WeakenDiff: Medium
Logic Breakdown
Passage Summary: A scientist claims the planet is getting warmer because certain gases in the air are acting like a blanket and keeping heat in.
Conclusion: The recent increase in Earth's temperature is caused by the accumulation of atmospheric gases that trap heat.
Reasoning: There has been a recorded temperature rise of 0.5 degrees Celsius over the last century alongside a buildup of these gases.
Analysis: To weaken this causal explanation, we need to find evidence that suggests the warming is caused by something else or that the gases aren't actually responsible. For instance, if the warming happened before the gas buildup, the scientist's theory loses its punch. Look for an answer that provides an alternative cause or shows a lack of correlation between the gases and the heat. We want to find a way to drive a wedge between the 'buildup' and the 'warming.'
Conclusion: The recent increase in Earth's temperature is caused by the accumulation of atmospheric gases that trap heat.
Reasoning: There has been a recorded temperature rise of 0.5 degrees Celsius over the last century alongside a buildup of these gases.
Analysis: To weaken this causal explanation, we need to find evidence that suggests the warming is caused by something else or that the gases aren't actually responsible. For instance, if the warming happened before the gas buildup, the scientist's theory loses its punch. Look for an answer that provides an alternative cause or shows a lack of correlation between the gases and the heat. We want to find a way to drive a wedge between the 'buildup' and the 'warming.'
Passage Stimulus
Passage Redacted
Unlock Full Passage5.Which one of the following, if true, would count as evidence against the scientist's explanation of Earth's warming?
Correct Answer
B
It shows most warming occurred before most of the gas buildup, creating a temporal mismatch. If the warming largely predates the buildup, that counts as evidence against the claim that the buildup was primarily responsible.
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