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Information and IdeasVery hardInference about when a cover matters

Information and Ideas practice question

A publisher found that books with plain covers sold about as well in bookshops as books with illustrated covers, but far worse online, where shoppers see only a small thumbnail image. The most reasonable conclusion is that ____

Which choice most logically completes the text?

  1. A. a cover's effect on sales depends on how the book is seen before purchase.Correct
  2. B. illustrated covers reduce sales in bookshops.
  3. C. online shoppers pay no attention to covers.
  4. D. plain covers are cheaper to print.

Answer: A. a cover's effect on sales depends on how the book is seen before purchase.

Same books, different results in different settings: the setting — shop or thumbnail — decides whether the cover matters.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. illustrated covers reduce sales in bookshops.
In shops the two kinds sold about equally.
C. online shoppers pay no attention to covers.
Online is where the cover made the BIGGEST difference.
D. plain covers are cheaper to print.
Printing costs aren't mentioned.

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