Quote:
Scientists have reproduced nanostructures found on butterfly wings in solar cells,
a development that may enhance light absorption rate by up to 200%. The black wings of
Pachliopta Aristolochiae have nanoholes that allow for the absorption of light over a wide spectrum better than smooth surfaces. However, the scientists maintain that
this development doesn't imply that the efficiency of the whole system improved by the same factor.In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?
(A) The first is a conclusion for which support is provided but is not the argument's main conclusion; the second is an unsupported premise supporting the argument’s main conclusion.
(B) The first is a conclusion for which support is provided; the second is another conclusion opposing the first conclusion.
(C) The first is a conclusion for which support is provided; the second is another conclusion, limiting a possible interpretation of the first conclusion.
(D) The first is a premise supporting the only explicit conclusion; so is the second.
(E) The first is the argument‘s only explicit conclusion; the second is a premise supporting that conclusion.
Experts Global Explanation
Conclusion (implicit): The advancement can improve the performance of solar cells, though not by 200%.
How the first boldface connects with the conclusion: The first boldface is a judgment whose evaluation leads to the conclusion.
How the second boldface connects with the conclusion: The second boldface is a judgment that disposes of a possible misinterpretation, leading to the conclusion.
A: Trap. While this answer choice aptly presents the role played by the first boldface, ‘unsupported premise’ is not the best description of the role played by the second boldface.
B: The second does not oppose the first conclusion; it only disposes a certain interpretation from it.
C: Though not in the same vocabulary, this answer choice syncs with our reasoning.
D: Bad choice; first and second each are explicit conclusions; the main conclusion of the argument is implicit.
E: The first is not the only explicit conclusion; the second boldface doesn’t support the first boldface.
C is the best answer choice.