It is widely assumed that people need to engage in intellectual activities such as solving crossword puzzles or mathematics problems in order to maintain mental sharpness as they age. in fact, however, simply talking to other people—that is, participating in social interaction, which engages many mental and perceptual skills—suffices. evidence to this effect comes from a study showing that the more social contact people report, the better their mental skills.

which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the force of the evidence cited?

(a) as people grow older, they are often advised to keep exercising their physical and mental capacities in order to maintain or improve them.

(b) many medical conditions and treatments that adversely affect a person's mental sharpness also tend to increase that person's social isolation.

(c) many people are proficient both in social interactions and in solving mathematical problems.

(d) the study did not itself collect data but analyzed data bearing on the issue from prior studies.

(e) the tasks evaluating mental sharpness for which data were compiled by the study were more akin to mathematics problems than to conversation.

If true, option (B) Many medical conditions and treatments that adversely affect a person's mental sharpness also tend to increase that person's social isolation most seriously weakens the force of the evidence cited.

Explanation:

If true, the fact that medical conditions and treatments that affect a person's mental sharpness also increase that person's isolation could seriously weaken the evidence cited in this paragraph because it supports the idea that the more social contact a person has, the better mental skills that person presents. On this basis, if a mental condition or treatment curbs a person social life, then it would be ultimately hindering that person's mental skills.

there are conflicting perceptions. what cannot be denied is that despite a long history of discrimination, they finally chose to bow out in grace and handed over power to the majority. it was a painful experience for them to part with their prerogatives and some chose to leave the country. however, they did decide to bite the bullet and go through the process with minimum obstructions.

presently, whites are still a force to reckon with. they are well educated, have technical and business expertise, they understand imperatives of good governance and are responsible for keeping south africa connected with developed countries. despite a bitter history, they are useful team members of the south african team.

i think its toxic gasses but i could be wrong