16Hit1600
Information and IdeasVery hardChoosing data that match a precise claim

Information and Ideas practice question

A council measured the average noise level, in decibels, at three points along a road before and after a new surface was laid. Point | Before | After A | 72 | 65 B | 70 | 69 C | 74 | 66 The engineer reports that the new surface cut noise substantially at two of the three points but barely at the third, noting that ____

Which choice most effectively uses data from the table to complete the statement?

  1. A. points A and C fell by 7 and 8 decibels while point B fell by only 1.Correct
  2. B. point C was the loudest before.
  3. C. point B fell from 70 to 69.
  4. D. all three points were quieter afterwards.

Answer: A. points A and C fell by 7 and 8 decibels while point B fell by only 1.

72→65 (7), 74→66 (8), 70→69 (1).

Why the other answers are wrong

B. point C was the loudest before.
Says nothing about the change.
C. point B fell from 70 to 69.
Only the third point.
D. all three points were quieter afterwards.
True, but doesn't show the contrast.

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