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Expression of IdeasMediumSynthesis: why breakfast may not be the cause

Expression of Ideas practice question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: - 200 volunteers took part in a three-month study. - Those who ate breakfast lost 2 kilograms more than those who did not. - Volunteers chose for themselves whether to eat breakfast. - The breakfast eaters also exercised more.

The student wants to explain why the finding does not show that eating breakfast causes weight loss. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

  1. A. Because the volunteers chose whether to eat breakfast and the breakfast eaters also exercised more, their extra 2 kilograms lost may be due to exercise rather than breakfast.Correct
  2. B. Eating breakfast helps people lose 2 kilograms.
  3. C. 200 volunteers took part in the study.
  4. D. The breakfast eaters exercised more.

Answer: A. Because the volunteers chose whether to eat breakfast and the breakfast eaters also exercised more, their extra 2 kilograms lost may be due to exercise rather than breakfast.

Self-selection and exercise.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Eating breakfast helps people lose 2 kilograms.
Claims cause.
C. 200 volunteers took part in the study.
The sample size alone.
D. The breakfast eaters exercised more.
One fact without the reasoning.

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