Air bags have become a staple for every new car on the market. The fast rate at which they were incorporated into the new models of most manufacturers attests to the rapidity at which their significance was perceived.
A new Japanese car manufacturer has concluded that if he wishes his cars to be considered safe, he must also incorporate air bags in the vehicles he plans to put on the market.In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?
The argument says air bags are now standard in new cars and were quickly adopted because manufacturers recognized their importance. From this, the Japanese manufacturer concludes that his cars must also include air bags if they are to be considered safe.
The first boldface is supporting information; the second boldface is
the conclusion drawn from that information.
A. The first is an assumption; the second is the conclusion of the argument.
Wrong. The first boldface is stated directly as information, not merely assumed.
B. Both the first and the second are the conclusions of the argument.
Wrong. The first boldface supports the conclusion; it is not itself the conclusion.
C. The first is a piece of evidence; the second is a judgement which is contrary to that piece of evidence.
Wrong. The second boldface is not contrary to the first. It follows naturally from it.
D. The first is an inference; the second is a conclusion.
Wrong. The first boldface is better described as given information or evidence, not an inference drawn in the argument.
E. The first is a piece of information; the second is the conclusion of the argument.
Correct. The first boldface gives background information about air bags being standard in new cars. The second boldface states the manufacturer’s conclusion.
Answer: (E)