Question 2

Explanation

To answer this question, we need to find the statement that contradicts or uses logic that is too strong (such as excessive generalization) compared to the information in the text.

Analysis of the Most Likely False Statement

Consider the following statement:

"Pain and swelling in the gums are always caused by accumulated food leftovers."

The text explains the cause-and-effect flow as follows:

1. Food leftovers can accumulate.
2. This accumulation can harden into tartar.
3. Tartar can cause gums to become painful and swollen.

Notice the use of the words "can" and "may" which indicate possibility, not absolute certainty. The statement above uses the word "always", which is an absolute claim. The text never states that food leftovers are the only cause of gum pain. Therefore, this claim is the most likely to be false because it over-generalizes.

Analysis of Other Statements

Let's see why the other statements tend to be true or consistent with the text:

• "Teeth that are not routinely cleaned can form tartar"

  The text explicitly states: "If not cleaned routinely... can form tartar."

• "Accumulated tartar can cause gingivitis"

  The text links tartar with pain/swelling, which are referred to as "early symptoms of gum infection or gingivitis."

• "Food leftovers accumulating on the tooth surface have the potential to form tartar"

  This is consistent with the sentence: "these accumulated food leftovers can harden and form tartar."

• "Gum infection occurs due to the accumulation of tartar"

  The text explains the flow from tartar accumulation to gum infection symptoms (pain and swelling).

In conclusion, the statement using the word "always" is the one least supported by the probabilistic nature of the text.