Braille Is A Method Of Producing Text By Means Of Raised Dots That Can GMAT Critical Reasoning

Question: Braille is a method of producing text by means of raised dots that can be read by touch. A recent development in technology will allow flat computer screens to be made of a material that can be heated in patterns that replicate the patterns used in Braille. Since the thermal device will utilize the same symbol system as Braille, it follows that anyone who is accustomed to reading Braille can easily adapt to the use of this electronic system.

Which of the following is an assumption on which the conclusion depends?

(A) Braille is the only symbol system that can be readily adapted for use with the new thermal screen.
(B) Only people who currently use Braille as their sole medium for reading text will have the capacity to adapt to the use of thermal screens.
(C) People with the tactile ability to discriminate symbols in Braille have an ability to discriminate similar patterns on a flat heated surface.
(D) Some symbol systems encode a piece of text by using dots that replicate the shape of letters of the alphabet.
(E) Eventually it will be possible to train people to read Braille by first training them in the use of the thermal screen.

“Braille is a method of producing text by means of raised dots that can” - is a critical thinking GMAT question. In order to respond to the question, a candidate may decide to present an illogical argument or look for evidence that would refute it. A candidate's capacity for logic and analysis is evaluated on the GMAT critical reasoning exam. Candidates must point out the argument's benefits and drawbacks as well as its logical errors with regard to this subject. Ten to thirteen questions on critical reasoning are included in the CR section of the 36 GMAT verbal questions.

Answer: (C)
Explanation: Braille is a way of writing that uses raised dots that can be touched to read the text. A recent technological advancement will enable the creation of flat computer screens from a material that can be heated in patterns that resemble those used in Braille. Anyone who is used to reading Braille can easily get used to using this electronic system because the thermal device will use the same symbol system as Braille.

Therefore the conclusion is that anyone who is used to reading Braille can easily get used to using this electronic system.

Let us examine each option to determine which one is a presumption on which the passage's conclusion depends.

Option – A : Incorrect
It states that the only symbol system that can be easily modified for use with the new thermal screen is Braille. The debate centers on how those who are familiar with Braille can utilize the new technology. It makes no difference if Braille is the only symbol system. Therefore this option is ruled out.

Option – B : Incorrect
It states that only those who currently rely solely on Braille to read text will be able to adjust to using a thermal screen. The question should be whether Braille-literate people can use the new technology. It does not matter if the technology can only be used by one group or not. Therefore this option is ruled out.

Option – C : Correct
It states that those who have the tactile skills necessary to discriminate between Braille symbols can do the same when looking at similar patterns on a flat heated surface. Discriminate simply means to be aware. In this sentence, the relationship between raised dots and heated patterns on a flat surface is established. The new technology will fail if those who can see the raised dots cannot see the heat patterns. Therefore this option is ruled out.

Option – D : Incorrect
It states that some symbol systems use dots that mimic the shapes of alphabetic letters to encode text. This is irrelevant. We are only dealing with Braille as a symbol system. Therefore this option is ruled out.

Option – E : Incorrect
It states that eventually it will be possible to teach people how to use a thermal screen before teaching them how to read Braille. This could become a little annoying. Remember that the conclusion only stated that those who are familiar with Braille can utilize the new technology. The subject of training is different. Let's employ the negation approach. People who are already familiar with Braille may still be able to understand the heat patterns on a flat surface using the new technology. This can be said even if it is not possible to train people in Braille using the thermal screen first. So, the case is still valid. Therefore this option is ruled out.

From the explanations above, it is certain that the third option is the right choice.

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