SAT Reading & Writing · Command of Evidence (quantitative)

Students read passages presented in two font sizes. Researchers then measured average reading speed.

Students read passages presented in two font sizes. Researchers then measured average reading speed.

| Font size | Average words per minute |
|---|---|
| 12 point | 238 |
| 16 point | 232 |

Which choice most effectively challenges the claim that the larger font substantially increased reading speed?

Answer and explanation

Answer: A: Average speed was slightly lower, not higher, with the 16-point font.

The claim under challenge is that the larger font substantially increased speed, and A directly contradicts that by reporting the actual, opposite direction of the small difference observed. B reports one condition's result in isolation, which cannot by itself challenge a comparative claim. C describes the font-size difference, not the resulting speed difference. D is true of both conditions but doesn't address the direction of the speed change.

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