essay - GMAT: Argument 26

The following appeared as part of an article in a magazine on lifestyles:

Two years ago, City L was listed 14th in an annual survey that ranks cities according to the quality of life that can be enjoyed by those living in them. This information will enable people who are moving to the state in which City L is located to confidently identify one place, at least, where schools are good, housing is affordable, people are friendly, the environment is safe, and the arts flourish.

Discuss how well reasoned . . . etc.

Answer:
The author of this article indicates that City L is the best choice for people considering coming to the state where the city is located because of good schools, reasonable housing costs, friendly friends, the safe environment, and the flourished arts. This reasoning, however, is very weak since necessary information is not shown.

First, the reader can not judge the city is truly good. That is, the author shows the result of the survey conducted two years ago, but necessary information such as how many cities were surveyed or what kind of people answered the survey. Therefore, the reader has a doubt on the claim.

Second, the second sentence of the article is completely ambiguous. What does the author want to say? Since the sentence doesn't contain clear conclusion such as City L has the benefits or something, the reader gets confused in how to judge its contention.

In conclusion, this argument is really poor in terms of the lack of necessary information and clear conclusion.