the argument can be simplified to this --
Premise1. Not many instances of unkindness by people under 65 toward people over 65
2. Unkindness towards people older than 65 gets reproof (criticism) + Such reproof is generally accepted
3. A large of people under 65 felt that people over 65 receive too little respect whereas a much smaller percentage of people over 65 felt the same
ConclusionWestern societies basically respect the elderly
We have been asked to pick an answer option that states WHY the author made her conclusion. In other words, the correct answer should identify any of the premise mentioned.
Let us look at the answer options --
Option A - Incorrect"just as kind to people over 65 as they
are to people of their own age group" -- is not mentioned anywhere in the argument. Also, this is NOT one of the reasons why the author concludes that Western societies respect the elderly.
Option B - IncorrectWe do not have any idea of the number of
people under 65 who get too little respect. Also, this is NOT one of the reasons why the author concludes that Western societies respect the elderly.
Option C - IncorrectThe argument does not mention anything about "actual harm". So, this inference cannot be made.
Option D - IncorrectNo such thing can be inferred from the argument. Neither is it a reason for the author's argument that Western societies basically respect the elderly.
Option E - Correct answerthis is a repeat of points #1 and #2 from the premise.
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