Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumIdentifying Counterarguments and Opposing Positions

Read the passage below and match each numbered statement from the argument to its corresponding structural role in the passage:

"Proponents of drought-resistant genetically modified (GM) crops argue that widespread adoption is essential to safeguard global food security against climate volatility. However, organic farming advocates contend that introducing GM varieties threatens biodiversity through cross-pollination with wild species. Defenders of GM technology counter this by noting that stringent buffer zones effectively mitigate cross-pollination risks. Nonetheless, skeptical policy analysts maintain that smallholder farmers in developing nations will become economically dependent on multinational seed corporations regardless of environmental safeguards."

Match each statement on the left with its correct structural role on the right.

  • Introducing GM varieties threatens biodiversity through cross-pollination with wild species.An opposing position raised to challenge the initial recommendation for adopting GM crops.
  • Stringent buffer zones effectively mitigate cross-pollination risks.A counterargument presented to weaken an environmental objection raised by opponents.
  • Smallholder farmers in developing nations will become economically dependent on multinational seed corporations.The main conclusion of the skeptical policy analysts arguing against relying on GM seeds.
  • Widespread adoption of drought-resistant GM crops is essential to safeguard global food security.The primary claim supporting the initial proposal to adopt GM crops.

Answer

The statement regarding biodiversity threats matches the opposing position raised to challenge GM crop adoption; the buffer zone claim matches the counterargument presented to weaken the environmental objection; the economic dependence claim matches the main conclusion of the skeptical policy analysts; and the food security claim matches the primary claim supporting the initial proposal.
The matching correctly identifies the precise argumentative role of each claim based on structural indicators: biodiversity threats represent an opposing stance, buffer zones function as a defense counterargument against that stance, economic dependence forms the final conclusion of policy analysts, and food security is the foundational rationale for the initial position.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structural role of the claim regarding biodiversity threats.
It follows the contrast transition 'However' and expresses the organic advocates' objection, acting as an opposing position to the main proposal.
Identifying transition keywords helps distinguish opposing viewpoints from supporting premises.
2
Determine the role of the statement about buffer zones.
It is introduced by defenders of GM technology to refute the cross-pollination objection, functioning as a counterargument against the opponents' objection.
A claim that directly rebuts an opposing argument serves as a counter-rebuttal/counterargument within the debate.
3
Determine the role of the claim about smallholder farmers' economic dependence.
It follows 'Nonetheless' and presents the central conclusion maintained by policy analysts.
The word 'Nonetheless' signals that despite the rebuttal about buffer zones, a new overriding counter-conclusion is reached.
4
Determine the role of the claim regarding food security.
It opens the passage as the main supporting rationale of GM crop proponents.
The opening sentence establishes the initial positive position that the subsequent counterarguments react against.

Key Concept

Identifying Counterarguments and Opposing Positions
Rate this question

Topics

Identifying Counterarguments and Opposing Positions