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Sajjad1994
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In Aderdale, between 2015 and 2020, the proportion of the population l Updated on: 16 Oct 2025, 02:17
Originally posted by Sajjad1994 on 12 Oct 2025, 09:00.
Last edited by Sajjad1994 on 16 Oct 2025, 02:17, edited 1 time in total.
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In Aderdale, between 2015 and 2020, the proportion of the population living in one of the country’s minor territories increased from 5 to 10 percent. The proportion has decreased to 7 percent since then, indicating that the population of the minor territories has fallen since 2020.
Which of the following, if true, most weakens the argument?

A. Economic data shows that in 2020 the cost of living in the minor territories was lower than that in all of Aderdale’s states.

B. In 2020, Aderdale narrowed the legal definition of a minor territory.

C. Since 2020, the proportion of the population living in one of Aderdale’s “union territories”, a broader category that minor territories fall under, has doubled.

D. Since 2020, the total number of Aderdale’s minor territories has remained steady.

E. Since 2020, the total population of Aderdale has seen no noticeable change.



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In Aderdale, between 2015 and 2020, the proportion of the population l 14 Oct 2025, 01:37
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Explanation

Argument structure:

  • From 2015–2020: proportion of population in minor territories rose from 5% to 10%.
  • Since then: proportion fell to 7%.
  • Conclusion: Population of minor territories has fallen since 2020.
  • Flaw: Proportion = (Population of minor territories) / (Total population).

A drop in proportion could be due to:

  • Decrease in numerator (population in minor territories) — what conclusion says.
  • Increase in denominator (total population) while numerator stays same or grows slowly.
  • Change in classification — fewer areas count as “minor territories” so numerator drops artificially.

We need to weaken the idea that the population of minor territories has fallen.

Option analysis:

A. Irrelevant to population changes after 2020.

B. This means some areas/people that were counted as “minor territories” before 2020 may no longer be counted after 2020. The drop in proportion could be because the measured “population of minor territories” was redefined to be smaller, not because actual people living in those same geographic areas decreased. This directly weakens.

C. Proportion in “union territories” (broader category) doubled — not directly relevant to minor territories.

D. Doesn’t address population size; slightly strengthens if anything by ruling out territory loss.

E. If total population unchanged, then drop in proportion must come from drop in numerator, so this strengthens, not weakens.

Answer: B