nedunurianurag wrote:
D is the correct answer IMO.
Senator's Reasoning: Are pollution control measures worth their cost given that pollution levels in the water remain the same despite expensive measures
We need to find an answer that casts serious doubt on this reasoning
(A) For a lake to recover from serious pollution, not only must measures be taken to decrease pollutants but also enough time must be allowed for these measures to work - There is no discussion on time given for the measures to work towards reducing pollution as the senators are simply pointing to the cost and ineffectiveness of measures. Eliminate
(B) Environmentalists claim that the sources of pollution that are being eliminated are but a small fraction of the causes of the pollution - Let's say this is true. What if the small fraction of the pollutants is the major cause of pollution and the other big fraction do not contribute much to pollution. Keeping this in view, this is eliminated
(C) The level of animal life in a lake remains constant throughout the implementation of pollution control measures - We do not know the relation between animal life in the lake versus pollution level. Hence, eliminate
(D) Scientists say that the tools to facilitate more thorough lake clean-ups are now being perfected - This is a fair answer to cast doubt. If the tools using which the measures are being taken are perfected, despite the tools being expensive, positive results can be seen. This can cast a doubt on the senator's reasoning. Correct
(E)Cleaning up bodies of water, including lakes, rivers, and oceans, is a critical part of a senator's responsibility -This is totally irrelevant
Feel free to correct my reasoning
IMO A should be the correct answer. As per the passage, the senators are skeptical about whether these methods are useful in the context of their tremendous costs.
A points out that it'll take time to see results (--> higher chance of efficiency, higher chance that the currently employed methods show positive results over time and therefore, outweigh the cost aspect).
D says that the tools ARE BEING perfected (doesn't impact the tradeoff between pollution control measures and cost ineffectiveness which is posing a dilemma for the politician in the current scenario. It can be true that even if these tools are perfected, they might be even more expensive in relation to their benefits, might not produce the desired results etc).