A city council is debating whether to fund a new public art installation that features interactive digital displays. Proponents argue that the installation will attract tourists, boost local businesses, and enhance the city's cultural image. Opponents, however, claim that such an installation would be an unnecessary expense, diverting funds from more critical infrastructure projects. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the opponents' argument?
- ASimilar interactive digital art installations in other cities have experienced frequent technical malfunctions and high maintenance costs.
- BA recent survey shows that a majority of local residents believe the city's current infrastructure is adequate.
- CStudies indicate that public art initiatives rarely generate enough tourist revenue to offset their initial costs.
- DThe proposed location for the art installation is currently a popular gathering spot for local street performers.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Similar interactive digital art installations in other cities have experienced frequent technical malfunctions and high maintenance costs.
The opponents' core argument is that the art installation is an 'unnecessary expense' and diverts funds from 'critical infrastructure projects.' Option A directly strengthens this by highlighting potential hidden costs (technical malfunctions, high maintenance) associated with similar projects, thus making the public art installation appear even more financially burdensome and a greater drain on city resources that could otherwise go to infrastructure.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This weakens the opponents' *premise* that infrastructure projects are 'more critical' by suggesting residents don't see them as urgent, but doesn't strengthen the argument *against* the art project itself being an unnecessary expense.
- C. While this weakens the proponents' claim about boosting local businesses through tourist revenue, it doesn't directly strengthen the opponents' argument that the art installation is an *unnecessary expense* in terms of its direct costs or maintenance.
- D. This suggests a potential displacement issue, but doesn't directly strengthen the argument about the *expense* or the diversion of funds from *critical infrastructure*.
Strengthening Opposing Arguments
Introducing new information that makes a counter-argument more convincing or highlights additional drawbacks of a proposed plan, thereby reinforcing its rejection.
- Adds weight to the 'against' side of a debate.
- Can reveal hidden costs, negative impacts, or impracticalities.
- Often provides a stronger justification for an alternative course of action or inaction.
Memory trick: Find the extra weight for *your* side of the scale.