Critical Reasoning

A sudden increase in the production of elephant ivory artifacts on the Mediterranean coast of North Africa
occurred in the tenth century. Historians explain this increase as the result of an area opening up as a new
source of ivory and argue on this basis that the important medieval trade between North Africa and East Africa
began at this period.

Each of the following, if true, provides some support for the historians' account described above EXCEPT:

(A) In East Africa gold coins from Mediterranean North Africa have been found at a tenth-century site but at no
earlier sites.

(B) The many surviving letters of pre-tenth-century North African merchants include no mention of business
transactions involving East Africa.

(C) Excavations in East Africa reveal a tenth-century change in architectural style to refl ect North African
patterns.

(D) Documents from Mediterranean Europe and North Africa that date back earlier than the tenth century
show knowledge of East African animals.

(E) East African carvings in a style characteristic of the tenth century depict seagoing vessels very different
from those used by local sailors but of a type common in the Mediterranean.

OA: to be posted soon.

Plz let me know what's the level of difficulty of this one in a range of 1-5.

Source: OG

I picked D, other choices indicate direct/indirect influence of North Africa/East Africa.

no clue about its difficulty level

IMO D.
The conclusion is: trade between east Africa and north Africa began during tenth century.
This is an Except question. so we are looking for an answer choice that does not provide support for the stimulus.
Remember, Not provide support can mean either a weakening statement/ junk answer . Be open for all options.

(A) In East Africa gold coins from Mediterranean North Africa have been found at a tenth-century site but at no
earlier sites. This provides support to say that the contact between the 2 parts indeed started at around 10th century. Eliminated.

(B) The many surviving letters of pre-tenth-century North African merchants include no mention of business
transactions involving East Africa. When they dont mention, it means such trade did not exist then. since trade was not established before tenth century, it supports the stimulus in establishing that the trade started after. Eliminated.

(C) Excavations in East Africa reveal a tenth-century change in architectural style to reflect North African
patterns. when we see architectural changes? when the people get exposed to such architectures. Here it again supports the stimulus.Eliminated

(D) Documents from Mediterranean Europe and North Africa that date back earlier than the tenth century
show knowledge of East African animals. If prior to 10th century, inhabitants had knowledge of east African animals, then it cannot mean that trade started around 10th century. The inhabitants must be already be in contact to establish the exchange of info. Weakens the stimulus. My answer.

(E) East African carvings in a style characteristic of the tenth century depict seagoing vessels very different
from those used by local sailors but of a type common in the Mediterranean.This again establishes the contact that occurred during 10th century. Eliminated.

Hope this helps!

IMO D

OA D

I would rate it as 2/5.

@fibonacci..

Gud work bro ....Cheers...

D is the most suitable option in this case.