16Hit1600
Information and IdeasMediumInferring a trend

Information and Ideas practice question

The orchard's oldest trees, planted in the 1920s, still bear fruit each autumn. But the apples they produce are noticeably smaller than those from younger trees, and the old trees' total yield has fallen by half over the past decade.

Which conclusion is best supported by the text?

  1. A. The productivity of the old trees is declining as they age.Correct
  2. B. The old trees have stopped producing fruit.
  3. C. The orchard is planting more trees each year.
  4. D. Smaller apples sell for higher prices.

Answer: A. The productivity of the old trees is declining as they age.

Smaller fruit and a yield that has halved in ten years, from trees a century old, together point to declining productivity with age.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The old trees have stopped producing fruit.
The text says the trees 'still bear fruit each autumn'.
C. The orchard is planting more trees each year.
Younger trees exist, but nothing says new ones are planted yearly.
D. Smaller apples sell for higher prices.
Prices are never mentioned.

More Information and Ideas questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.