The environmentally harmful emissions of cars can be reduced in two ways... Hybrid engines emit less pollution than do clean burning fuels, so an individual driving a hybrid car benefits the environment the most.
The argument above depends on which of the following assumptions?There are two stated ways to reduce emissions. Hybrids emit less pollution than cleaner fuels. Therefore, hybrids provide
the greatest environmental benefit. The conclusion claims hybrids are the best option overall.
A. Individuals have the option of choosing between hybrid cars and cleaner burning fuels.
This concerns availability of choice. The argument’s logic does not depend on whether people can choose. Irrelevant.
B. Over the lifetime of the car, the cost of using cleaner burning fuels is more than the cost of buying a hybrid car.
This concerns cost. The argument compares environmental impact, not price. Irrelevant.
C. The beneficial effect to the environment of using both a hybrid car and cleaner burning fuel is no greater than using a hybrid car alone.
If combining both reduced pollution more than a hybrid alone, then driving only a hybrid would
not benefit the environment the most. The conclusion depends on ruling that out. Necessary.
D. People have an incentive to reduce environmentally harmful emissions.
Motivation does not affect which option reduces more pollution. Irrelevant.
E. There is no way to completely eliminate the environmentally harmful emissions of cars.
Whether emissions can be eliminated entirely does not affect the comparison being made. Irrelevant.
Answer: (C)