Question

People in a South African tribe have observed that heavy rains are usually preceded by claps of thunder. They are convinced that the heavy rains are somehow caused by the claps of thunder. Which of the following, if true, would weaken the tribals, conviction?

• A. The temperature must fall below 20 degrees Celsius for both heavy rains and claps of thunder to occur.
• B. The presence of rain bearing clouds is the reason for the heavy rains as well as the claps of thunder.
• C. The tribals of the particular tribe are unscientific people prone to superstitions.
• D. It is as yet to be proved that claps of thunder precede and hence, cause heavy rains.
• E. Claps of thunder actually cause heavy rains.

Answer 1

The correct option is B The presence of rain bearing clouds is the reason for the heavy rains as well as the claps of thunder.

The South African tribes believe that thunder is the cause of the heavy rains. Since the question asks for an argument that weakens the understanding above, a possible answer should be one that gives an alternative reason for the heavy rains. This is given only in option (b). Option (b) peaks of how rain bearing clouds are the reason, not the thunder.