Reading comprehension—best supported inference: An unusually warm winter has encouraged consumers to spend; spending is likely to be the strongest in thirteen years; February sales of existing single-family homes reached a record annual rate of 4.75 million. Which statement is best supported by this paragraph?

Given data

• Warm winter → consumers in the mood to spend.
• Spending likely strongest in 13 years.
• February: existing single-family home sales at a record annual rate (4.75M).

Concept / Approach
Look for the option that ties warm winter conditions to home-sale activity without adding unsupported specifics.

Step-by-step reasoning
Step 1: The text links warm weather to higher spending.Step 2: It then cites record home sales—a category of consumer spending.Step 3: Therefore, it supports the idea that warm winter weather can affect (increase) the rate of home sales.

Verification / Alternative view
Options A–D introduce time predictions, month comparisons, price claims, or inventory counts that are not stated.

Common pitfalls

• Reading quantities (4.75M) as inventory rather than sales pace.
• Assuming seasonality or prices not mentioned in the passage.

Final Answer
Warm winter weather is likely to affect the rate of home sales.