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    Question

    Statement: The average life expectancy for the Indian

    population as a whole is 75 years, but children born in Bihar will live an average of 77 years, and those born in Uttar Pradesh, 72 years. If a couple from UP were to begin their family in Bihar, therefore, their children would be expected to live longer than would be the case if the family remained in UP.Which of the following statements, if true, would most significantly strengthen the conclusion drawn in the passage? In the question given below, a passage is given followed by three statements which may or may not strengthen or weaken the argument conveyed by the passage. Select the correct combination of statements that strengthen/ weaken the argument as per the individual direction.
    A The data related to life expectancy is dependent on population density, thus it is bound to fall if people from other states migrate there. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B Environmental factors positively affecting longevity are more prevalent in Bihar than in UP. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C A quarter of people who move to Bihar live longer than 77 years. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D Over the past few years, the average life expectancy of the people from UP has risen at a higher rate than the people from Bihar. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    E All of the above Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    (b) is the right answer. The greater prevalence of environmental factors that positively affect longevity is responsible to some extent for the higher life expectancy in Bihar. Therefore, B is the best answer.
    If life expectancy in Bihar is going to fall, as A says, the argument is weakened rather than strengthened.

    C merely provides data which is irrelevant to the argument.

    D is irrelevant because the information it mentions about rates would already have been accounted for in the data provided in the passage.

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