Journalist: In physics journals, the number of articles reporting the results of experiments involving particle accelerators was lower last year than it had been in previous years. Several of the particle accelerators at major research institutions were out of service the year before last for repairs, so it is likely that the low number of articles was due to the decline in availability of particle accelerators.
Which of the following, if true, most seriously undermines the journalist's argument?
203. Journalist: In physics journals, the number of articles reporting the results of experiments involving particle accelerators was lower last year than it had been in previous years. Several of the particle accelerators at major research institutions were out of service the year before last for repairs, so it is likely that the low number of articles was due to the decline in availability of particle accelerators. Which of the following, if true, most seriously undermines the journalist’s argument? (A) Every article based on experiments with particle accelerators that was submitted for publication last year actually was published. (B) The average time scientists must wait for access to a particle accelerator has declined over the last several years. (C) The number of physics journals was the same last year as in previous years. (D) Particle accelerators can be used for more than one group of experiments in any given year. (E) Recent changes in the editorial policies of several physics journals have decreased the likelihood that articles concerning particle-accelerator research will be accepted for publication.
请教: the number of articles reporting the results of experiments involving particle accelerators was lower last year than it had been in previous years.这句话,是不是在说: 发表在去年的文章(关于particle的)少。
If yes, then 那和e中的recent有关系么?recent是去年么? else 是什么意思呢? endif thanks!
I thought about "recent" when I picked E. But as I eliminated all other choices, E was the only one possible to me.
I think there is not determined meaning of "recent". what it means depends on the context and time frame. If we are talking about events in the last two months, recent more likely refers to events in the past few days. If about past two decades, it might refers to past few years.