Columnist: Many critics argue that the recent decline in classical music concert attendance is due to a lack of interest among younger generations. However, this view overlooks a crucial factor: the average ticket price for classical concerts has risen significantly faster than inflation over the past decade. It is far more likely that the decline in attendance is primarily an economic issue, not a generational one.
- AYounger generations have less disposable income than older generations.
- BOther forms of entertainment, with more affordable ticket prices, have seen increased attendance among young people.
- CThe number of classical music concerts offered has decreased in many major cities.
- DSurveys indicate that young adults who enjoy classical music are often deterred by the formal atmosphere of concert halls.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Other forms of entertainment, with more affordable ticket prices, have seen increased attendance among young people.
The columnist argues that the decline in attendance is 'primarily an economic issue' due to rising ticket prices, rather than a lack of interest among younger generations. Option C strengthens this conclusion by showing that when more affordable alternatives are available, younger people *do* attend, which supports the idea that price (economic factor) is the primary driver of non-attendance, not a general lack of interest in the *type* of entertainment.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This strengthens the idea that younger generations are more sensitive to price increases, supporting the columnist's economic explanation.
- C. This could be an alternative cause for decreased attendance, but it doesn't directly support the idea that *price* is the primary driver, nor does it necessarily relate to younger generations specifically.
- D. This introduces another non-economic reason (formal atmosphere) for lower attendance among young people, which would weaken the columnist's claim that it's *primarily* an economic issue.
Strengthening by Eliminating Alternatives
To strengthen an argument by eliminating alternatives, provide evidence that rules out other plausible explanations for an observed phenomenon, thereby making the proposed explanation more likely to be the correct one.
- Focuses on disproving competing hypotheses.
- Increases the probability of the stated conclusion by narrowing possibilities.
- Often involves showing that other potential causes are not present or are less impactful.
Memory trick: Clear the path of all other roads, and only one truth remains.