16Hit1600
Information and IdeasVery hardInference from a change of addressee

Information and Ideas practice question

The archive's letters from 1790 to 1795 are all addressed to Mr Hale. From 1796 they are addressed to Mrs Hale and answered in her hand, and the estate's accounts show no change of ownership. A historian could reasonably infer that ____

Which choice most logically completes the text?

  1. A. Mr Hale died or became unable to manage his affairs around 1796, and his wife took over the estate's correspondence.Correct
  2. B. the estate was sold in 1796.
  3. C. Mrs Hale forged the replies.
  4. D. the letters after 1796 are about a different estate.

Answer: A. Mr Hale died or became unable to manage his affairs around 1796, and his wife took over the estate's correspondence.

A new addressee, a new hand, the same owner.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. the estate was sold in 1796.
The accounts show no change of ownership.
C. Mrs Hale forged the replies.
Nothing suggests forgery.
D. the letters after 1796 are about a different estate.
The accounts are the same estate's.

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