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Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
The question requires us to identify the role played by the two bold face portions in the argument. To do so, we would examine the argument structure and the relationship of the bolded portions with respect to the main conclusion of the argument.
BF1 – As identified in the passage analysis, BF 1 is the main conclusion of the argument.
BF2 – It is an opinion that supports the main conclusion. This opinion is based on the statement preceding it, so it acts as an intermediate conclusion as well.
With this understanding in mind, let’s take a look at the option statements.
Answer Choices
A
The first is an intermediate conclusion that supports the position taken by the argument; the second is that position.
Incorrect – Both parts wrong
BF1 isn’t the intermediate conclusion; it’s the main conclusion.
Here “that position” refers to the one mentioned in the description of BF1. BF2 isn’t the position taken by the argument (main conclusion); it’s an intermediate conclusion.
B
The first is the main conclusion of the argument; the second provides a reason to support an intermediate conclusion drawn in the argument.
Incorrect – 2nd part wrong
BF1 is the main conclusion.
BF2 isn’t a reason to support the intermediate conclusion; it is the intermediate conclusion.
C
The first and the second both provide evidence in support of the position taken by the argument.
Incorrect – Both parts wrong
BF1 doesn’t support the main conclusion; it is the main conclusion. BF2 does support the main conclusion but it isn’t evidence, it’s an opinion.
D
The first is the position taken by the argument; the second is an intermediate conclusion that supports that position.
Correct
This choice is written along the lines of our pre-thinking. BF1 is the main conclusion, which can also be called the position taken by the argument. BF2 is indeed an intermediate conclusion and it supports the main conclusion.
E
The first provides evidence supporting a conclusion stated in the argument; the second is the author’s main conclusion.
Incorrect – Both parts wrong
BF1 doesn’t provide evidence, it is the main conclusion. BF2 is the intermediate conclusion and not the main conclusion.