The critical reasoning question is based on a short argument, a set of statements, or a plan of action. For each question, select the best answer of the choices given and explain why the chosen answer is the right fit.
Question: In the United States between 1850 and 1880, the number of farmers continued to increase, but at a rate lower than that of the general population.
Which of the following statements directly contradicts the information presented above?
1
The number of farmers in the general population increased slightly in the 30 years between 1850 and 1880
2
The rate of growth of the United States labor force and the rate of growth of the general population rose simultaneously in the 30 years between 1850 and 1880
3
The proportion of farmers in the United States labor force remained constant in the 30 years between 1850 and 1880
4
The proportion of farmers in the general population increased from 68% in 1850 to 72% in 1880.