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Information and IdeasHardInference about a cause from timing

Information and Ideas practice question

The clock on the church tower loses a minute a week in summer and gains a minute a week in winter. The clockmaker, asked to fix it, said there was nothing to fix. ____

Which choice most logically completes the text?

  1. A. The clockmaker presumably regards the seasonal drift as a normal effect of temperature on the mechanism rather than a fault.Correct
  2. B. The clockmaker was unable to find the tower.
  3. C. The clock keeps perfect time.
  4. D. The clockmaker believes the clock should be replaced.

Answer: A. The clockmaker presumably regards the seasonal drift as a normal effect of temperature on the mechanism rather than a fault.

Opposite drifts in summer and winter, and 'nothing to fix': the cause is the seasons, not a defect.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The clockmaker was unable to find the tower.
Not suggested.
C. The clock keeps perfect time.
It drifts a minute a week.
D. The clockmaker believes the clock should be replaced.
'Nothing to fix' says otherwise.

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