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BGCSE English 1234 study materials
BGCSE English 1234 study resources

BGCSE English 1234 practice questions

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Question 1Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read this sentence: 'Although the ferry was delayed by two hours, the passengers remained calm and entertained themselves with cards.' What does the sentence suggest about the passengers?

  1. They were patient despite an inconvenience. Correct answer.
  2. They were angry about the delay.
  3. They refused to board the vessel.
  4. They had expected the ferry to sink.

Explanation

The conjunction 'although' sets up a contrast between the delay and the passengers' behaviour, and the words 'remained calm' show patience rather than anger. Nothing in the sentence mentions fear of sinking or refusal to board, so those ideas are unsupported.

Question 2Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Which word in the sentence 'The weary fishermen hauled their heavy nets onto the weathered deck' is a synonym clue for the meaning of 'weary'?

  1. hauled
  2. deck
  3. weathered
  4. heavy Correct answer.

Explanation

Context clues often appear as words with similar meaning nearby. 'Heavy' work and 'weathered' conditions suggest exhaustion, and 'heavy' most directly reinforces the sense of tiredness from labour.

Question 3Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

A passage states: 'The museum's new wing opens on Monday. Entry is free for residents, but visitors from outside the district must pay a small fee.' Which conclusion is best supported?

  1. Outside visitors are not allowed in.
  2. Local residents pay nothing to enter. Correct answer.
  3. The museum is closed on Mondays.
  4. All visitors enter the museum without charge.

Explanation

The passage says entry is free for residents, so residents pay nothing. Outside visitors pay a fee but are still admitted, and the wing opens Monday, so the museum is not closed then.

Question 4Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read: 'The rain had stopped, but the streets were still slick, and the boys walked carefully to school.' What is the main reason the boys walk carefully?

  1. The rain is still falling.
  2. They are carrying heavy bags.
  3. The streets are slippery. Correct answer.
  4. They are late for school.

Explanation

The sentence links careful walking to the slick streets left after the rain. 'Slick' means slippery, so the wet surface is the stated cause of their caution.

Question 5Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Which sentence uses the word 'bright' in a figurative rather than literal sense?

  1. The bright lights of the stage dazzled us.
  2. She is a bright student who solves problems quickly. Correct answer.
  3. The bright sun forced us to wear hats.
  4. He bought a bright yellow shirt.

Explanation

Figurative language extends a word beyond its physical meaning. 'Bright' literally refers to light, but describing a student as bright means intelligent, which is a figurative extension.

Question 6Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

What is the main idea of this paragraph? 'Coral reefs support thousands of species, protect coastlines from storms, and draw millions of tourists each year. Yet rising sea temperatures are bleaching reefs at an alarming rate.'

  1. Bleached reefs attract more fish than healthy ones.
  2. Tourism is the most important industry on coasts.
  3. Sea temperatures have always varied naturally.
  4. Coral reefs are valuable but seriously threatened. Correct answer.

Explanation

The paragraph first lists the value of reefs, then contrasts this with the threat of bleaching. The main idea must combine both halves: reefs matter and are in danger.

Question 7Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

In the sentence 'The committee will announce its decision tomorrow,' what does the pronoun 'its' refer to?

  1. the decision
  2. the announcement
  3. the committee Correct answer.
  4. tomorrow

Explanation

A pronoun refers back to a previously stated noun. 'Its' is singular and possessive, and 'the committee' is the singular noun that owns the decision being announced.

Question 8Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Which of these is a statement of fact rather than opinion?

  1. Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius at sea level. Correct answer.
  2. Mondays are the worst day of the week.
  3. Everyone should exercise for an hour daily.
  4. Chocolate ice cream is the tastiest flavour.

Explanation

Facts can be verified objectively, while opinions express personal judgement or advice. The boiling point of water is measurable and can be checked, unlike taste or preference claims.

Question 9Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read: 'The old bridge groaned under the weight of the truck, and the driver gripped the wheel tightly.' What mood does the description create?

