Question

which statement provides the most compelling evidence for the argument that a mine destroyed the ship?
○ “the electric lights, of which there were eight in the cabin where i was sitting, went out.”
○ “i knew that the maine had been blown up, and believed that she had been blown up from the outside.”
○ “on what might have caused the hull to buckle inward, the evidence is inconclusive.”
○ “computer analysis also shows that even a small, handmade mine could have penetrated the ship’s hull and set off explosions.”

Explanation:

To determine the most compelling evidence for a mine destroying the ship, we analyze each option:

• The first option describes lights going out, which is a symptom but not direct evidence of a mine.
• The second option is a personal belief, not evidence.
• The third option states evidence is inconclusive about the cause of the hull buckling, not supporting a mine.
• The fourth option uses computer analysis to show a small mine could penetrate the hull and cause explosions, providing scientific/analytical evidence for a mine being the cause.

Answer:

"Computer analysis also shows that even a small, handmade mine could have penetrated the ship’s hull and set off explosions."