GRE General TestAnalytical WritingHard
A city council is considering a proposal to ban plastic water bottles in all municipal buildings. Proponents argue that this ban will significantly reduce plastic waste and promote environmental sustainability. Opponents counter that the ban is an unnecessary inconvenience for citizens and will have a negligible impact on overall plastic waste. Which of the following, if true, would most effectively counter the opponents' argument that the ban will have a 'negligible impact'?
- AThe cost of implementing the ban, including signage and removal of vending machines, would be substantial.
- BOther cities that implemented similar bans saw a slight increase in the use of other single-use plastic containers.
- CA recent study found that municipal buildings account for 30% of the city's total plastic bottle waste.
- DCitizens could easily bring reusable water bottles or use water fountains in municipal buildings.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. A recent study found that municipal buildings account for 30% of the city's total plastic bottle waste.
Opponents claim the impact will be 'negligible.' If municipal buildings account for a significant portion (30%) of the city's plastic bottle waste, then banning them there would have a substantial, not negligible, impact, directly countering the opponents' claim.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This addresses the cost of the ban, which is a separate consideration from its impact on plastic waste.
- B. This suggests a potential negative side effect (substitution), but doesn't necessarily mean the direct reduction in plastic *bottle* waste from municipal buildings would be negligible.
- D. This addresses the 'inconvenience' argument but not the 'negligible impact' argument.
Countering a Claim
To counter a claim is to present evidence or reasoning that directly refutes or weakens a specific assertion made by an opposing argument.
- Directly addresses an opponent's statement.
- Aims to prove the claim is false or unfounded.
- Requires specific evidence or logical flaw identification.
Memory trick: Refute the claim, strike its weak point.