16Hit1600
Expression of IdeasVery hardConveying uncertainty about a cause

Expression of Ideas practice question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: - Sales at the town's bookshop rose 20% last year. - The shop began hosting author events last year. - A rival bookshop across town closed in the same year. - The owner cannot say how much each factor contributed.

The student wants to report the rise while making clear that its cause is unresolved. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

  1. A. Sales rose 20% last year, but with author events starting and a rival closing in the same year, the owner cannot say how much each contributed.Correct
  2. B. Sales rose 20% because of the author events.
  3. C. A rival bookshop closed last year.
  4. D. Sales rose 20% last year.

Answer: A. Sales rose 20% last year, but with author events starting and a rival closing in the same year, the owner cannot say how much each contributed.

The rise, both candidate causes, and the owner's uncertainty.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Sales rose 20% because of the author events.
Assigns the cause the notes leave open.
C. A rival bookshop closed last year.
One factor, no rise.
D. Sales rose 20% last year.
The rise with no discussion of cause.

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