( Close to the base) could mean anything from zero-point-smidgen to not very much. (1.5 to 2.5 metres) suggests a safer distance. If the student approaches the question logically he/she should be able to select the better of the two. But if he/she starts with the assumption that all of the question are rubbish, the task of selecting the best option will be much more difficult.
It would be very interesting to know how many students looked at this and the other new questions and cried...I have not seen these questions before....It is all so unfair, instead of simply looking at them calmly.