In March of this year, the StarCinema chain of theaters began using sunflower oil for their popcorn instead of the more traditional peanut oil. Recently, StarCinema announced they would revert to peanut oil, claiming that the switch negatively impacted popcorn sales. However, this assertion is misleading, as StarCinema's sales data shows that they sold 8% more popcorn this year compared to last year.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously undermines StarCinema's claim?

Answer Choices

Correct answer marked below

A. Overall sales of all snacks at StarCinema increased by less than 8 percent this year.

B. StarCinema profits more from ticket sales than from food and beverage sales.

C. Customers at StarCinema prefer the flavor of popcorn made with peanut oil over that made with sunflower oil.

Correct

D. The total number of moviegoers at StarCinema increased by more than 15 percent this year compared to last year.

E. Last year, StarCinema saw a 12 percent increase in popcorn sales compared to the year before.

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Explanation

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Official Explanation

Official

To determine which option most seriously weakens StarCinema's claim, we need to analyze the argument. StarCinema claims that using sunflower oil hurt popcorn sales, but their data shows an 8% increase in sales. The key to weakening their argument is to show that the increase in sales does not support their claim.…

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Comments

AshishMar 7, 2025

Thank for sharing!!!

sprinkieeOct 17, 2024

thanks!

FilipeOct 4, 2024

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.