16Hit1600
Information and IdeasVery hardInference from a controlled comparison

Information and Ideas practice question

A school gave half its classes a ten-minute silent reading period after lunch and the other half a ten-minute walk. Afternoon test scores rose in both groups by the same amount, while classes with neither activity showed no change. The most reasonable interpretation is that ____

Which choice most logically completes the text?

  1. A. a short break of either kind after lunch helps afternoon performance, and the specific activity matters less than the pause.Correct
  2. B. reading is better than walking.
  3. C. walking is better than reading.
  4. D. the breaks had no effect.

Answer: A. a short break of either kind after lunch helps afternoon performance, and the specific activity matters less than the pause.

Both breaks helped equally; no break, no gain.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. reading is better than walking.
The gains were equal.
C. walking is better than reading.
The gains were equal.
D. the breaks had no effect.
Classes with no break showed no change; those with breaks improved.

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