According to a study of more than 50,000 Norwegian smokers, smokers wh

Question Type: Weaken

Main Point: Decrease in nicotine intake does not help to improve ones health
Assumption: Some other factor caused an increase in nicotine intake.

(A) The majority of study participants minimized their nicotine withdrawal symptoms through the use of skin patches and chewing gum that provide nicotine to the body. - Correct. Participants reduced intake of nicotine through cigarettes but compensated the reduction by using nicotine skin patches and chewing gums.

(B) Many of the study’s participants periodically dined in restaurants in which smoking was permitted. - Incorrect. Out of scope. We do not know the effect a smoking area has on the participants.

(C) The study’s participants started smoking at different ages and had varied initial nicotine intake. - Incorrect. Initial nicotine intake may vary but the reduction of nicotine intake should have resulted in some improvement, but there is no improvement. This option doesn't affect the conclusion in any way.

(D) Quitting smoking entirely results in a marked reduction in the ill effects of smoking. - Incorrect. Irrelevant. We are worried about the effects of reduction in nicotine intake, not about the effects of stopping the nicotine intake completely.

(E) Men and women who smoked pipes and cigars were excluded from the study. - Incorrect. Irrelevant.

Answer: A