GRE General TestAnalytical WritingEasy
A local government proposes to fund a new public park by reallocating funds from the city's arts and culture budget. Proponents argue that a new park will improve public health and provide more accessible recreational opportunities for all residents. Opponents counter that diverting funds from arts and culture will diminish the city's vibrant cultural scene and negatively impact local artists. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken the opponents' counter-argument?
- ASeveral prominent local artists have expressed strong support for the creation of a new public park.
- BA recent survey indicates that most city residents rarely utilize public parks.
- CStudies show that access to green spaces has a direct positive impact on community well-being and mental health.
- DThe city's arts and culture budget has historically been underutilized, with a significant portion of funds remaining unspent each year.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The city's arts and culture budget has historically been underutilized, with a significant portion of funds remaining unspent each year.
The opponents' argument hinges on the idea that diverting funds will diminish the cultural scene. If those funds are consistently unused, their diversion would not have the negative impact claimed, thus weakening their counter-argument.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While relevant, the support of artists doesn't directly address the claim that the budget diversion will diminish the cultural scene; it only suggests some artists are not opposed to the park.
- B. This weakens the proponents' argument for a park, not the opponents' counter-argument regarding arts and culture.
- C. This strengthens the proponents' argument for a park, not the opponents' counter-argument regarding arts and culture.
Weakening a Counter-Argument
To weaken a counter-argument, one must identify its core premise and present information that undermines that premise, making the counter-argument less plausible.
- Focus on the opposing side's specific claims.
- Look for information that contradicts or reduces the impact of their claims.
- Distinguish between weakening the main argument and weakening the counter-argument.
Memory trick: Weighing claims, finding the chink in the armor.