16Hit1600
Expression of IdeasVery hardGeneralisation backed by both cases

Expression of Ideas practice question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: - London introduced a congestion charge for its centre in 2003. - In its first year, traffic in the charged zone fell by about 15%. - Stockholm introduced a congestion charge in 2006. - Stockholm's charge cut traffic in its zone by about 20%. - Both cities later expanded their schemes.

The student wants to make a generalisation about congestion charges and support it with both examples. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

  1. A. Congestion charges have cut city-centre traffic substantially: by about 15% in London after 2003 and about 20% in Stockholm after 2006.Correct
  2. B. London introduced its congestion charge in 2003 and Stockholm introduced one in 2006.
  3. C. London's congestion charge cut traffic in the charged zone by about 15% in its first year.
  4. D. Stockholm's charge cut traffic by about 20%, which shows that congestion charges work everywhere.

Answer: A. Congestion charges have cut city-centre traffic substantially: by about 15% in London after 2003 and about 20% in Stockholm after 2006.

A general claim followed by both cities' figures: only choice A does both.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. London introduced its congestion charge in 2003 and Stockholm introduced one in 2006.
Dates for both cities, but no generalisation about the charges' effects.
C. London's congestion charge cut traffic in the charged zone by about 15% in its first year.
One example, no generalisation.
D. Stockholm's charge cut traffic by about 20%, which shows that congestion charges work everywhere.
A generalisation drawn from one city — and 'everywhere' goes beyond what two cases can show.

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