It is widely known that oxidants are toxic in large amounts, and our c...
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
Conclusion Clarification
Main Conclusion of the argument: “However, such advice may not have any substantial medical grounds”. Therefore, the main conclusion provides an explanation and a piece of evidence that opposes the advice mentioned in the previous statement.
Pre-Thinking Approach
The question requires us to identify the role played by the two bold face portions in the argument. To do so, we will examine the argument structure and the relationship of the bolded portions with respect to the main conclusion of the argument.
BF1 – As explained in the passage analysis, BF1 presents a third party’s conclusion, which is opposed by the main conclusion.
BF2 – It presents evidence to support the main conclusion.
With the above understanding, let us analyze the option statements.
Answer Choices
A
The first is a conclusion against the position taken by the argument; the second acts as evidence in support of that position.
Incorrect - 1st part wrong
The main conclusion opposes BF1, not the other way round. The description of BF2 is correct; BF2 acts as a piece of evidence to support the main conclusion – position taken by the argument, which is referred to as “that” position.
B
The first is evidence that the argument disputes; the second is an observation that supports the main conclusion drawn by the argument.
Incorrect - 1st part wrong
BF1 is not evidence. It is a claim that the argument disputes. BF2 can be called an observation/a piece of evidence that supports the main conclusion.
C
The first acts as evidence against the position taken by the argument; the second acts as a reason in support of the position taken by the author.
Incorrect - 1st part wrong
BF1 is not evidence/a fact. It is an opinion challenged by the main conclusion. The description of BF2 is correct.
D
The first is a conclusion that is disputed by the argument; the second is evidence that supports that conclusion.
Incorrect - 2nd part wrong
BF1 is a conclusion that the argument disputes. However, the description of the second part is incorrect; BF2 is evidence that supports the main conclusion which disputes the conclusion in BF1. Therefore, BF2 is evidence against that conclusion.
E
The first is a conclusion that the argument as a whole disputes; the second is evidence that supports the position taken by the argument.
Correct
As discussed in the pre-thinking analysis, the description of both the parts is correct. BF1 is a conclusion that the argument challenges. BF2 is evidence that supports the main conclusion, the position taken by the argument.