Question

Despite a marked increase in the number of visitors buying tickets to the museum, the most recent totals of their donations indicate ______. an increase a discrepancy a decline a disruption an effect

Answer 1

c. a decline

Step-by-step explanation:

Key details in the prompt:

• Despite a marked increase in the number of visitors buying tickets to the museum

• ...the most recent totals of their donations indicate

These two details tell us:

1. There has been an increase in the number of people visiting the museum and purchasing tickets. This suggests higher attendance.
2. However, the "most recent totals of their donations" (presumably from those visitors) indicate something.

Since the introduction uses the word "Despite", we can infer that whatever the donation totals indicate does not match what we would expect, given the increase in ticket-buying visitors.

The options:

a. an increase - This does not match the context clues. The prompt says donating totals indicate something, despite more visitors.

b. a discrepancy - While this could be possible, it is not as specific as other options.

c. a decline - This is the most likely based on the word "Despite" and the contrast between more visitors but donation totals that "indicate" something.

d. a disruption - There is nothing to suggest donations were disrupted.

e. an effect - This is too vague and does not match the specific information given about declining donations.

So in summary, given that donation totals indicate something despite more visitors, and "decline" is the only answer choice that specifically matches this contrast, the correct answer is c: a decline.