Consumers are in the mood to spend after one of the hottest winters on record. Spending is expected to be at its highest level in thirteen years. Existing single-family home sales reached a new high of 4.75 million in February, setting an annual record. This paragraph provides the strongest evidence for the claim that
A. In thirteen years, consumer spending will be more than it is now.
B. In February, more Americans purchase homes than in any other month.
C. Single-family home prices are at their lowest during the winter months.
D. warm winter weather is likely to affect the rate of home sales.
Answer:D
Consumers are in the mood to spend after one of the hottest winters on record. Spending is expected to be at its highest level in thirteen years. Existing single-family home sales reached a new high of 4.75 million in February, setting an annual record. This paragraph provides the strongest evidence for the claim that
A. In thirteen years, consumer spending will be more than it is now. B. In February, more Americans purchase homes than in any other month. C. Single-family home prices are at their lowest during the winter months. D. warm winter weather is likely to affect the rate of home sales.
Explanation: This is certainly the best response because the paragraph mentions explicitly that warm weather influences customer spending intentions. It goes on to say that single-family house sales were at an all-time high. Choices a and c do not have any backing. Choice b is incorrect because just because sales were high in February does not guarantee that sales were not higher in previous months. Choice d gives an erroneous figure of 4 million. The record of 4.75 million was set on an annual basis, not monthly, according to the paragraph.