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In the argument, the portions in boldface play which roles?

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RBornPowerScore
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In the argument, the portions in boldface play which roles? [#permalink] New post   Updated on: 17 Mar 2021, 09:20
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Question 1
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Warming in the Antarctic Ocean, believed to result from increased carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, is melting glaciers in Antarctica. Ice is slowly sliding off the continent, collecting iron from the underlying bedrock before dissolving in the surrounding seas. Microscopic marine organisms called phytoplankton tend to thrive in iron-rich waters. It follows that the warm ocean waters around Antarctica host growing populations of phytoplankton. These infinitesimal aquatic plants create food through photosynthesis, a process that converts CO2 into carbohydrates. Therefore, levels of atmospheric CO2 should fall at least slightly as glacial melting in Antarctica continues.

In the argument given, the two portions in [b]boldface play which of the following roles?

A. The first states the conclusion of the argument as a whole; the second provides support for that conclusion.

B. The first provides support for the conclusion of the argument as a whole; the second provides evidence that supports an objection to that conclusion.

C. The first provides support for an intermediate conclusion that supports a further conclusion stated in the argument; the second states that intermediate conclusion.

D. The first serves as an intermediate conclusion that supports a further conclusion stated in the argument; the second states the position that the argument as a whole
opposes.

E. The first states the position that the argument as a whole opposes; the second supports the conclusion of the argument.

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Official Answer
C

Originally posted by RBornPowerScore on 25 Jan 2016, 07:33.
Last edited by Carcass on 17 Mar 2021, 09:20, edited 4 times in total.
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RBornPowerScore
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Re: In the argument, the portions in boldface play which roles? [#permalink] New post   25 Jan 2016, 07:33
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Show: :: Explanation
The question requires you to analyze the structure of an argument. Each answer choice mentions either an "intermediate conclusion" or the "conclusion of the argument as a whole," so the passage very likely contains two arguments linked together. And, in fact, it does. Here's a simple paraphrase of the linked argument.

1. Warm waters in the Antarctic Ocean melt Antarctic glaciers. (Premise, Sentence 1)
2. Melting Antarctic glaciers deposit iron in the Antarctic Ocean. (Premise, Sentence 2)
3. Iron helps phytoplankton grow. (Premise, Sentence 3)
4. Therefore, Warm waters in the Antarctic Ocean breed phytoplankton. (Intermediate Conclusion, Sentence 4)
5. Phytoplankton consume atmospheric CO2. (Premise, Sentence 5)
6. Therefore, Melting Antarctic glaciers reduce atmospheric CO2. (Main Conclusion, Sentence 6)

Statements 2 and 4 correspond to the bolded parts of the passage. 2 supports 4, an intermediate conclusion, and 4 supports 6, the conclusion of the argument as a whole. So the correct answer is C.
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Re: In the argument, the portions in boldface play which roles? [#permalink] New post   17 Aug 2020, 13:17
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amitnathgupta
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Re: In the argument, the portions in boldface play which roles? [#permalink] New post   17 Mar 2021, 09:10
Why correct answer is not mentioned ? OPTION [D] ? If not, please explain.
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Re: In the argument, the portions in boldface play which roles? [#permalink] New post   17 Mar 2021, 09:18
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amitnathgupta wrote:
Why correct answer is not mentioned ? OPTION [D] ? If not, please explain.


Official Explanation

The question requires you to analyze the structure of an argument. Each answer choice mentions either an "intermediate conclusion" or the "conclusion of the argument as a whole," so the passage very likely contains two arguments linked together. And, in fact, it does. Here's a simple paraphrase of the linked argument.

1. Warm waters in the Antarctic Ocean melt Antarctic glaciers. (Premise, Sentence 1)
2. Melting Antarctic glaciers deposit iron in the Antarctic Ocean. (Premise, Sentence 2)
3. Iron helps phytoplankton grow. (Premise, Sentence 3)
4. Therefore, Warm waters in the Antarctic Ocean breed phytoplankton. (Intermediate Conclusion, Sentence 4)
5. Phytoplankton consume atmospheric CO2. (Premise, Sentence 5)
6. Therefore, Melting Antarctic glaciers reduce atmospheric CO2. (Main Conclusion, Sentence 6)

Statements 2 and 4 correspond to the bolded parts of the passage. 2 supports 4, an intermediate conclusion, and 4 supports 6, the conclusion of the argument as a whole. So the correct answer is C.
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Carcass
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Re: In the argument, the portions in boldface play which roles? [#permalink] New post   17 Mar 2021, 09:21
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Fixed the timer
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Re: In the argument, the portions in boldface play which roles? [#permalink]
17 Mar 2021, 09:21
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