Free Practice Question
CR · Critical Reasoning
655-705
Resolve a Paradox
A particularly intense drought struck the Midwest after the region experienced a significant dust storm caused by agricultural practices in the summer of 1934. Therefore, it is clear that poor farming methods can lead to drier conditions than would typically occur..
Which of the following statements, if true, most seriously undermines the argument above?
Answer Choices
Correct answer marked belowA
A severe rainstorm in 1935 helped to alleviate the drought conditions in the Midwest.
B
There is a strong correlation between dust storms and the frequency of tornadoes in the region.
In the years following the dust storm, crop yields in the Midwest were higher than average.
Correct
D
The effects of poor agricultural practices can sometimes be offset by natural weather patterns.
E
A study showed that droughts in the Midwest are primarily caused by climate change.
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Official Explanation
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A particularly intense drought struck the Midwest after the region experienced a significant dust storm caused by agricultural practices in the summer of 1934. Therefore, it is clear that poor farming methods can lead to drier conditions than would typically…
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Comments
4
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R
RahulMar 31, 2025
I feel inclined towards option e more as it invalidates the claim that drought was caused by poor farming practices.
A
AneeshMar 9, 2025
Can someone explain it other way?
M
MelissaMay 5, 2024
Tricky wording but good practice
N
Niklas2404Dec 6, 2024
thank you very much!
What this question tests
What it tests
Whether you can explain an apparent contradiction in a way that makes both facts true.
Common trap
Picking an option that explains one side of the paradox while making the other side false.
Details
Difficulty
655-705
Type
CR