Directions: Given below is a passage followed by a question. Select the option that best answers the question.

Passage:  An interesting case was put forward by a high school student, who accused that the painting they saw in a museum during an educational visit was a fake and couldn’t have been painted by the said artist. When asked for an explanation, the student thoroughly elucidated his theory based on the timeline. The painting portrayed the exact view of the city’s heritage street market and the student observed that the electric pole that was drawn in the painting was erected on the site long after the death of the artist, so it could not have been painted by him.

Which of the following, if true, most weakens the student’s claim?

Answer:  Option 3

Explanation:

The student claims that the painting is fake because the electric pole in the painting was not installed when the artist painted it, or even during the life of the artist. So, even if the painting was edited after the erection of the pole, the artist could not be the one to do it. Hence, option 1 helps his claim.

Even if the artist would have been aware of the electric pole installation program, it would have been quite difficult to paint it exactly as it appears in reality. This statement, if true would weaken the student’s claim but it cannot be considered as a strong point against it.

If the painting would have been made after the erection of the pole, then the said artist would not be the one who painted it because he would be already dead. So, option 4 is also incorrect.

Now, if the electric pole was designed as shown in the painting, then the timeline would not hold the significance, and the student’s claim would be weakened. Hence, option 3 is the correct answer.