State researchers have found that since the oil price increases of the 1970s, there has been a decline in home energy consumption. They concluded that almost all of the decline has been achieved through reduced standards of living and changes in the way people spend their time.

Each of the following, if true, would support the conclusion above EXCEPT:

Answer Choices

Correct answer marked below

Sales of portable heaters rose as families concentrated their winter activities in a limited number of rooms.

During the winter months, more people frequented public places such as libraries and community centers and, on the average, spent considerably longer periods in them than they had previously.

More than 39 percent of households were able to decrease energy costs substantially by having relatively inexpensive work done to improve the efficiency of their existing heating systems.

Correct

At least 59 percent of households maintained a lower indoor temperature than they had been accustomed to maintain on very cold days.

Members of at least 60 percent of households showered for shorter periods of time than they had previously.

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What this question tests

What it tests

Whether you can identify the option that most bolsters an argument's conclusion.

Common trap

Choosing an option that is consistent with the argument but adds no new support, or that shifts the topic.