125. Unlike the wholesale price of raw wool, the wholesale price of raw cotton has fallen considerably in the last year. Thus, although the retail price of cotton clothing at retail clothing stores has not yet fallen, it will inevitably fall.
Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument above?
(A) The cost of processing raw cotton for cloth has increased during the last year. (B) The wholesale price of raw wool is typically higher than that of the same volume of raw cotton. (C) The operating costs of the average retail clothing store have remained constant during the last year. (D) Changes in retail prices always lag behind changes in wholesale prices. (E) The cost of harvesting raw cotton has increased in the last year.
The argument concludes that declining wholesale prices for raw cotton, will produce declining retail prices for cotton products. Choice A weakens the argument by pointing to higher processing costs for raw cotton, which could offset lower wholesale prices. A is therefore the best answer.
Choice B is incorrect because the argument focuses on incorrect because it in effect denies that lower wholesale prices for cotton have been offset by rising operating costs. Choice D is incorrect because it is entirely consistent with the prediction made. Choice E is incorrect because the rising cost of harvesting raw cotton, though possibly affecting wholesale prices, cannot affect the relationship between wholesale and retail prices.
答案没什么问题,ETS对B的解释偶有点看不懂,感觉关于raw wool的根本就是和问题无关的内容,答案B是个无关选项不就好啦? |