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 repeal strict environmental regulations.

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

Answer Choices

Correct answer marked below

A) The annual rate of property crime in provinces with strict environmental regulations has decreased since the implementation of those regulations.

Correct

B) In provinces with strict environmental regulations, few businesses are penalized for violating such regulations.

C) In provinces without strict environmental regulations, many individuals have no formal education in environmental safety.

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

E) Less 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 repealing 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 that the annual rate of property…

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Comments

MohiniMar 29, 2025

Can you explain more?

ABHISHEKJun 11, 2024

how much time should this take to solve?

AdityaOct 11, 2024

Thank for sharing!!!

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.