16Hit1600
Information and IdeasVery hardRecognising a rate versus a total

Information and Ideas practice question

Two schools' exam results: School A: 240 pupils sat, 180 passed School B: 80 pupils sat, 64 passed

A journalist claims that School B had the better pass rate. Which choice most effectively uses data from the table to support the claim?

  1. A. School B's pass rate was 80% (64 of 80), compared with 75% (180 of 240) at School A.Correct
  2. B. School A had more passes than School B.
  3. C. School B is smaller than School A.
  4. D. School B had 64 passes.

Answer: A. School B's pass rate was 80% (64 of 80), compared with 75% (180 of 240) at School A.

Rates: 64/80 = 80% and 180/240 = 75%.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. School A had more passes than School B.
Totals favour A and ignore the number who sat.
C. School B is smaller than School A.
Size alone says nothing about pass rate.
D. School B had 64 passes.
A count without a rate.

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