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?
83. 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.
正确选项是E选项,我白E选项是怎么削弱原文的,但是我对B选项有些疑问。原文的逻辑是说因为可以使用的PC减少了,所以相关文章减少了。而B选项说的是科学家们为了使用PC的平均等待时间在过去几年都减少了。换句话说科学家们可以更容易的access to PC。这不是undermine了原文的理由吗?
正如前面几位所说,题目要undermine的不是前提:articles减少了。而要我们undermine argument:articles减少是因为availability of accelerators减少。要削弱的是这个因果关系。
那就有两种削弱方法:1.他因削弱。2.直接否定。
选项E就是引入他因:不是availability of accelerators而是期刊的审查制度导致articles减少。
选项B和D都是在削弱前提,认为articles不应该减少。
请参考一下这个讨论。B项与D项类似,都是错在与原文的前提不一致 (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. )