Pre-analysis:
First, identify the conclusion and the premises.
Conclusion:
So, those looking to reduce their contribution to carbon emissions should defer to local retail shopping,
as the net carbon impact of their purchase decisions will be lower than would be expected of online shopping.
Premise 1:
The trend toward online shopping is credited with being a positive impactor on overall environmental emissions, as it eliminates the need for large, energy-consuming, retail stores.
>This is the claim which the conclusion is not in favour of
Definition of claim: state or assert that something is the case, typically without providing evidence or proof.
Premise 2:
However, recent carbon emission estimates show that as a result of this trend, per capita levels of purchase-related emissions have risen by over 5%, after adjustments to account for spending patterns.
>This is an evidence which the conclusion is in favour of. It aligns with the direction of the conclusion.
Definition of evidence:
the available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid
/signs or indications of something.
Next, find fault with each of the answer choices.
In the argument given, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?
(A) The first cites a concession to the argument made by the author, the second is evidence in favor of the author's conclusion
definition of concession: a thing that is granted, especially in response to demands; compromise
The first is a claim, clearly it is not a compromise. -OUT-
The second is a conclusion not an evidence. -OUT-
(B) The first is evidence in favor of the argument's conclusion, the second is that conclusion
Ok. Based on pre-analysis.
(C) The first is evidence supporting an explanation that the argument challenges, the second is a competing claim the argument favors
The first is not a challenge. Defintion of challenge: a call to prove or justify something. Did the argument challenge\proof\justify an explanation? Nope. -OUT-
The second is not a claim but a conclusion. -OUT-
(D) The first is an example in favor of a conclusion the argument challenges, the second is that conclusion
The first is evidence not an example. Facts and stats has been provided. -OUT-
The second is the conclusion.
(E) The first is a claim in support of the author's conclusion, the second is that conclusion
The first is evidence not a claim. A claim means that it is purely an assertion without evidence/facts provided. -OUT-
The second is the conclusion.
B wins.