Grade 11 · Reading & language
Compare what conflicting-looking reports count practice
Resolve apparent discrepancies by identifying differences in definitions, denominators or measurement intervals.
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READ THE PASSAGE
Of 100 enrolled participants, 80 began a course and 72 finished. Report A describes completion among starters as 90%; Report B describes completion among all enrollees as 72%.
Which difference explains both percentages?
- Both percentages divide by 100.
- The figures show no one began the course.
- The reports divide the same 72 completions by different group totals.
- The passage says all 100 people finished.
See the answer & why
The reports divide the same 72 completions by different group totals.
is 90%, whereas is 72%. The denominators are different and explicitly stated.
A little hint: Before declaring two reports contradictory, compare what each number counts, the denominator, the time interval and the definition used.
A teaching tip
Before declaring two reports contradictory, compare what each number counts, the denominator, the time interval and the definition used.