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[gmatmachoman]

The "suicide wave" that followed the United States stock market crash of October 1929 is more legend than fact. Careful examination of the monthly figures on the causes of death in 1929 shows that the number of suicides in October and in November was comparatively low. In only three other months were the monthly figures lower. During the summer months, when the stock market was flourishing, the number of suicides was substantially higher.

Which one of the following, if true, would best challenge the conclusion of the passage?

(A) The suicide rate is influenced by many psychological, interpersonal, and societal factors during any given historical period.

(B) October and November have almost always had relatively high suicide rates, even during the 1920s and 1930s.

(C) The suicide rate in October and November of 1929 was considerably higher than the average for those months during several preceding and following years.

(D) During the years surrounding the stock market crash, suicide rates were typically lower at the beginning of any calendar year than toward the end of that year.

(E) Because of seasonal differences, the number of suicides in October and November of 1929 would not be expected to be the same as those for other months.

[komal]

Conclusion : The suicide wave that followed the US stock market crash of Oct 1929 is more legend than fact

(A) The suicide rate is influenced by many psychological, interpersonal, and societal factors during any given historical period.
INCORRECT : Irrelevant. Does nothing to weaken the conclusion.

(B) October and November have almost always had relatively high suicide rates, even during the 1920s and 1930s.
INCORRECT : Strengthens the argument by referring that suicide wave of oct/nov is more legend because suicide rate is almost always higher in those months.

(C) The suicide rate in October and November of 1929 was considerably higher than the average for those months during several preceding and following years.
CORRECT : Weakens the argument by showing that suicide rates in nov n oct before and after the stock market crash was lower and hence the suicide wave is a FACT.

(D) During the years surrounding the stock market crash, suicide rates were typically lower at the beginning of any calendar year than toward the end of that year.
INCORRECT : Out of scope. It talks only about suicide rates during the years 'surrounding the stock market crash'

(E) Because of seasonal differences, the number of suicides in October and November of 1929 would not be expected to be the same as those for other months.
INCORRECT : Irrelevant. Issue is not about expected number of suicides in oct n nov of 1929

[gmatmachoman]

Komal,

I appreciate the kind of effort u take to post the solutions. But I request you to use " Spoilers" which shall also give chance for other to participate in the discussion..

U can hide ur answers and plz use black color itself.....I really liked the way u answer all the questions. By following this spoilers thing , things shall be great!!