Information and IdeasVery hardFinding weakening a traffic claim
Information and Ideas practice question
A journalist argues that the town's new bypass has reduced traffic through the centre, citing a 40 percent drop in vehicles counted on the main street since the bypass opened.
Which finding, if true, would most directly weaken the journalist's argument?
- A. The main street was closed for roadworks for most of the counting period after the bypass opened.Correct
- B. Residents of the centre say the streets are quieter than before.
- C. The bypass carries about 10,000 vehicles a day.
- D. The vehicle counts were taken at the same point on the main street before and after the bypass opened.
Answer: A. The main street was closed for roadworks for most of the counting period after the bypass opened.
If the street was closed, the 40 percent drop reflects the roadworks, not the bypass.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. Residents of the centre say the streets are quieter than before.
- Quieter streets support the claim.
- C. The bypass carries about 10,000 vehicles a day.
- Heavy use of the bypass supports the claim.
- D. The vehicle counts were taken at the same point on the main street before and after the bypass opened.
- Consistent counting points make the comparison MORE reliable.
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