Unlike newspapers in the old days, today’s newspapers and televised news programs are full of stories about murders and assaults in our city. One can only conclude from this change that violent crime is now out of control, and, to be safe from personal attack, one should not leave one’s home except for absolute necessities.
Which one of the following, if true, would cast the most serious doubt on the conclusion?
(A) Newspapers and televised news programs have more comprehensive coverage of violent crime than newspapers did in the old days.
(B) National data show that violent crime is out of control everywhere, not just in the author’s city.
(C) Police records show that people experience more violent crimes in their own neighborhoods than they do outside their neighborhoods.
(D) Murder comprised a larger proportion of violent crimes in the old days than it does today.
(E) News magazines play a more important role today in informing the public about crime than they did in the old days.
I will go with "A"
Lets break the arguement
Evidence: Today’s newspapers and televised news programs has more stories about murders and assaults
Conclusion: Violent crime is now out of control
one should not leave one’s home .....bla bla is just filler
A. is the best option. By saying todays newspapers has more comprehensive coverage, means crime was there in the past as well, but with lesser coverage.
E is out of scope, as its talking about "News magazines", whereas argement is about Newspapers and televised news programs. Otherwise also, it says "play more important role" doesn't weaken the assumption between evidence and conclusion.
C is also incorrect, as its just talking about the "filler" and doesn't stregthen or weaken arguement.