Critical Reasoning: Paradox Questions

Country X has the world's highest rate of skin cancer, a disease caused mainly by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. There are three types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Every year, 2.7% of the population in Country X is diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, 1.3% with squamous cell carcinoma, and 0.8% with melanoma. The population of Country X buys more sun block than the population of any other country in the world.

Which of the following, if true, contributes most to a resolution of the above paradox?

You're right!

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This answer choice explains why the premises in the argument do not contradict each other. Even though the people of Country X use a lot of sun block, the UV radiation is so strong that a lot of them still get skin cancer.

Incorrect.

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This answer choice lends support to the premise presented in the last sentence of the argument. In doing so, it actually emphasizes the paradox rather than resolve it. If the people of Country X are so aware, then why are they getting skin cancer?

Incorrect.

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Cancer types other than skin cancer are outside the scope of this argument. Therefore, this statement cannot help us resolve the paradox.

Incorrect.

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This answer choice lends support to the premise presented in the last sentence of the argument. In doing so, it actually emphasizes the paradox rather than resolve it. If many of the people of Country X wear hats and sunglasses, which also provide some protection from the sun, then why are they getting skin cancer?

Incorrect.

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Cancer types other than skin cancer are outside the scope of this argument. Therefore, this statement cannot help us resolve the paradox.

Ultraviolet radiation in Country X is stronger than anywhere else in the world.
Awareness of the potential damage of exposure to the sun in Country X is high.
Country X is the world leader in sunglasses and hat sales.
The rate of cancer cases other than skin cancer in Country X is lower than the rate of skin cancer.
3.9% of the population in Country X are diagnosed with bowel cancer.

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