16Hit1600
Information and IdeasVery hardInference from a natural experiment

Information and Ideas practice question

Two identical greenhouses grew the same tomato variety. In one, the ventilation fans failed for a fortnight in June; in the other they ran normally. The greenhouse with failed fans produced fruit two weeks earlier, but a third of it was split. The most reasonable interpretation is that ____

Which choice most logically completes the text?

  1. A. the extra heat from the failed ventilation hurried the fruit along but at a cost to its quality.Correct
  2. B. ventilation fans harm tomato plants.
  3. C. the tomato variety was different in the two greenhouses.
  4. D. the fans in the second greenhouse also failed.

Answer: A. the extra heat from the failed ventilation hurried the fruit along but at a cost to its quality.

One difference — heat from failed fans — gave earlier but split fruit.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. ventilation fans harm tomato plants.
The ventilated greenhouse had better-quality fruit.
C. the tomato variety was different in the two greenhouses.
The text says the same variety.
D. the fans in the second greenhouse also failed.
The second greenhouse's fans 'ran normally'.

More Information and Ideas questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.