Biodiesel is a fuel that can be used in most road vehicles instead of gasoline. Its use produces significantly less air pollution. Market research predicts that as this fuel becomes more widely available over the next ten years or so, hundreds of thousands of drivers will use it. We can only conclude, then, that many people care about reducion pollution.Which of the following if true, most strengthens this argument ?The argument assumes that if many drivers start using biodiesel, the reason must be that they care about reducing pollution.
(A) Many individuals try to minimize their driving in order to reduce pollution.
This shows that some people care about pollution, but it does not connect that concern to the predicted increase in biodiesel use.
(B) Biodiesel fuel costs 10% to 20% more than gasoline
This is the best support. If many people are willing to use a fuel that costs more, then they are less likely to be choosing it for price. That makes the
lower-pollution benefit a much more plausible reason for their choice.
(C) New environmental laws may require a reduction in the amount of pollution new cars produce
This gives another possible reason pollution may fall, but it does not show that drivers themselves care about reducing pollution.
(D) A significant amount of air pollution comes from sources other than automobiles.
This weakens the relevance of switching fuels, if anything.
(E) Increased use of biodiesel will reduce the need to import gasoline from other countries
This gives an alternative reason people might choose biodiesel, so it weakens the argument.
Answer: (B)