Q5 - Many elementary schools have recently

[martintp]

I dont understand why E is wrong and B is right?

[timmydoeslsat]

Answer choice E would not help to explain the mixed reactions of the students.

What are the mixed reactions?

Students found computers really useful in arithmetic but not very much help in science. They also found computers to be of NO HELP with reading and writing skills.

Choice E: "The schools have offered more computer programs in reading and writing than in arithmetic and science."

How would the fact that more programs were offered in areas that were of NO HELP, explain the fact that they found programs useful in arithmetic.

It would not.

Choice B would because if it is true that nature of arithmetic makes it most suitable to computer programs, then we can see why these programs can help the students.

We would then be able to infer that programs in reading and writing and science would be below that of arithmetic in suitability. Thus, showing us a possible reason for the lack of help the computers provided the children in those subjects.

[kkate]

I chose (B) through POE and I do understand how it explains the paradox. But just quick question:

The author specifies degree in helpfulness - very helpful for math, just a little for science, and none whatsoever for reading. (B) only supports the degree for math but does not prove that it's just a little for science and none for reading. So I was quite hesitant to pick B as it does not explain the discrepancy airtight. Then I noticed that the question stem states "Which one of the following, if true most helps to explain" as opposed to "which one resolves the paradox". (B) still does the job of helping to reconcile the statement although not fully so it is the correct answer for this type of question stem. But say if the question stem was the latter type, would it still be the correct answer? Or should I be extra skeptical of it? or is this thought process too much? In my mind, the correct answer for the latter question type must reconcile the conflict airtight.

Thanks!