Question

Listening to music during exercise improves exercise performance and reduces discomfort. Scientists researched whether listening to music while studying can help students learn better and the results were inconclusive. Students who needed external stimulation for studying fared worse while students who did not need any external stimulation benefited from music.
Which one of the following statements is the CORRECT inference of the above passage?

• A. Listening to music has no effect on learning and a positive effect on physical exercise.
• B. Listening to music has a clear positive effect both on physical exercise and on learning.
• C. Listening to music has a clear positive effect on physical exercise. Music has a positive effect on learning only in some students.
• D. Listening to music has a clear positive effect on learning in all students. Music has a positive effect only in some students who exercise.

Hint:

In inference questions, avoid absolute claims when the passage mentions conditional or inconclusive results. Match conclusions precisely to the evidence provided.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To determine the correct inference of the given passage, let's analyze the details presented:

1. The passage states that listening to music during exercise enhances performance and reduces discomfort, indicating a positive impact.
2. Regarding learning, the research was inconclusive, but it was identified that:
   • Students requiring external stimulation for studying performed worse when listening to music.
   • Those who did not require external stimulation experienced a benefit from music.

Now, let's evaluate the options:

• Option 1: "Listening to music has no effect on learning and a positive effect on physical exercise." - This option inaccurately states that music has no effect on learning, whereas the passage specifies that music does help some students, thus making this incorrect.
• Option 2: "Listening to music has a clear positive effect both on physical exercise and on learning." - This option is incorrect because the effect of music on learning is not universally positive; it's dependent on the need for external stimulation.
• Option 3: "Listening to music has a clear positive effect on physical exercise. Music has a positive effect on learning only in some students." - This is the correct inference. It accurately reflects the passage, where music benefits physical exercise and also helps some students in learning.
• Option 4: "Listening to music has a clear positive effect on learning in all students. Music has a positive effect only in some students who exercise." - This contradicts the passage, as it is not true that music positively affects learning in all students.

Thus, the best inference that aligns with the passage is: Listening to music has a clear positive effect on physical exercise. Music has a positive effect on learning only in some students.