Conclusion (BF1) - There is nothing unique or very interesting about the state of public opinion on climate change.
BF2 - Supports the claim that actually there is nothing much unique. (demonstrates the negative aspect - led to a loss of trust ..)

Now, look at the choices.

(A) The first is evidence that has been used to support a conclusion; the second is that conclusion.
1st is not an evidence.
(B) The first provides the findings of a study; the second provides data that raises doubts on these findings.
2nd in fact supports 1st.
(C) The first is the primary conclusion of the argument; the second provides evidence to question this conclusion.
2nd in fact supports 1st.
(D) The first provides the findings of a study; the second provides further elaboration of these findings.
correct.
(E) The first is a claim used to justify a conclusion; the second is a counter-claim that questions that conclusion.
1st itself is the conclusion. 2nd is not the counter claim.

IMO D

I chose D, right now it doesnt show if its correct, but I hope it is.

Posted from my mobile device

1st bold portion- nothing unique or very interesting about the state of public opinion on climate change. It starts with, "studies....shows". So, It is finding of studies.

2nd bold portion- efforts to intensify public opinion through apocalyptic visions or appeals to authority, have instead led to a loss of trust. It is supporting the finding of studies.

In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

(A) The first is evidence that has been used to support a conclusion; the second is that conclusion. -> Second is supporting the finding. Incorrect.

(B) The first provides the findings of a study; the second provides data that raises doubts on these findings. -> Second supports the finding. Incorrect.

(C) The first is the primary conclusion of the argument; the second provides evidence to question this conclusion. ->First is the finding.

(D) The first provides the findings of a study; the second provides further elaboration of these findings. -> Correct.

(E) The first is a claim used to justify a conclusion; the second is a counter-claim that questions that conclusion-> Second is not counter-claim.

So, I think D.

IMO D:

Boldface 1 - a synopsis of a study
Boldface 2 - Author further add/detail out the observation

Answer – D

Argument Summary: According to studies, while there is generally a positive correlation between public opinion and political action, in case of the topic of ‘climate change’ such a correlation does not hold; in fact, it gets reversed at times.

Prediction for the two bold parts: The first provides the findings of a study and the second provides more details on these findings.

(A) If anything, the first is the conclusion and the second provides further support for it by providing more details.

(B) While the first part is correct, the second does not raise doubts on the first.

(C) While the first may be considered the conclusion, the second does not by any means question it.

(D) This perfectly matches our prediction above and should be the correct answer.

(E) There is no such conclusion in the entire stimulus that is supported by the first bold part and questioned by the second.
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Structure:

I) Considering first as intermediate conclusion: Study findings show nothing interesting (about public opinion about climate change)
II) Fact (Political action with less public support)
III) Counter-fact involving new findings based on the previous study (loss of trust and politics instead of motivation for supporting action)


(A) The first is evidence that has been used to support a conclusion; the second is that conclusion = second is not a conclusion.
(B) The first provides the findings of a study; the second provides data that raises doubts on these findings. = second does not raise any doubts
(C) The first is the primary conclusion of the argument; the second provides evidence to question this conclusion. = Conclusion is not explicit in this case; the boldfaced sentence is a study finding, which is a part of the conclusion, nevertheless, second does not question it.
(D) The first provides the findings of a study; the second provides further elaboration of these findings. = CORRECT and Closest.
(E) The first is a claim used to justify a conclusion; the second is a counter-claim that questions that conclusion. = second does not counter the conclusion.
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