Forestry officials recently proposed introducing a parasitic wasp species to control the invasive beetle population damaging native ash trees. Several conservationists argue that this biological control strategy will inevitably disrupt local ecosystems by threatening non-target native insect populations. However, these conservationists overlook the fact that the specific wasp species being considered reproduces exclusively within emerald beetle larvae. The proposed introduction of the parasitic wasp is therefore unlikely to cause widespread harm to other indigenous species.
In the argument above, the two boldface portions play which of the following roles?
- The first is a position opposed by the argument as a whole; the second is the main conclusion of the argument.Answer
- BThe first is evidence supporting the main conclusion of the argument; the second is a counterargument that refutes that conclusion.
- CThe first is a judgment supporting the forestry proposal; the second is intermediate evidence cited to support that judgment.
- DThe first is a claim that the argument seeks to establish; the second is a premise offered in direct support of that claim.
- EThe first is background context describing the ecological problem; the second is a factual premise justifying the conservationists' fears.
Answer
The first bolded portion states a position opposed by the argument, while the second bolded portion is the author's main conclusion.
The correct answer accurately identifies that the first boldface statement introduces a counter-position (the conservationists' concern) that the author sets out to disprove. The transition 'However' signals the turn toward the author's counter-evidence, culminating in the second boldface statement, which serves as the argument's main conclusion.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Identifying structural roles of boldface claims relative to the author's overall stance.
Estimated Time:1m 0s