A single-panel cartoon shows a small rowing boat holding a man in a suit, who is bailing water with a teacup. The boat is visibly sinking; a large hole in the hull shows in the bottom. Beside him, pinned to the mast, is a gold certificate that reads 'Most Efficient Bailer, Fifth Year Running'. The man is smiling and looking at the certificate. Nobody else is in the boat, and the shore is visible in the distance.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. The mistake has been rewarded repeatedly, so the problem has not been fixed

  1. Step 1: 'Five years running' means repeated honours for the same activity. Step 2. The hole persists, so rewards have not led to a fix. Answer: repeated reward with no fix. Why not the others: rowing speed, boat age and help are not implied.

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