Bunuel
America’s record of protecting species threatened with extinction, which is often depicted as dismal, is in truth an enviable achievement. Since 1973, when the Endangered Species Act took effect, only seven animal species in North America have disappeared. Several hundred others once considered certain to die out continue to exist in the wild. Moreover,
a number of species, including the bald eagle and the Arctic peregrine falcon have been or are being taken off the priority-protection list because their numbers have increased considerably now.(A) The first is a claim that the argument goes on to dispute; the second is information used to strengthen the claim.
(B) The first is a claim that the argument calls into question; the second provides support for the position taken by the argument.
(C) The first is an objection that has been raised against the position taken by the argument; the second is the position taken by the argument.
(D) The first is a claim, the accuracy of which is at issue in the argument; the second is a conclusion drawn on the basis of that claim.
(E) The first is evidence that has been used to support an explanation that the argument challenges; the second is that explanation.
Official Explanation
Answer – B
Argument Summary: The argument concludes that, contrary to popular belief, America has done a good job of protecting species threatened with extinction. The argument goes on to provide certain examples to support this conclusion.
Prediction for the two bold parts: It is important to note here that the first bold part does not cover the entire opening sentence; rather it ends in the middle of the sentence. In this form, the first bold sentence presents a claim that the author goes on to disagree with. The second provides support for the author’s disagreement.
(A) The second strengthens the argument’s position and not the claim in the first bold sentence.
(B) The correct answer as the second is not the argument’s conclusion but it provides support for the argument’s conclusion.
(C) The second is not the position taken by the argument.
(D) The second is not drawn on the basis of the first; rather it contains information that contradicts the claim made in the first.
(E) The second is not an explanation that the argument challenges.