a week of being distributed.

Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Option D is the correct answer. It is required to offer an alternate explanation for the conclusion in order to weaken an argument. The argument of the passage claimed that those who are willing to party more than three times a week drink alcohol per visit. However, they drink more alcohol than people who like to drink less alcohol, attending parties either three times a week or less. They also might not necessarily want to restrict their club-going. The answer choice (D) weakens the conclusion by indicating that more than 3 times a week partygoers visit upscale clubs which demand a minimum of two drinks. If the drink minimums cause more alcohol consumption, then it is likely to recover alcoholics from the circumstances. The alcoholics must choose to attend non-upscale clubs without drinking minimums of 3+ times a week. It would reduce the hazard of over-consuming alcohol. Let’s take a look at the other options.

Option A

The argument of the passage claimed that those who are willing to party more than three times a week drink alcohol per visit. However, they drink more alcohol than people who like to drink less alcohol, attending parties either three times a week or less. They also might not necessarily want to restrict their club-going. Option A argues that Las Vegas clubs give discounts on drinks especially to the people who frequently attend parties more than three times a week. Therefore, the more frequently people attend the clubs, they will buy more special drinks since there are discounts on drinks. This answer choice helps to present the conclusion. However, it does not weaken the argument of the passage. Hence, option A is incorrect and thereby gets eliminated.

Option B

The argument of the passage claimed that people who intend to party more than three times a week drink alcohol per visit. However, they drink more alcohol than people who like to drink less alcohol, attending parties either three times a week or less. They also might not necessarily want to restrict their club-going. Option B implies that the results of the study are carried out for Las Vegas clubs, rather than the clubs in other major cities in Nevada. This argument mainly tells about the Las Vegas clubs. Therefore, option B is incorrect since it does not support the argument of the passage. Hence option b gets eliminated.

Option C

The argument of the passage claimed that those who are willing to party more than three times a week drink alcohol per visit. However, they drink more alcohol than people who like to drink less alcohol, attending parties either three times a week or less. They also might not necessarily want to restrict their club-going. Option C implies that many people who are recovering alcoholics in Las Vegas previously visit clubs frequently more than three times a week. It is evident that if people with alcohol addiction were restricted from visiting clubs, then they will look for alternative ways to obtain alcohol. Hence, option C strengthens the conclusion of the author. Therefore, option C is the incorrect answer as it does not satisfy the requirements of the passage. Hence, option C gets eliminated.

Option E

The argument of the passage claimed that people who intend to party more than three times a week drink alcohol per visit. However, they drink more alcohol than people who like to drink less alcohol, attending parties either three times a week or less. They also might not necessarily want to restrict their club-going. Option E suggests that coupons for drinks are immensely popular in Las Vegas. These coupons are distributed to all customers in the clubs of Las Vegas. These coupons should be utilised within a week of dispersion. However, these distributions of coupons to the customers are not related to the claim of the passage. Hence, the answer choice E is incorrect since it does not satisfy the argument of the passage. Therefore, option E gets eliminated.

“A recent study of Las Vegas clubs showed that out of a large”- is a GMAT critical reasoning topic of the GMAT exam. This GMAT Critical Reasoning consists of five options and candidates need to choose the one which is correct. GMAT critical reasoning questions test the logical and rational skills of the candidates in understanding and analysing information or concepts.

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