Logical Reasoning

PT124 · S3 · Q22 A recent survey indicates

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A recent survey indicates that the average number of books read annually per capita has declined in each of the last three years.

Apparent Paradox

A recent survey indicates that the average number of books read annually per capita has declined in each of the last three years.

However, it also found that most bookstores reported increased profits during the same period.

Evaluate

Why would bookstores see better results than expected in a down market for books? Maybe bookstores found other ways to generate a profit, such as selling music, stationary, or concessions. Or maybe the kind of books sold in bookstores has shifted which happen to be more profitable.

22.

Each of the following, if true, helps to resolve the survey's apparently paradoxical results EXCEPT:

  1. Recent cutbacks in government spending

    Resolves the Paradox

    If libraries had fewer popular contemporary novels, this may drive readers into bookstores to find a copy.

    28% picked this

  2. Correct

    Due to the installation of

    Why this is right

    This might explain why most bookstores did not report declining profits, but it it is too weak to explain why profits increased during the past three years.

    Skill tested: Paradox · how this choice captures the argument's function is the move to repeat next time.

    60% picked this

  3. Over the past few years

    Resolves the Paradox

    Adds a source of profits other than books.

    4% picked this

  4. Bookstore owners reported a general

    Resolves the Paradox

    Provides a change in consumer behavior that would increase the profits of bookstores.

    3% picked this

  5. Citing a lack of free

    Resolves the Paradox

    If people cancel magazine subscriptions in favor of purchasing individual issues at bookstores, this may increase profits for most bookstores.

    4% picked this

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