Which of the following statements least supports the argument that the American economy is healthy?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because a decrease in the manufacturing sector is usually considered a negative indicator for the economy, as it may suggest a decline in production or demand for goods. Choices A, B, and C all provide positive signs for a healthy economy: an increase in GDP reflects economic growth, low unemployment rates indicate a strong job market, and rising household income signifies improved financial well-being for families.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Samuel's sample size of 24 students is too small to draw generalizable conclusions about a larger population. While his observations are based on firsthand experience, the sample size is inadequate to make meaningful claims about the relationship between parental involvement and academic success for all students. Choice A is incorrect because bias is not related to sample size but rather the way data is collected. Choice C is incorrect as having too many members would not hinder understanding specifics, but rather provide a more comprehensive view. Choice D is incorrect as the sample size is too small to be considered appropriately sized for making broad claims.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: To transform the word LOATHING into something new, we need to follow the instructions in chronological order, which is to remove letters. Starting with L-O-A-T-H-I-N-G, if we remove the letters in the order given, we are left with T-I-N, which spells the word 'TIN.' This makes choice C the correct answer. Choices A, B, and D do not follow the specific sequence of removing letters from the original word LOATHING, so they are incorrect.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The passage mentions that the author published a historical fiction novel under a pseudonym, which received critical acclaim but did not sell as well as her children's books. This indicates that the author did not receive adequate publicity for her historical novel, as it did not reach the same level of popularity as her children's books. Choices A and B are incorrect as there is no mention of the quality of the book produced under the pseudonym or the author's expertise in Antebellum America. Choice D is also incorrect as the passage does not compare the overall popularity of historical fiction novels to children's series.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The passage extensively details the destructive nature of smoking tobacco products, highlighting the numerous harmful chemicals, addictive properties of nicotine, increased risk of various cancers, serious health conditions, and premature deaths associated with smoking. It also mentions the high costs due to government taxation on tobacco products, alongside the negative social aspects like the smell and staining effects. Choice A is incorrect as the passage emphasizes the severe dangers rather than comparing the healthiness of tobacco to other alternatives. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses solely on the financial aspect of tobacco taxation, omitting the broader health and social consequences discussed in the passage. Choice D is partially correct but not as comprehensive as choice B, which encapsulates the deadly, expensive, and socially unappealing nature of tobacco use as portrayed in the passage.