Multiple choice

Directions: For this question, select the best of the answer choices given.

In the first half of this year, from January to June, about three million videocassette recorders were sold. This number is only 35 percent of the total number of videocassette recorders sold last year. Therefore, total sales of videocassette recorders will almost certainly be lower for this year than they were for last year. Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the conclusion above?

  1. The total number of videocassette recorders sold last year was lower than the total number sold in the year before that.

  2. Most people who are interested in owning a videocassette recorder have already purchased one.

  3. Videocassette recorders are less expensive this year than they were last year.

  4. Of the videocassette recorders sold last year, almost 60 percent were sold in January.

  5. Typically, over 70 percent of the sales of videocassette recorders made in a year occur in the months of November and December.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

The argument incorrectly assumes that January-June sales patterns represent the full year's performance. Option E seriously weakens this by showing that over 70% of VCR sales typically occur in November and December, meaning the first six months are not representative. If most sales happen at year-end, then January-June being only 35% of last year's total doesn't predict lower annual sales. Options A, B, C, and D either discuss irrelevant comparisons (previous years), market saturation (which wouldn't change year-to-year predictions), pricing (unrelated to timing), or January-specific data that doesn't address the seasonal pattern.

Keep practicing — related questions