The month of January 2010 was the most lethal on record for those attempting to swim the Mississippi river, as more people perished attempting to swim across the river in 2010 than in any other year. Interestingly, most swimming experts attribute the high number of fatalities, almost all of which occurred in the unforgiving “death-zone”, directly to the exceptionally good currents prevalent during the 2010 swimming season. 

The month of January 2010 was the most lethal on record for those attempting to swim the Mississippi river, as more people perished attempting to swim across the river in 2010 than in any other year. Interestingly, most swimming experts attribute the high number of fatalities, almost all of which occurred in the unforgiving “death-zone”, directly to the exceptionally good currents prevalent during the 2010 swimming season.

Which of the following, if true, best helps to explain the conclusion of the swimming experts?

A. All of the reports were for extremely bad currents; the report on good currents was a significant surprise to all of the swimmers.

B. The good currents prompted significantly more people than ever to try to swim the river and enter the “death-zone,” many of whom would have turned back at an earlier stage due to worse currents.

C. The good currents caused the “death-zone” to have warmer temperatures and less intense turbulent waters than in recent years.

D. Modern equipment is particularly effective in protecting swimmers from the elements in bad currents.

E. Many accomplished swimmers don’t attempt the Mississippi river during good currents because they feel it is not a challenge.

OA: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 – More people died attempting to swim across the river in 2010 than in any other year.

Statement 2 – Most swimming experts attribute the high number of fatalities, almost all of which occurred in the unforgiving “death-zone”, directly to the exceptionally good currents prevalent during the 2010 swimming season.

The statement must explain how in spite of exceptionally good currents more people perished attempting to swim across the river in 2010.

1. This does not answer for more fatalities.
2. Correct Answer. This clearly explains good currents and increased fatalities occurring at the same time.
3. This does not answer for more fatalities.
4. This weakens the argument.
5. Irrelevant comparison.