203.
Journalist: In physics journals, the number of articles reporting the results of experiments involving particle accelerators was lower last year than it had
been in previous years. Several of the particle accelerators at major research institutions were out of service the year before last for repairs, so it is likely
that the low number of articles was due to the decline in availability of
particle accelerators.
Which of the following, if true, most seriously undermines the journalist’s argument?
(A) Every article based on experiments with particle accelerators that
was submitted for publication last year actually was published.
(B) The average time scientists must wait for access to a
particle accelerator has declined over the last several years.
(C) The number of physics journals was the same last year
as in previous years.
(D) Particle accelerators can be used for more than one
group of experiments in any given year.
(E) Recent changes in the editorial policies of several physics
journals have decreased the likelihood that articles concerning
particle-accelerator research will be accepted for publication.
choice A is incorrect because it implies that there was indeed a decline in the number of articles submitted and so supports the journalist's explanation.
choice B is incorrect since the fact that scientists have to wait for access implies that the accelerators continue to be fully used, thereby lending support to the idea that it is the reduced number of accelerators that led to a reduced number of articles. since a decline in the number of physics journals would be one alternative explanation for the decline in the number of articles published, and choices c rules out that alternative explanation, it somewhat supports the explanation the journalist offers.
Choice D does not weaken the journalist's argument: even if accelerators can be used for several experiments, a reduction in the number of accelerators is likely to lead to a reduction in the number of experiments, and hence of articles.
(A) Every article based on experiments with particle accelerators that
was submitted for publication last year actually was published.每个靠加速器做的实验的论文都发表了(但是还是比原来少了):没有存在用加速器做实验的论文没有发表的情况-->加速器数量减少可能影响这类论文发表数量。
(B) The average time scientists must wait for access to a
particle accelerator has declined over the last several years.等候用加速器的时间减少了(同时说明:加速器还是不够用,因为还要等.如果加速器没有减少,肯定立马就有人要用来做实验,然后出论文。)这个选项实在是干扰的厉害。作者: dontwannalos 时间: 2010-5-30 07:12
觉得B可以排除,但排除理由不是OG给出的理由,OG地解释实际上偏离了正确的方向。
这里的核心average over the last several years,实际上应该着这么回事:过去几年平均的等待时间减少,并不能说明最近两年(从加速器out of service算起)的等待时间比以前减少了,也就不能说明加速器更available了,上述的歧义也就排除了。作者: tomchengs 时间: 2010-6-2 06:42