So my rationale is A clearly ties together the entire passage. Some of the other choices aren't necessarily wrong per se, but they faily to bring a sense of cohesiveness. The point to be made here is stated in the very first sentence: silencing the expression of an opinion robs the human race...Then several reasons are given for why the author thinks that.
The peculiar evil of silencing the expression of an opinion is that it robs the human race. It takes from posterity, as well as the existing generation, and from those who dissent from the opinion even more than from those who hold it. If the opinion is right, they are deprived of the opportunity of exchanging error for truth; if it is wrong, they lose what is almost as great a benefit: the clearer perception and livelier impression of truth, produced by its collision with error.
Which one of the following best expresses the conclusion presented in the argument?
(A) Silencing the expression of an opinion is robbing the human race. CORRECT
(B) Silencing the expression of an opinion harms those who dissent more than those who agree. X
This is true and the second second sentence says this. But, it's a bit too micro to be the conclusion.
(C) Anyone who agrees with an opinion
would not want to silence its expression. X
This is plausible, but again this inference is too micro.
(D) Gaining a clearer perception and livelier impression of truth is a great benefit. X
Also true, but too micro.
(E) The
greatest benefit is the opportunity of exchanging truth for error. X
Perhaps a bit too strong...we know exchanging truth for error is A benefit, but we don't know if it's the GREATEST benefit.
_________________
"Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one." - Bruce Lee