16Hit1600
Information and IdeasVery hardInference from two competing explanations

Information and Ideas practice question

Complaints about noise from the airport doubled last year. The airport says flight numbers were unchanged. However, a new housing estate opened directly under the approach path in the spring, and the complaints database shows that most of the new complaints came from the estate's postcodes. The most reasonable interpretation is that ____

Which choice most logically completes the text?

  1. A. the rise in complaints reflects new residents living under the flight path, not an increase in noise.Correct
  2. B. the airport is understating its flight numbers.
  3. C. aircraft have become louder.
  4. D. the housing estate is far from the airport.

Answer: A. the rise in complaints reflects new residents living under the flight path, not an increase in noise.

Same flights, new residents under the path, complaints from their postcodes.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. the airport is understating its flight numbers.
The postcode data offers a simpler explanation.
C. aircraft have become louder.
Nothing suggests louder aircraft.
D. the housing estate is far from the airport.
The estate is 'directly under the approach path'.

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