Critical Reasoning

Franjel: It has been reported that 10% of our adult population is illiterate. This is clearly the outcome of a flawed educational system.

Almosk: Technological progress has provided many solutions to assist people that are illiterate through audio. It is not the educational system, but these alternative forms of communication that have reduced the importance of being literate, allowing people to avoid having to learn how to read and write.

Which of the following, if true, most weakens Almosk's response to Franjel's explanation?


A device has been invented that is capable of speedily scanning a printed page and immediately reading it aloud using voice-synthesizing software.
The increased number of audio stimulii and high volume levels to which humans of all ages are being subjected has resulted in hearing problems in one third of the population.
The educational system has undergone drastic reforms in the last 25 years, including changes in teacher training programs which were proven to be successful.
Statistics about illiteracy percentages are formed, along with other demographic statistics, by conducting extensive survey operations.
Many jobs do not require literacy although it is important that an employer is aware of an employee's inability to read or write.

Ans : B Why not E

Franjel concludes that the educational system is flawed because 10% of the adult population is illiterate.

Almosk counters by providing an alternative explanation for illiteracy: new forms of communication have lessened the importance of literacy. This is what we're trying to weaken.

A--this supports Almosk's argument
B--good; if a large segment of the population has hearing problems, then audio-based solutions to illiteracy will not be as effective as they could be.
C--irrelevant to Almosk's argument
D--nothing to do with the argument
E--might support Almosk; this would be another reason that the importance of literacy has diminished regardless of the education system being flawed