ankur_1988, the key to understanding why (B) is the correct answer is correctly interpreting the question, which is written in a kind of confusing way. Let's break the question down:

• First, we have the "meteorologists' claim": "if only they could design an accurate mathematical model of the atmosphere with all its complexities, they could forecast the weather with real precision."
• Then, we have the "author's position" about the above claim (as stated in the question): "the meteorologists' claim cannot be evaluated."
• How does the author reach that position? By stating that: "any inadequate weather forecast would obviously be blamed on imperfections in the model."

Now we are asked to find an answer choice that could be used to argue against the author's position. So, we need evidence that the meteorologists' claim can
be evaluated. With that in mind, let's go through the answer choices:


Answer (A) provides information about how the mathematical models are constructed, but does not allow us to further evaluate the claim of the meteorologists. Because it does not answer our question, we can throw (A) out.


This answer shows a measurable relationship between mathematical models and the precision of weather forecasts. Establishing this relationship makes it possible to evaluate the meteorologists' claim, because the trend provides evidence for expected future results. Answer (B) is looking good.


Does this answer choice assist in evaluating the meteorologists' claim? We are concerned with weather predictions in general, not with the results of certain catastrophic events. Overall, answer (C) does not provide information that argues against the author's claim. (C) is out.


This answer choice does not specify if modern weather forecasts are more accurate than previous forecasts, or even whether these forecasts are using the mathematical models at the heart of this question. Without additional context, this option does not help in evaluating the meteorologists' claim. Throw answer (D) out.


In the passage, the meteorologists state that "if only" they could create a more complex model, they could predict the weather with more accuracy. So, they already admit that the model is "not now in their power to construct," as written in answer choice (E). The claim that we are attempting to evaluate deals with future models and associated predictions, not with current capabilities. Option (E) does not provide evidence one way or the other on the meteorologists' claims, and so is not our answer.

Answer (B) is correct.
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shubham2312

The author does not presuppose that precise weather forecasts based on imperfect understanding cannot ever occur, so A cannot be used to argue against the author. Choice C, which says nothing about the quality of the models or their effect on the precision of the weather forecasts, also provides no material for a counterargument. The author's position is consistent with D. The concession described in E is already tacitly conveyed in the author's report of the meteorologists'claim.

However, B can be used to argue that the claim is not impossible to evaluate but actually somewhat plausible, because B indicates that there is a strong correlation between increasing perfection of the model and increasingly accurate forecasts. Therefore, B is the best answer.
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Hi NCRanjan

Now the passage states that as per the mets if an accurate mathematical model is possible, then weather forecast with real precision is also possible. Now, as any inadequate forecast would be blamed on imperfection in model, the statement made my met is an idle boast

Pre-thinking:- In what scenario can an imperfection in forecast not be blamed on the accuracy of the model.

So, as per the second choice - significant gains in mathematical models is accompanied by an increase in the weather forecast. Now, if there is an inadequate forecast we cannot blame it on an inaccurate mathematical model.


Please revert in case of any other question.

Can please help me understand why option B is correct?