Pure science—research with no immediate commercial or technologi...
(A) It expresses the conclusion of the argument:
This option suggests that the claim about private corporations expresses the main conclusion of the argument. However, the claim about private corporations is not the primary conclusion of the argument. Instead, it serves as supporting information for the main conclusion that public funds should be used to support pure science research.
(B) It explains what is meant by the expression "pure research" in the context of the argument:
This option suggests that the claim about private corporations provides an explanation of the term "pure research" within the argument. However, the claim about private corporations does not directly define or explain the term "pure research." It presents a limitation of private corporations regarding their support for activities without short-term profits.
(C) It distracts attention from the point at issue by introducing a different but related goal:
This option suggests that the claim about private corporations diverts attention from the main issue by introducing a different but related goal. However, the claim about private corporations does not introduce a different goal. It supports the main point about the need for public funds by highlighting the limitations of private corporations in supporting pure science research.
(D) It supports the conclusion by ruling out an alternative way of achieving the benefits mentioned:
This option aligns closely with the reasoning in the passage. The claim about private corporations supports the conclusion that public funds should be used to support pure science research by ruling out the possibility of private corporations undertaking such support. It presents private corporations' tendency to focus on short-term profits as a reason why public funding is necessary to achieve the benefits of pure science research.
(E) It illustrates a case where unfortunate consequences result from a failure to accept the recommendation offered:
This option suggests that the claim about private corporations serves as an illustration of the unfortunate consequences resulting from a failure to accept the recommendation offered. However, the claim about private corporations does not explicitly illustrate any consequences. It primarily provides information to support the argument's conclusion about public funds.
Based on the explanations above, option (D) is the most accurate representation of the function served by the claim about private corporations in the argument.