In the argument given, the two portions

In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles? At a certain period in Earth’s history, its atmosphere contained almost no oxygen, although plants were producing vast quantities of oxygen. As a way of reconciling these two facts, scientists have hypothesized that nearly all of the oxygen being produced was taken up by iron on Earth’s surface. Clearly, however, this explanation is inadequate. New studies show that the amount of iron on Earth’s surface was not sufficient to absorb anywhere near as much oxygen as was being produced. Therefore, something in addition to the iron on Earth’s surface must have absorbed much of the oxygen produced by plant life. The first is a claim made by the argument in support of a certain position; the second is that position.

The first is a judgment made by the argument about a certain explanation; the second is that explanation.

The first expresses the argument’s dismissal of an objection to the position it seeks to establish; the second is that position.

The first sums up the argument’s position with regard to a certain hypothesis; the second provides grounds for that position.

The first is a concession by the argument that its initial formulation of the position it seeks to establish requires modification; the second presents that position in a modified form.

4 Explanations

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Venkatesh R

Can you explain why is it not Option A?

Sep 16, 2016 • Comment

Adam

Hi Siddharth,

The first boldface sentence does not provide support to an argument. It's just a claim.

Second, the second boldface sentence is not a position — it's just a citation of evidence. The position comes at the end of the text.

Sep 18, 2016 • Reply

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suvicha mekangkul

Hi could you please explain why not B? Thanks

Dec 5, 2015 • Comment

Adam

Hi Suvicha,

(B) reads: The first is a judgment made by the argument about a certain explanation; the second is that explanation.

Here are the two portions:

1. this explanation is inadequate
2. the amount of iron on Earth’s surface was not sufficient to absorb anywhere near as much oxygen as was being produced.

It's true that the first portion is a judgment about an explanation. However, the second portion is not *that explanation.*

"That explanation" is: "nearly all of the oxygen being produced was taken up by iron on Earth’s surface." Let's call this "Explanation A."

Rather, the second portion is an explanation *of the judgment.* It explains *why* Explanation A is inadequate.

Dec 10, 2015 • Reply

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Tanvi Sengupta

Hi could you please explain why not E ?

Aug 27, 2015 • Comment

Jonathan , Magoosh Tutor

The second boldface is "the amount of iron on Earth’s surface was not sufficient to absorb anywhere near as much oxygen as was being produced. "

This is EVIDENCE/GROUNDS for the position in the previous boldface statement. It is not a modified position as said in (E). Only (D) correct states the purpose of the two boldface parts.

Sep 1, 2015 • Reply

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Chris Lele, Magoosh Tutor