Question 1

Portmund residents who would ordinarily drive tend to prefer transportation by taxi during heavy snowstorms.

This statement indicates that during heavy snowstorms, residents are more likely to rely on taxis instead of driving themselves. This increased demand for taxis during adverse weather conditions strengthens the researcher's explanation about the discrepancy between high demand and low taxi availability, as it highlights the demand factor even more.

A) A majority of Portmund businesses shut down during heavy snowstorms.

This option does not directly relate to the behavior of taxi drivers or the demand for taxi services. While it may suggest reduced overall activity in the city, it does not address why taxi drivers might choose not to work during inclement weather, thus failing to strengthen the researcher's explanation.

B) Most Portmund taxi drivers own their vehicles.

While ownership may influence a driver's commitment to working, this statement does not explain why taxi drivers would not operate during hazardous weather conditions. It does not provide insight into the relationship between demand and driver participation, making it irrelevant to the researcher's explanation.

C) Portmund residents who would ordinarily drive tend to prefer transportation by taxi during heavy snowstorms.

This option directly supports the researcher's explanation by indicating that there is a shift in transportation preference during adverse weather. It suggests that even with high demand for taxi services, the low number of available taxis may stem from drivers opting out of work due to hazardous conditions, thus reinforcing the researcher's argument.

D) Portmund's average annual number of rainy and snowy days is higher than the national average.

While this statement provides context about the frequency of inclement weather in Portmund, it does not explain how this affects taxi driver participation. Knowing that there are more bad weather days does not clarify the specific reasons drivers might choose not to work during those times, thus failing to strengthen the explanation.

E) At most ×, the most common destination for Portmund taxi passengers is the local airport.

This option does not relate to the explanation regarding driver availability during hazardous weather. While it provides information about passenger behavior, it does not address the reasons why drivers may opt not to work, making it irrelevant to the researcher's explanation.

Conclusion

The correct answer, C, effectively links the increased demand for taxi services during heavy snowstorms to the behavior of taxi drivers, thereby strengthening the researcher's explanation about why the number of taxis in service is low despite high demand. Other options either fail to connect the demand with driver behavior or do not address the context of hazardous weather conditions, making them less relevant to the argument presented.