Proponents of the electric car maintain that when the technical problems associated with its battery design are solve...

mgraves5 on August 17, 2019

Answer Choices

I understand that D & E are to harsh based on the information provided in the passage, but don't understand how answer A is not just as harsh. How do we know that it will have worse environmental consequences than they may believe based off the information provided? It doesn't appear that the answer must be true based on the information provided. If the answer was may have worse environmental consequences... that would make more sense.

Reply
Create a free account to read and take part in forum discussions.

Already have an account? log in

Ravi on August 17, 2019

@mgraves5,

Let's look at (A), (D), and (E).

Remember, we're looking to complete the argument.

(A) says, "will have worse environmental consequences than its
proponents may believe"

This is precisely what we're looking for. Some people (the proponents
of the electric car) think that it will result in the stopping of
environmental degradation caused by auto emissions. The author shows
that this isn't the case by showing that the power sources for making
electric cars also damage the environment. Thus, (A) is the correct
answer choice.

(D) says, "will increase the total level of emissions rather than reduce it"

As far as emissions go, it's entirely possible that electric cars are
better than regular cars. Even though they're not totally perfect,
they could still be better, so (D) is out.

(E) says, "will not produce a net reduction in environmental degradation"

We know that electric cars have some problems of their own when it
comes to the environment, but we don't know that they're as bad as the
issues that regular cars have. Electric cars may still be better, so
(E) is out.

Hope this helps. Let us know if you have any other questions!