Question

Read the following paragraph and answer the question that follows:
Global surface temperatures in 2019 are on track to be either the second or third warmest since records
began in the mid-1800s,behind only 2016 and possibly 2017.On top of the long-term warming trend,
temperatures in 2019 have been buoyed by a moderate El Niño event that is likely to persist through the rest
of the year.
Which of the following statements can be BEST inferred based on the above paragraph?

• A. El Nino event causes global surface temperatures to rise in the long-term.
• B. A moderate El Niño event increases temperature more than a weak El Niño event.
• C. El Niño event did not affect temperatures in 2016 and 2017.
• D. The long-term trend of global surface temperatures is unrelated to El Niño.
• E. Global surface temperatures are increasing at a constant rate for three years.

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

The long-term trend of global surface temperatures is unrelated to El Niño.

Answer 2

The correct option is (D): The long-term trend of global surface temperatures is unrelated to El Niño.