Bunuel wrote:
The country of Maravia has severe air pollution, 80 percent of which is caused by the exhaust fumes of cars. In order to reduce the number of cars on the road, the government is raising taxes on the cost of buying and running a car by 20 percent. This tax increase, therefore, will significantly reduce air pollution in Maravia.
Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument above?
(A) The government of Maravia is in the process of building a significant number of roadways.
(B) Maravia is an oil-producing country and is able to refine an amount of gasoline sufficient for the needs of its population.
(C) Maravia has had an excellent public transportation system for many years.
(D) Ninety percent of the population of Maravia is very prosperous and has a substantial amount of disposable income.
(E) In Maravia, cars that emit relatively low levels of pollutants cost 10 percent less to operate, on average, than do cars that emit high levels of pollutants.
My thought-
Conclusion - tax increase will reduce the Air pollution
Situation - Weaken
Pre think -
1. Tax increase will not help in reducing the pollution.
a. May be the tax is on new cars and Maravia population drives old cars
b. May be the people will still buy cars because public transport is bad.
Let's see the options
a. Highway increase does not affect the pollution problem.
b.Out of Scope
c. That is good but no link to show that people will use it. Moreover, may be public transport can
d. more disposable income means ready to spend more, may be they will somehow fail the plan.. NOT SURE OF THE LINK
e. This choice remains.
So now, I selected E and marked this choice in 2 min 50 seconds.. I am not sure how E weakens.