  1. calm indifference
  2. playful humour
  3. cheerful celebration
  4. tense suspense Correct answer.

Explanation

Words such as 'groaned' and 'gripped tightly' convey strain and fear, building tension. The description focuses on danger and effort rather than joy or amusement.

Question 10Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

A writer describes a character as follows: 'He never lent a pencil, never shared his lunch, and counted every coin he owned twice.' Which character trait is being emphasised?

  1. courage
  2. generosity
  3. stinginess Correct answer.
  4. carelessness

Explanation

The details all point to a reluctance to share and an obsession with keeping possessions. Together they characterise a stingy or miserly person.

Question 11Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

What is the purpose of the sentence 'In short, the project failed because of poor planning' in a report?

  1. to ask the reader a question
  2. to introduce a new topic
  3. to give a counter-argument
  4. to summarise a conclusion Correct answer.

Explanation

The phrase 'in short' signals a summary of what has already been discussed. The sentence condenses the report's finding into a single concluding statement.

Question 12Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read: 'Unlike her brother, who chattered endlessly, Maria preferred to listen.' What contrast is being drawn?

  1. Maria is older than her brother.
  2. Maria dislikes her brother.
  3. Maria is quiet while her brother is talkative. Correct answer.
  4. Maria talks more than her brother.

Explanation

The word 'unlike' signals a contrast, and the two descriptions are 'chattered endlessly' versus 'preferred to listen'. This sets a talkative brother against a quieter Maria.

Question 13Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

A notice reads: 'Students must submit assignments by Friday. Late work will be accepted only with a doctor's note.' Which situation is allowed by the notice?

  1. A student hands in work on Saturday without any note.
  2. A student hands in work on Saturday with a doctor's note. Correct answer.
  3. A student never hands in the assignment at all.
  4. A student hands in work on Thursday without a note.

Explanation

The notice permits late work only when a doctor's note is provided. Saturday is after Friday, so a Saturday submission needs the note to be accepted.

Question 14Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Which sentence contains a metaphor?

  1. The wind howled through the trees.
  2. She ran as fast as a deer.
  3. The classroom was a zoo after the bell rang. Correct answer.
  4. The leaves rustled softly.

Explanation

A metaphor states that one thing is another without using 'like' or 'as'. Calling the classroom a zoo directly equates two unlike things to suggest chaos.

Question 15Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read: 'The scientist's findings were preliminary; further tests are needed before any conclusions can be drawn.' What does 'preliminary' most nearly mean here?

  1. early and not yet confirmed Correct answer.
  2. false and misleading
  3. expensive and difficult
  4. final and definite

Explanation

The second clause explains that more tests are needed before conclusions, so the findings are early-stage. 'Preliminary' means coming before the main work and not yet settled.

Question 16Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

An author writes: 'We must act now. Every day we wait, more coastline erodes and more homes are lost.' What persuasive technique is mainly used?

  1. statistical comparison
  2. humour and exaggeration
  3. appeal to fear and urgency Correct answer.
  4. quotation from experts

Explanation

The writer stresses immediate action and describes loss of coastline and homes, which stirs anxiety and a sense of urgency. This is an emotional appeal rather than a logical or statistical argument.

Question 17Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Which sentence best shows the writer's bias against the new policy?

  1. The policy contains twelve separate clauses.
  2. The policy is a reckless gamble with public money. Correct answer.
  3. The policy will affect all households in the region.
  4. The policy was introduced on 3 March.

Explanation

Bias appears in loaded language that reveals a judgement. 'Reckless gamble' is strongly negative and evaluative, unlike neutral descriptions of dates, clauses, or scope.

Question 18Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read the dialogue: 'You're late,' said Mr Grant. 'The bus broke down,' replied Ana, 'and I ran the last mile.' What does Ana's reply mainly do?

  1. It apologises for her behaviour.
  2. It explains the reason for her lateness. Correct answer.
  3. It blames Mr Grant for the delay.
  4. It changes the subject.

