Until recently it was believed that weight training did not help child

OFFICIAL EXPLANATION

Answer: A

STEP 1: Read the question and identify your task.
This is a Weaken question. You must find among the answers the statement that “most seriously” weakens the argument.

STEP 2: Read the argument with your task in mind.
The statement argues that the government should require weight training in public schools for all children between ages 6 and 18 based on a new study.

STEP 3: Know what you’re looking for.
You expect that the correct answer will be a statement that seriously undermines some aspect of this recommendation to the government.

STEP 4: Read every word of every answer choice.
Answer A looks very likely to be your answer since it says that a school-based program will be ineffective and that a home-based program is what is required for real success. You need to read through the remainder of the answers to be sure. Answer B puts a damper on the ability to measure progress, but it does not undermine the benefits of the program or the recommendation. Answer C adds facts about the study, but the particulars are not the kind that would undermine the results of the study. Answer D only speaks to the time it takes to notice measurable results, which does not change the fact that such weight training is beneficial and thus does not weaken the argument. Finally, answer E might give you pause. Yes, there might be some health risks to weight training at such a young age and adding those tests to the study might have been helpful, but the results might have been positive as well. You do not have enough information to know and thus, this answer does not weaken the argument more than answer A. Answer A is the correct choice.