GRE General TestAnalytical WritingMedium
A city council is debating whether to implement a new bike-share program. Proponents argue that it will reduce traffic congestion and promote a healthier lifestyle among residents. Opponents contend that the program will primarily benefit tourists, not local residents, thereby providing little benefit to the city's overall health and traffic issues. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the opponents' specific counter-claim?
- AA survey indicates that most local residents already own personal bicycles and prefer to use them.
- BThe proposed bike-share stations are strategically located near popular tourist attractions and hotels.
- COther cities with successful bike-share programs have reported a significant reduction in traffic congestion.
- DThe city has a robust public transportation system that many residents utilize for daily commutes.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The proposed bike-share stations are strategically located near popular tourist attractions and hotels.
The opponents' specific counter-claim is that the program will primarily benefit tourists, not residents. If the bike-share stations are primarily located near tourist attractions and hotels, this directly supports the idea that the program's design caters to tourists, thus strengthening the opponents' claim.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This suggests residents won't use it, which supports the opponents' broader point of low resident benefit, but doesn't specifically strengthen the 'primarily for tourists' part of the claim as directly as B.
- C. This strengthens the proponents' argument for the program's potential benefits, not the opponents' counter-claim.
- D. This suggests residents may not need the bike-share, but doesn't directly strengthen the argument that the program *will primarily benefit tourists*.
Strengthening a Specific Counter-Claim
To strengthen a specific counter-claim means to introduce information or evidence that directly supports a particular opposing argument, making it more credible or impactful.
- Focus on the exact assertion made by the counter-argument.
- Provide evidence that directly confirms or makes the counter-claim more likely to be true.
- Ensure the new information specifically targets the core of the counter-claim.
Memory trick: REINFORCE: Really Emphasize Important New Facts, Objectively Review Crucial Evidence.