Explanation

Ana responds to the accusation of lateness with a cause: a broken bus and running the final mile. Her words supply justification rather than apology or accusation.

Question 19Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

A passage describes a village where 'the river, once the village's lifeline, now runs dry for most of the year'. What is the effect of the phrase 'once the village's lifeline'?

  1. It shows the river was never useful.
  2. It suggests the river is still full.
  3. It emphasises how important the river used to be. Correct answer.
  4. It proves the village has been abandoned.

Explanation

The word 'once' signals a past state, and 'lifeline' conveys essential dependence. The phrase therefore stresses the river's former importance before the change.

Question 20Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read: 'The instructions were clear, the equipment was ready, and the team was eager. Nevertheless, the expedition failed.' What does 'nevertheless' signal?

  1. a contrast with what came before Correct answer.
  2. a restatement of the same idea
  3. an additional supporting point
  4. a cause-and-effect link

Explanation

'Nevertheless' is a contrast connector that introduces an outcome opposite to what the earlier clauses would predict. Favourable conditions are set against an unexpected failure.

Question 21Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

An advertisement says: 'Nine out of ten dentists recommend our toothpaste.' Which question would most help a reader evaluate this claim?

  1. Is the toothpaste sold in supermarkets?
  2. What colour is the toothpaste tube?
  3. How much does the toothpaste cost?
  4. How many dentists were asked and who chose them? Correct answer.

Explanation

A statistic's value depends on the sample size and how participants were selected. Asking how many dentists were surveyed and who chose them tests whether the claim is reliable.

Question 22Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read: 'Her laughter was a sudden crack of thunder in the silent hall.' Which two senses does the image combine?

  1. smell and hearing
  2. touch and smell
  3. hearing and sight Correct answer.
  4. sight and taste

Explanation

Laughter is heard, while thunder is also an auditory image, but the phrase 'silent hall' supplies the visual setting of a quiet room. The comparison works by sound breaking into a visible stillness.

Question 23Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

A writer argues: 'If we allow students to use calculators in one test, soon they will use them in every test, and then they will forget how to add at all.' What flaw does this argument contain?

  1. It relies on a chain of unlikely consequences. Correct answer.
  2. It quotes opposing experts unfairly.
  3. It defines its terms too precisely.
  4. It uses too many statistics.

Explanation

The argument predicts a chain of increasingly extreme outcomes from a single small step, a flaw often called a slippery slope. No evidence is offered that each consequence must follow.

Question 24Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read: 'The treaty was signed in 1901, though few of the signatories believed it would last a decade. Their doubts proved well founded.' What does the final sentence imply?

  1. The signatories were mistaken in their doubts.
  2. The treaty was signed a second time.
  3. The treaty is still in force today.
  4. The treaty collapsed within ten years. Correct answer.

Explanation

The doubts were that the treaty would not last ten years, and saying these doubts were 'well founded' means they were justified. The treaty therefore failed within that period.

Question 25Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Two texts describe the same factory closure. Text A calls it 'a necessary restructuring'; Text B calls it 'a devastating blow to working families'. What best explains the difference?

  1. One text contains factual errors.
  2. The texts are written for different audiences and purposes. Correct answer.
  3. Text A is longer than Text B.
  4. Text B was written before the closure.

Explanation

The same event is framed with different word choices because each writer addresses a different audience and aim. Word choice such as 'restructuring' versus 'devastating blow' reveals differing perspectives rather than factual error.

Question 26Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read this passage: 'The market opened at dawn. Vendors arranged mangoes, peppers, and dried fish on wooden tables while customers hurried between the stalls.' What is the passage mainly about?

  1. The history of an old market
  2. The busy start of a market day Correct answer.
  3. The price of mangoes and peppers
  4. The dangers of selling dried fish

Explanation

A main-idea question asks for the overall subject that the details support. Every detail here describes vendors setting out goods and shoppers moving through the stalls at the beginning of the day. The other details are minor parts of that scene, not its central point.

