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Information and IdeasHardReading a stated reason

Information and Ideas practice question

A 2022 survey of 3,000 households in a single Midwestern state found that 28% had installed a heat pump in the previous five years. The authors caution that the state offered unusually generous rebates during that period, and that the figure should not be taken as representative of the country as a whole.

According to the text, why do the authors say the 28% figure may not apply to the whole country?

  1. A. The state offered unusually generous rebates during the survey period.Correct
  2. B. The sample of 3,000 households was too small.
  3. C. Some households may not have answered honestly.
  4. D. Heat pumps are not sold in most other states.

Answer: A. The state offered unusually generous rebates during the survey period.

The reason is stated outright: the state's rebates were 'unusually generous', so its adoption rate is likely higher than elsewhere.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The sample of 3,000 households was too small.
The text never questions the sample size; 3,000 is presented without comment.
C. Some households may not have answered honestly.
Honesty of responses isn't raised anywhere in the text.
D. Heat pumps are not sold in most other states.
Availability in other states isn't mentioned; the concern is the rebates.

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