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?
Logical Reasoning
Analyzing Arguments
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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AConsumer spending will be higher thirteen years from now than it is today.
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BMore people buy houses in February than in any other month.
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CDuring the winter months, the prices of single-family homes are the lowest.
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DThere were about 4 million homes for sale during the month of February.
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EWarm winter weather is likely to affect the rate of home sales.
Answer
Correct Answer: Warm winter weather is likely to affect the rate of home sales.
Explanation
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 / ApproachLook for the option that ties warm winter conditions to home-sale activity without adding unsupported specifics.
Step-by-step reasoningStep 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 viewOptions 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 AnswerWarm winter weather is likely to affect the rate of home sales.