Question 27Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read this passage: 'The rain stopped at noon. By evening the streets were dry and the children were playing football again.' Which sentence states an effect of the rain stopping?

  1. The children were playing football again. Correct answer.
  2. The passage does not say when the rain stopped.
  3. The streets were dry by evening.
  4. The rain stopped at noon.

Explanation

An effect is what happens because of an earlier event. The children returning to play follows from the rain ending and the ground drying, so it is the result rather than the cause. Drying streets are an intermediate condition, not the final effect on people.

Question 28Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read: 'The goalkeeper dived left, but the ball sailed over her fingertips and into the net.' What does the word 'sailed' suggest about the ball?

  1. It moved smoothly and easily past her. Correct answer.
  2. It was blown off course by wind.
  3. It moved slowly and heavily.
  4. It struck the goalpost.

Explanation

Writers choose verbs that carry implied meaning beyond literal movement. 'Sailed' suggests a smooth, effortless flight that the goalkeeper could not reach, which fits the ball passing beyond her fingertips. It does not suggest slowness, wind, or contact with the post.

Question 29Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Which sentence is written from the first-person point of view?

  1. I could not believe what I saw. Correct answer.
  2. She walked to the shop alone.
  3. The town was quiet that evening.
  4. They waited for the bus in silence.

Explanation

First-person narration uses the pronouns 'I' and 'we' and places the narrator inside the action. Only this sentence uses 'I', showing the narrator speaking about personal experience. The others use third-person pronouns or describe events from outside.

Question 30Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read: 'The library closes at six. Books must be returned to the front desk, not the shelves.' What is the purpose of these sentences?

  1. To describe the history of the library building
  2. To persuade readers to visit the library more often
  3. To give instructions about returning books Correct answer.
  4. To entertain readers with a story about a library

Explanation

Purpose questions ask what the writer wants the reader to do or know. These sentences state a closing time and a rule for where books go, which is practical guidance. There is no story, persuasion, or historical information.

Question 31Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read: 'The soup was hot. The soup was spicy. The soup was delicious.' Which revision best combines these sentences?

  1. The soup was hot. It was spicy and delicious.
  2. The soup was hot, spicy, and delicious. Correct answer.
  3. The soup, hot, was spicy and delicious.
  4. The soup was hot and the soup was spicy and delicious.

Explanation

Combining short sentences with a series of adjectives removes needless repetition while keeping every detail. Listing the three qualities with commas before 'and' produces one smooth sentence. The other versions either repeat words or create awkward phrasing.

Question 32Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read: 'The crowd rose to its feet as the team walked onto the field.' What does the phrase 'rose to its feet' mean here?

  1. The crowd sat down quietly.
  2. The crowd became angry.
  3. The crowd stood up to show support. Correct answer.
  4. The crowd left the stadium.

Explanation

Idiomatic phrases must be read in context rather than word by word. A crowd rising to its feet as a team enters the field is a gesture of respect or excitement. Nothing in the sentence suggests anger, departure, or sitting.

Question 33Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read: 'The recipe says to stir the mixture gently. It warns that stirring too hard will make the dough tough.' What will happen if the cook stirs too hard?

  1. The dough will rise more quickly.
  2. The recipe will need more flour.
  3. The dough will become tough. Correct answer.
  4. The mixture will not combine.

Explanation

Detail questions ask you to locate information stated directly in the text. The passage explicitly warns that hard stirring makes the dough tough, so that is the stated consequence. The other outcomes are not mentioned at all.

Question 34Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read: 'The factory installed new machines, which reduced waste by half. However, the machines required expensive maintenance, so the savings were smaller than expected.' What does the passage suggest about the new machines?

  1. They caused the factory to close.
  2. They were cheaper to run than the old ones.
  3. They had both benefits and costs. Correct answer.
  4. They were a complete failure.

Explanation

Inference questions ask what the text implies without stating it directly. The passage balances reduced waste against costly maintenance, which shows a mixed outcome. Nothing supports total failure, cheaper running costs, or closure.

