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Information and IdeasMediumInference from an anomaly in wear

Information and Ideas practice question

The stone steps up to the library are worn into a hollow in the middle, except for the third step, which is nearly flat. The library's records show that the third step was replaced in 1990. This suggests that ____

Which choice most logically completes the text?

  1. A. the other steps are far older than 1990 and have been worn by generations of visitors.Correct
  2. B. visitors skip the third step.
  3. C. the third step is made of harder stone.
  4. D. the library opened in 1990.

Answer: A. the other steps are far older than 1990 and have been worn by generations of visitors.

The replaced step is flat; the rest are hollowed by long use.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. visitors skip the third step.
Nothing suggests avoidance; the step is newer.
C. the third step is made of harder stone.
Possible, but the replacement date is the explanation the text supplies.
D. the library opened in 1990.
The other steps' wear implies use long before 1990.

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