Q15 - Global warming has contributed to

[mshinners]

Question Type:
Inference (Most Strongly Supported)

Stimulus Breakdown:
Global warming causes ice to melt and water to expand, which contributes to rising sea levels. Artificial reservoirs hold water that would otherwise be in the sea. Sea levels would be higher without these reservoirs.

Answer Anticipation:
There's a lot of overlap between statements, so I don't have a strong idea of what I'm looking for.

Correct answer:
(E)

Answer choice analysis:
(A) While measuring it requires taking some additional reservoirs into account, the stimulus itself doesn't mention differing opinions, so concluding there's a dispute is out of scope.

(B) The stimulus is about modern changes, so a conclusion about older occurrences is out of scope.

(C) If anything, it seems as if quite a bit is known! Ice melts, water expands, etc…

(D) Too specific. "About equal" is a step too far; we don't have information to back that up.

(E) Bingo. The reservoirs also have to be considered.

Takeaway/Pattern:
When an Inference answer choices boils down to, "There are other relevant factors," naming one can help you quickly pick that answer.

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