Question 35Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read: 'Although the village had little money, the families pooled their savings and built a new well.' What does this show about the villagers?

  1. They were unwilling to share.
  2. They relied on outside help.
  3. They gave up on the project.
  4. They were determined and cooperative. Correct answer.

Explanation

The contrast word 'although' signals that the villagers overcame a difficulty. Pooling savings to build a well shows both cooperation and determination despite poverty. The passage mentions no outside help, no surrender, and no refusal to share.

Question 36Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read: 'The witness said the car was blue. A second witness said it was green. A third, who had been closest, said it was blue-green.' What is the best conclusion?

  1. The witnesses gave inconsistent descriptions. Correct answer.
  2. All three witnesses agreed exactly.
  3. The car had no colour at all.
  4. The third witness was lying.

Explanation

Comparing accounts requires noting where they differ and where they overlap. The three descriptions vary, though the third suggests the others may each have seen part of the truth. Disagreement, not deception or total absence of colour, is the safe conclusion.

Question 37Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read: 'The letter was written in haste. Words were crossed out, the ink was smudged, and the last line trailed off unfinished.' What impression does the writer create of the letter's author?

  1. Careful and organised
  2. Wealthy and educated
  3. Angry and violent
  4. Rushed and unsettled Correct answer.

Explanation

Writers build impressions through concrete details rather than direct labels. Crossed-out words, smudged ink, and an unfinished line all point to haste and emotional disturbance. Nothing suggests calm planning, violence, or wealth.

Question 38Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read the dialogue: 'Are you sure this path leads to the beach?' asked Tom. 'Of course,' said Ben, checking the map for the third time. What does Ben's action reveal?

  1. He is unsure despite his confident words. Correct answer.
  2. He has never used a map before.
  3. He is confident and needs no help.
  4. He wants Tom to lead the way.

Explanation

Actions in dialogue often contradict or qualify what characters say. Ben's confident reply clashes with his repeated map-checking, suggesting hidden doubt. The action does not show certainty, inexperience, or a wish to follow.

Question 39Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read: 'The council meeting was scheduled for seven. By half past seven only three members had arrived, and the chair suggested postponing the vote.' What can be inferred about the meeting?

  1. The chair refused to discuss the vote.
  2. All members arrived on time.
  3. The meeting was cancelled before it began.
  4. The vote was postponed because too few members came. Correct answer.

Explanation

Inference draws on clues that are stated to reach a point that is not. Late and missing members plus the chair's suggestion point directly to a postponement caused by poor attendance. The text does not say the meeting was cancelled or that everyone arrived.

Question 40Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read: 'The old photograph showed a harbour crowded with fishing boats. Today the same spot holds a car park.' What is the writer comparing?

  1. Two different harbours in two countries
  2. The cost of boats and cars
  3. The past and present of one place Correct answer.
  4. Two photographs taken on the same day

Explanation

Comparison questions ask what two things are being set against each other. The writer contrasts a busy harbour in an old photograph with the car park that exists there now. Both images refer to the same location at different times, not to two countries or two same-day photos.

Question 41Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read: 'The brochure promises 'unforgettable views'. The same brochure notes that the viewing platform is closed for repairs until further notice.' What is the weakness in the brochure's claim?

  1. The brochure is printed in several languages.
  2. The promised views may not be accessible. Correct answer.
  3. The views are described in too much detail.
  4. The brochure gives no price for the platform.

Explanation

Evaluating a claim means checking whether the text supports it consistently. If the platform offering the views is closed, visitors may be unable to enjoy what the brochure promises. The other options raise points that the passage does not mention or that do not weaken the claim.

Question 42Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read: 'Some say the new road will bring trade. Others fear it will destroy farmland. The council has promised a full study before deciding.' What is the writer's tone?

  1. Excited and celebratory
  2. Sarcastic and mocking
  3. Neutral and balanced Correct answer.
  4. Angry and accusing

Explanation

Tone is revealed by the balance of viewpoints and the absence of loaded language. The writer presents both sides fairly and reports the council's promise without judgement. Mockery, anger, or celebration would require emotional or evaluative words that are not present.

