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Information and IdeasVery hardFinding that weakens a claim about a cause

Information and Ideas practice question

A gym claims that its new class timetable increased membership, since membership rose by 15% in the two months after the timetable was introduced.

Which finding, if true, would most directly weaken the gym's claim?

  1. A. The town's only other gym closed in the same month, and most of its former members joined this gym.Correct
  2. B. The new timetable includes evening classes.
  3. C. Members say they like the new classes.
  4. D. The gym advertises the timetable on its website.

Answer: A. The town's only other gym closed in the same month, and most of its former members joined this gym.

A rival's closure sending members across explains the rise without the timetable.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The new timetable includes evening classes.
A feature of the timetable, not evidence about the cause of the rise.
C. Members say they like the new classes.
Liking the classes doesn't show they drew new members.
D. The gym advertises the timetable on its website.
Advertising doesn't bear on the cause.

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