People — even smart and savvy ones — mix up conspiracy theories, falsehoods and myths. Here is the key difference: A conspiracy — and by extension a conspiracy theory — must involve a group of people conducting secret deeds that disadvantage or infringe on the rights of others.%0D%0A%0D%0AFor instance, linking vaccines to autism is a false belief. If you think vaccines cause autism because health officials deem it so, then you believe in a conspiracy theory. Another falsehood is that fluoride is harmful to your body. A conspiracy theory is that fluoride is harmful to your body and a form of mind control perpetuated by government officials.by noting that health concerns are central to many conspiracy theories and false beliefs

Question

in this passage how does the second paragraph refine the definition presented in the first paragraph?

A. by noting that health concerns are central to many conspiracy theories and false beliefs
B. by deciding not to include an example of a myth
C. by showing that conspiracy theories and falsehoods are very similar
D. by contrasting examples of conspiracy theories and falsehoods

Answer 1

The correct answer is D. by contrasting examples of conspiracy theories and falsehoods.

In the second paragraph, the examples provided illustrate the distinction between a false belief (vaccines causing autism) and a conspiracy theory (government officials conspiring to promote this belief), thus refining the definition presented in the first paragraph by highlighting how conspiracy theories often involve a secretive group with harmful intent.