Question 43Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read: 'The instructions were simple: mix the powder with water, stir for one minute, then wait.' Which word in the passage signals a sequence of steps?

  1. mix
  2. simple
  3. wait
  4. then Correct answer.

Explanation

Sequencing words show the order in which actions should happen. 'Then' explicitly marks the step that follows the stirring. The other words describe or name actions but do not indicate order.

Question 44Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read: 'The scientist's report was cautious. She noted that the results were encouraging but added that the sample was small and the study had not been repeated.' What is the writer's attitude towards the findings?

  1. Uncritical enthusiasm
  2. Complete rejection of the results
  3. Total indifference
  4. Careful optimism Correct answer.

Explanation

Attitude questions require weighing positive and negative signals together. 'Encouraging' provides the optimism, while the small sample and lack of repetition supply the caution. Rejection, enthusiasm without doubt, and indifference all ignore part of the evidence.

Question 45Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read: 'The town's annual fair began as a small gathering of farmers. Over fifty years it grew into a week-long event attracting visitors from across the region.' What is the organisational pattern of this passage?

  1. Cause followed by opinion
  2. Comparison of two towns
  3. Problem and solution
  4. Chronological development Correct answer.

Explanation

Structure questions ask how ideas are arranged. The passage moves from a small beginning to a larger present, following the fair through time. No problem is solved, no second town is compared, and no opinion is offered.

Question 46Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read: 'The company reported record profits this year. Its workers, meanwhile, have not received a pay rise in three years.' Which word signals the contrast between the two facts?

  1. meanwhile Correct answer.
  2. record
  3. reported
  4. received

Explanation

Contrast signals alert readers that two ideas pull in different directions. 'Meanwhile' sets the workers' stagnant pay against the company's rising profits. The other words are ordinary verbs and adjectives that carry no contrastive force.

Question 47Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read: 'The speaker claimed that 'everyone in the district supports the new stadium'. Which detail would most weaken this claim?

  1. A survey showing that most residents oppose the stadium Correct answer.
  2. The name of the company building the stadium
  3. A photograph of the stadium under construction
  4. A list of the stadium's seating capacity

Explanation

A claim using 'everyone' is weakened by any strong evidence of opposition. A survey showing majority opposition directly contradicts the speaker's assertion. The other details are neutral facts that neither support nor undermine the claim.

Question 48Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read: 'The reviewer praised the novel's vivid characters but complained that its ending felt rushed.' Which statement best summarises the review?

  1. The novel has strong characters but a weak conclusion. Correct answer.
  2. The novel is flawless and should be read by everyone.
  3. The novel is badly written from beginning to end.
  4. The novel's characters are dull and its ending is slow.

Explanation

A summary must capture both the positive and negative points without exaggeration. The review praises the characters and criticises the ending, so the balanced summary reflects both. The other options distort one or both judgements.

Question 49Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read: 'Those who question the plan are simply afraid of change.' What flaw in reasoning does this statement show?

  1. It offers a detailed counter-argument.
  2. It compares two unrelated plans.
  3. It attacks the people rather than the argument. Correct answer.
  4. It cites too many statistics.

Explanation

This is an attack on critics' motives instead of on the reasons they give. Dismissing opponents as fearful of change avoids engaging with their actual objections. No statistics, comparisons, or counter-arguments are offered.

Question 50Reading Comprehension and Interpretation of Texts

Read: 'The report notes that sales rose after the advertisement aired. It does not mention that a rival shop closed in the same week.' Why does the missing detail matter?

  1. It shows the advertisement was badly made.
  2. It proves that sales did not actually rise.
  3. It explains why the rival shop closed.
  4. It suggests another cause for the rise in sales. Correct answer.

Explanation

When two events occur together, other factors may explain the change. A rival closing could have sent its customers to the remaining shop, so the advertisement may not deserve all the credit. The missing detail does not disprove the sales figures or explain the closure itself.