Match each statement from the argument below to the structural role it plays.
Argument:
Many city planners claim that constructing new highways reduces traffic congestion in the long term. They point out that new highways immediately divert vehicles away from crowded local roads. But this claim is demonstrably false. Studies show that building new highways inevitably encourages more people to commute by car. Consequently, any initial relief in traffic is quickly erased by an overall increase in drivers.
- Constructing new highways reduces traffic congestion in the long term.A position that the argument as a whole is directed against.
- New highways immediately divert vehicles away from crowded local roads.A premise offered in support of a position that the argument rejects.
- This claim is demonstrably false.The overall conclusion of the argument.
- Studies show that building new highways inevitably encourages more people to commute by car.A premise offered to support the argument's intermediate conclusion.
- Any initial relief in traffic is quickly erased by an overall increase in drivers.An intermediate conclusion drawn to support the overall conclusion.
Answer
Statement 1 is the opposing position. Statement 2 is the opposing premise. Statement 3 is the overall conclusion. Statement 4 is a premise. Statement 5 is an intermediate conclusion.
The argument follows a classic structure: it presents an opposing view and its premise, states the main conclusion that the view is false, and then provides a premise and an intermediate conclusion to support the main conclusion.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Identifying the structural role of each statement in an argument, including opposing positions, main conclusions, and intermediate conclusions.