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Information and IdeasVery hardInference reconciling two findings

Information and Ideas practice question

In a survey, most cyclists said they would ride more often if the city had more cycle lanes. But when the city built a network of lanes, cycling rates rose only slightly, and mainly among people who had not cycled before. This suggests that ____

Which choice most logically completes the text?

  1. A. the lanes did more to attract new cyclists than to increase the riding of existing ones, despite what existing cyclists predicted.Correct
  2. B. the lanes discouraged cycling.
  3. C. the survey respondents lied.
  4. D. cycling rates fell after the lanes were built.

Answer: A. the lanes did more to attract new cyclists than to increase the riding of existing ones, despite what existing cyclists predicted.

Existing cyclists predicted they'd ride more; the gain came from newcomers instead.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. the lanes discouraged cycling.
Rates rose.
C. the survey respondents lied.
People often mispredict their own behaviour; lying is a stronger claim than the text supports.
D. cycling rates fell after the lanes were built.
Rates rose slightly.

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