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Information and IdeasHardInference from a discrepancy between two records

Information and Ideas practice question

The ferry company's timetable for 1912 lists three crossings a day. The harbourmaster's log for the same year records the ferry departing only once a day from October to March, with the note 'no passengers offering' beside most winter dates. This suggests that ____

Which choice most logically completes the text?

  1. A. the ferry ran fewer crossings in winter than the timetable promised because demand collapsed.Correct
  2. B. the harbourmaster's log is a forgery.
  3. C. the ferry sank in October 1912.
  4. D. the timetable was for a different ferry.

Answer: A. the ferry ran fewer crossings in winter than the timetable promised because demand collapsed.

Three promised, one run, 'no passengers offering': winter demand was too low.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. the harbourmaster's log is a forgery.
Nothing suggests forgery; the note explains the gap.
C. the ferry sank in October 1912.
It kept departing once a day.
D. the timetable was for a different ferry.
Both records concern the same year and ferry.

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