Many agricultural advisors warn farmers against relying exclusively on synthetic fertilizers, arguing that overapplication degrades soil biodiversity over time. However, a comprehensive five-year trial revealed that integrating modest applications of synthetic fertilizer with organic compost preserves soil health while boosting crop yields. Therefore, agricultural cooperatives should encourage their members to adopt this combined soil-management strategy.
In the argument given, the bolded selection plays which of the following roles?
- It provides factual evidence supporting the main conclusion of the argument.Answer
- BIt states the main conclusion that the argument as a whole seeks to establish.
- CIt outlines the traditional position that the author attempts to refute.
- DIt functions as background information that undermines the author's final recommendation.
- EIt presents a counterargument that opposes the trial cited by the author.
Answer
The bolded statement provides factual evidence supporting the main conclusion of the argument.
The correct answer accurately identifies the bolded statement as a premise containing study results that support the author's final recommendation to adopt a combined soil-management strategy.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Analyzing Bolded Statement Roles