Engineer: The efficiency of our product assembly process has declined because some of our machines have been malfunctioning often. The...

GMAT Two Part Analysis : (TPA) Questions

Source: Official Guide

Two Part Analysis

Verbal - CR

EASY

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Notes

Post a Query

Engineer: The efficiency of our product assembly process has declined because some of our machines have been malfunctioning often. The malfunction occurs because steel rods in some of the machines have been failing under stress. I believe that

Although steel rods are stronger than many types of rods (for example, iron rods), titanium rods are significantly stronger than these steel rods. Furthermore,

Select for Statement 1 and for Statement 2 the two sentences that best complete the argument. Make only two selections, one in each column.

Statement 1

Statement 2

the machines are more efficient

we should replace the machines with other machines without rods

we should replace the steel rods with titanium rods

we should replace the iron rods with titanium rods

when replacement costs for titanium rods are taken into account, the steel rods are less expensive than titanium rods

when replacement costs for steel rods are taken into account, the titanium rods are less expensive than steel rods

Solution

Phase 1: Owning the Dataset

Argument Analysis Table

Text from Passage	Analysis
"The efficiency of our product assembly process has declined because some of our machines have been malfunctioning often."	What it says: Production efficiency is down due to frequent machine breakdowns What it does: States the problem Key connections: Sets up need for a solution Visualization: Efficiency \(\downarrow\) \(\leftarrow\) Machine malfunctions \(\uparrow\)
"The malfunction occurs because steel rods in some of the machines have been failing under stress."	What it says: Steel rods breaking under stress cause the malfunctions What it does: Identifies root cause Key connections: Links malfunctions to specific component failure Visualization: Malfunctions \(\leftarrow\) Steel rod failures
"Although steel rods are stronger than many types of rods (for example, iron rods), titanium rods are significantly stronger than these steel rods."	What it says: \(\mathrm{Titanium\ rods} > \mathrm{Steel\ rods} > \mathrm{Iron\ rods}\) (strength hierarchy) What it does: Introduces potential solution Key connections: Suggests titanium could solve the failure problem Visualization: Strength scale: \(\mathrm{Iron} < \mathrm{Steel} < \mathrm{Titanium}\)

Argument Structure

Main problem: Declining efficiency due to machine malfunctions
Root cause: Steel rod failures under stress
Potential solution implied: Use stronger rods (titanium)
Logical flow: Problem → Cause → Solution components

Phase 2: Question Analysis & Prethinking

Understanding What Each Part Asks

We need to complete the engineer's belief statement with two components:

Part 1: Should logically follow from the strength comparison and problem
Part 2: Should complete the overall argument

Prethinking Based on Question Type

This is a logical completion question. We need statements that:

Complete the engineer's reasoning
Form a coherent argument from problem to solution

Specific Prethinking for Each Part

For Part 1: Given that titanium is stronger and steel rods are failing, we'd expect a recommendation to replace steel with titanium
For Part 2: To complete the argument, we might need to address practical concerns like cost, implementation, or additional benefits

Phase 3: Answer Choice Evaluation

Evaluating Each Choice

"the machines are more efficient"

This describes a desired outcome, not a belief following from the evidence
Doesn't fit as Part 1 (not a logical next step)
Doesn't fit as Part 2 (doesn't complete the argument)

"we should replace the machines with other machines without rods"

Extreme solution that ignores the titanium option
Poor fit for either part as it doesn't use the strength comparison

"we should replace the steel rods with titanium rods"

Perfect logical conclusion from: steel fails + titanium is stronger
Strong candidate for Part 1

"we should replace the iron rods with titanium rods"

Incorrect - iron rods aren't the problem, steel rods are
Misidentifies the issue

"when replacement costs for titanium rods are taken into account, the steel rods are less expensive than titanium rods"

This would argue AGAINST using titanium
Contradicts the implied solution

"when replacement costs for steel rods are taken into account, the titanium rods are less expensive than steel rods"

Addresses cost concerns by showing titanium is economical long-term
Strong candidate for Part 2 as it completes the argument by removing cost objections

The Correct Answers

For Part 1: "we should replace the steel rods with titanium rods" - This is the logical recommendation following from the problem and strength comparison
For Part 2: "when replacement costs for steel rods are taken into account, the titanium rods are less expensive than steel rods" - This completes the argument by showing the solution is also cost-effective

Common Traps to Highlight

The iron rod option: Seems similar to the correct answer but addresses the wrong component
The reverse cost comparison: Appears to discuss relevant cost issues but actually argues against the solution
Replacing entire machines: Seems like a solution but is unnecessarily extreme and ignores the specific rod strength information provided

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