In Canada in 2020, the average rate of property crime in provinces with strict environmental regulations was 320 incidents per 100,000 residents: about 40 percent higher than the average rate in the five provinces where strict environmental regulations have never been implemented. Thus one way to reduce property crime is to eliminate strict environmental regulations.

Which of the following, if true, would most weaken the argument above?

Answer Choices

Correct answer marked below

The annual rate of property crime in provinces with strict environmental regulations has decreased since those regulations were enacted.

Correct

In provinces with strict environmental regulations, many businesses are fined for violating such regulations.

In provinces without strict environmental regulations, numerous individuals have no formal training in environmental safety.

The annual rate of violent crime is lower in provinces with strict environmental regulations than in provinces without such regulations.

More than half of the individuals who reside in provinces without strict environmental regulations are involved in environmental conservation efforts.

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Explanation

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Official Explanation

Official

The argument suggests that eliminating strict environmental regulations would reduce property crime, based on the observation that property crime is higher in provinces with such regulations. To weaken this argument, we need evidence that contradicts the idea that these regulations are linked to higher crime rates. Option A states…

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Comments

JoelFeb 10, 2025

Can you explain more?

OmkarJul 23, 2024

thanks

HarshFeb 12, 2025

thank you taking time to upload it!

What this question tests

What it tests

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

Common trap

Choosing an irrelevant objection or one that attacks the premise rather than the reasoning.