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- The line graph:
- Begins at 2010, 1,076
- Rises gradually to 2011, 1,189
- Rises sharply to 2012, 1,496
- Rises gradually to 2013, 1,600
- Falls sharply to 2014, 998
- Falls gradually to 2015, 903
- Falls gradually to 2016, 814
- Rises sharply to 2017, 1,115
- Falls sharply to 2018, 872
- Falls sharply to 2019, 465
Investigative journalists research and report about fraud, corruption, public hazards, and more. The graph shows the number of investigative articles published in the Albuquerque Journal newspaper from 2010 to 2019. According to an analyst, although the number of investigative articles published in this newspaper has varied significantly over the period shown, the number overall has fallen since 2010.
Which choice most effectively uses data from the graph to justify the underlined claim?
Explanation
Choice A is the best answer. By comparing the number of investigative articles in 2010 to the number in 2019, we can see that the number has fallen overall.
Choice B is incorrect. This choice misreads the graph. The 1,600 articles published in 2013 was the largest annual number of investigative articles published during the period. Also, notice that the claim focuses on an overall change, while this choice just focuses on one year. We can’t determine an overall increase or decrease by looking at just one year. Choice C is incorrect. The 1,000 articles published in 2017 wasn’t the largest number published during the period. Also, notice that the claim focuses on an overall change, while this choice just focuses on one year. We can’t determine an overall increase or decrease by looking at just one year. Choice D is incorrect. This choice doesn’t justify the claim. The claim is about a decrease in articles published between 2010 and 2019. This data shows an increase in articles published over a different period (2010-2013).