Set 3: Inferences (Advanced)
Explanation
PASSAGE
Climate models inevitably involve simplifications—they cannot capture every variable affecting global temperature. Skeptics argue this renders predictions unreliable. Defenders counter that all models simplify yet can still yield useful forecasts, just as weather predictions are valuable despite being imperfect. The debate concerns what standards of certainty scientific policy advice requires.
What underlying question structures the debate?
Detailed Explanation
This question asks you to draw a logical conclusion from the text. 'What standards of certainty scientific policy advice requires' = the underlying question. A valid inference must be supported by evidence in the passage, even if not stated directly. Look for clues in the text that strongly suggest the answer. Avoid conclusions that require assumptions beyond what's written. Valid inferences are strongly supported by multiple pieces of evidence in the text. Be cautious of choices that go too far beyond what the passage actually states. The best inference is the one most directly supported by textual evidence.
Key Evidence:
• "debate concerns what standards of certainty scientific policy advice requires"
Why others are wrong: B (Models involve 'simplifications.'), C (Simplified models can still be 'useful.'), D (Weather predictions are 'valuable.').
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