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VerbalCritical Reasoning

Free GMAT Critical Reasoning Practice Question

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The city council reviewed three options for the vacant lot on Maple Street: a parking structure, a community garden, and a small playground. After public hearings showed that residents strongly preferred green space and that the neighborhood already had ample parking, the council voted to build the community garden. Therefore, the council chose the community garden over the parking structure and the playground.

Which of the following best expresses the main conclusion of the argument?

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Answer & Explanation

Correct answer

B

Find the claim the other statements support, and follow the signal word. The final sentence opens with "Therefore," marking the point the argument drives toward. The reasons given, that residents preferred green space and that the neighborhood already had ample parking, lead to one outcome: the council chose the community garden over the parking structure and the playground. That is choice B.

Choice A reports the hearing results, a reason offered for the vote, not the claim that reason supports. Choice C is background evidence the council relied on to reject the parking structure, not the recommendation reached. Choice D is scene-setting detail about the vacant lot that the argument never tries to prove. Choice E reads like a conclusion because it is a general recommendation, but it is far broader than anything argued; the council's decision concerns only this one Maple Street lot. So the answer is B.