Critical Reasoning

The average fuel efficiency of vehicles sold nationwide during the period 2000- 2004 was 25 miles per gallon; the corresponding figure during the period 1995- 1999 was 20 miles per gallon. The national average price of gasoline during the period 2000-2004 was $2 per gallon; the corresponding figure during the period 1995-1999 was $1.60 per gallon.

The statements above, if true, best support which of the following conclusions?


A) The average fuel efficiency of vehicles sold nationwide should reach 30 miles per gallon for the period 2005-2009.

B) The national average price of gasoline during 1997 was lower than the corresponding price during 2003.

C) Rising gasoline prices led consumers to purchase more fuel-efficient cars.

D) Between the two described time periods, the national average fuel efficiency and the national average gasoline price both increased at roughly the same rate.

E) Consumers spent more money on gasoline during the period 2000-2004 than during the period 1995-1999.

OA D

Source: Manhattan Prep

Option A - Incorrect
The period of 2005-2009 was not stated in the question, so, this cannot serve as a conclusion to the argument.

Option B - Incorrect
Well, this is quite obvious in the argument, ajudging from the claim that the argument gave concerning the price of gasoline between 2000-2004 and 1995-1999.

Option C - Incorrect
There was an increase in the price of gasoline from $1.6 to $2, but there's no indication or evidence in the argument that shows that it led customers to purchase more fuel-efficient cars.

Option D - Correct
The best concludes the argument because of the evidence backing it up in the argument. The two described time periods which were 1995-1999 and 2000-2004. Also, the national average gasoline price increased at the same rate. These rates were roughly $4 in 4 years.

Option E - Incorrect
It's quite obvious that more money was spent on gasoline in 2000-2004 that it was in 1995-1999.