CR Challengers 28

During periods when the Dow Jones Industrial Average is following an upward trend, there is an increase in the purchase of new homes and automobiles. However, when the Dow Jones Industrial Average drops significantly over a short period, purchases of new homes and automobiles tend to decrease. Therefore, the public’s perception of a strong economy increases the willingness of consumers to make large-scale purchases.

The conclusion above would be more reasonably drawn if which of the following were inserted into the argument as an additional premise?


a, The Dow Jones Industrial Average has followed an upward trend over the last year.

b. Many individuals choose to invest their money in the stock market.

c. The public’s perception of the strength of the economy is based on changes in the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

d. Individuals who purchased new homes or automobiles when the Dow Jones Industrial Average was high also invested their money in the stock market.

e. New car prices tend to decrease when the Dow Jones Industrial Average drops significantly over a short period