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Information and IdeasVery hardInference weighing two possible causes

Information and Ideas practice question

A vineyard's yield fell by a third this year. The grower blamed the dry summer. However, the neighbouring vineyard, on the same slope with the same weather, had a normal yield — and it had replaced its ageing vines five years ago, while the first vineyard's vines are forty years old. The most reasonable interpretation is that ____

Which choice most logically completes the text?

  1. A. the age of the vines, rather than the weather, is the likelier cause of the fall in yield.Correct
  2. B. the dry summer affected only one side of the slope.
  3. C. the neighbouring vineyard had more rain.
  4. D. young vines produce less than old ones.

Answer: A. the age of the vines, rather than the weather, is the likelier cause of the fall in yield.

Same slope, same weather, different vine ages, different yields: the vines.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. the dry summer affected only one side of the slope.
The text says the same weather.
C. the neighbouring vineyard had more rain.
Same weather.
D. young vines produce less than old ones.
The young vines had the normal yield.

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