Critical Reasoning Chapter 3 Q.4 6th ed.

[AmeliaS552]

Hi,

I am hoping someone can help explain this too me because I don't agree with the answer given. The question is from the Critical Reasoning strategy guide 6th edition, Chapter 3 Question 4:

In an attempt to explain the cause of malaria, a deadly infectious disease, early European settlers in Hong Kong attributed the malady to poisonous gases supposedly emanating from low-lying swampland. In the 1880's, however, doctors determined that Anopheles mosquitoes were responsible for transmitting the disease to humans after observing that the female of the species can carry a parasitic protozoan that is passed on to unsuspecting humans when a mosquito feasts on a person's blood.

What function does the statement in boldface fulfill with respect to the argument presented above?

I was stuck between A and C. Answer A is the correct answer.

(A) It provides support for the explanation of a particular phenomenon.

(C) It offers confirmation of a contested assumption.

I understand that the boldface is evidence or support for the conclusion, so a premise. What I don't understand is why the explanation is saying nothing is contested when it clearly states that the first assumption that Hong Kong made was opposed/contested by the conclusion that malaria was transmitted by mosquitos, specifically females.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

[StaceyKoprince]

Please remember to read (and follow!) the forum guidelines before posting.

A problem from our SC book should go in the Manhattan GMAT Non-CAT Verbal folder. I'll give you a short answer here but, if you'd like to discuss further, please re-post your question in the appropriate folder. Thanks!

I think you might be reading the choice backwards.

Answer choice (C) is not saying that the boldface font contests or goes against the old assumption.

Rather, the "contested assumption" = the assumption that is being discounted (malaria is caused by bad air).

Therefore, answer choice (C) says that the text in the boldface font confirms the idea that malaria was caused by bad air. As you said, the boldface text actually does the exact opposite: it shows that the old assumption is false / that malaria is NOT caused by bad air.