My Understanding and Approach:Given:
1. Moisture in kernel when heated --> Steam builds up pressure inside kernel ---> Causes popcorn explode or "pop"
2. Uniform moisture content in each kernel ---> uniform popping time
3. Conclusion --> percentage of unpopped kernels can be reduced by Sorting based on size of kernels.
Ask is for a statement which can strengthen the conclusion, from passage we see a gap between above points 2 and 3, our answer should be the option which can fill this gap.
(A) The percentage of unpopped kernels can be reduced by increasing cooking time. -
Incorrect as it gives alternate approach. (B) All popcorn kernels, no matter what their size, will pop under proper conditions. -
Incorrect, It defies the conclusion and nowhere strengthens.(C) Yellow popcorn kernels have more moisture content than do white or blue popcorn kernels. -
Incorrect as it brings new point and doesn't fill the gap we are looking to.(D) A popcorn kernel's moisture content is fully determined by its size. -
Correct One, Inline with what we are looking for.(E) Damaged kernels, another cause of unpopped kernels, have a lower moisture content than intact kernels. -
Incorrect as it brings new point and doesn't fill the gap we are looking to.Option DThis was how i approached this question, Please correct me if my understanding is wrong. Thanks.