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- Thu Apr 28, 2016 1:49 pm
#23558
Complete Question Explanation
Strengthen. The correct answer choice is (A)
The problem that needs to be addressed in the automakers' argument is that it is the same argument they made back in 1970. The obvious counterpoint would be that they were able to use new technology to respond to the restrictions then, so why not now. To strengthen this automakers' argument, we need to find the answer choice that shows that meeting the standards will be more burdensome now than it was in 1970.
Answer Choice (A): This is the correct answer choice. While this answer choice may not jump out during the first pass through, it is clearly the correct answer once you dismiss the other answer choices. In the stimulus, we know that the standards would become more stringent in comparison to those in place since 1970. What this answer choice addresses is the fact that a solution like the catalytic converter may not be available this time and, if the regulations become more stringent, the automakers will not be able to deal with them as easily or cheaply as they did last time.
Answer Choice (B): This answer choice would weaken the automakers' argument, as it would show that new technologies may allow for the new standards to be addressed without much negative effect.
Answer Choice (C): Again, this answer choice weakens the automakers' argument, as it leads to the conclusion that there may be some type of quick fix that could compensate for the changing standards. They can do it without having to create some completely new technology.
Answer Choice (D): Again, this would be an argument to use against the automakers. While the automakers are contending that the new standards are unnecessary, this answer choice demonstrates that as automobile use increases, emission standards must become more stringent.
Answer Choice (E): While this is probably the primary basis for the automakers' argument — an aversion to spending money that does not make money — it does nothing to strengthen their argument.
Strengthen. The correct answer choice is (A)
The problem that needs to be addressed in the automakers' argument is that it is the same argument they made back in 1970. The obvious counterpoint would be that they were able to use new technology to respond to the restrictions then, so why not now. To strengthen this automakers' argument, we need to find the answer choice that shows that meeting the standards will be more burdensome now than it was in 1970.
Answer Choice (A): This is the correct answer choice. While this answer choice may not jump out during the first pass through, it is clearly the correct answer once you dismiss the other answer choices. In the stimulus, we know that the standards would become more stringent in comparison to those in place since 1970. What this answer choice addresses is the fact that a solution like the catalytic converter may not be available this time and, if the regulations become more stringent, the automakers will not be able to deal with them as easily or cheaply as they did last time.
Answer Choice (B): This answer choice would weaken the automakers' argument, as it would show that new technologies may allow for the new standards to be addressed without much negative effect.
Answer Choice (C): Again, this answer choice weakens the automakers' argument, as it leads to the conclusion that there may be some type of quick fix that could compensate for the changing standards. They can do it without having to create some completely new technology.
Answer Choice (D): Again, this would be an argument to use against the automakers. While the automakers are contending that the new standards are unnecessary, this answer choice demonstrates that as automobile use increases, emission standards must become more stringent.
Answer Choice (E): While this is probably the primary basis for the automakers' argument — an aversion to spending money that does not make money — it does nothing to strengthen their argument.