A study by Consumer Support Center revealed an inverse correlation between the amount of food advertising and the cost of food to consumers. This led some experts to conclude that increased advertising means that increased competition forces food companies to lower their prices. However, in letting increased competition account for both the cost decrease and the advertising increase, such experts fail to consider the fact that food companies simply lower their prices during advertising campaigns to increase sales.

The two portions in boldface in the argument above play which of the following roles?


(A)The first is a generalization that the argument presents as true; the second is the evidence that supports the validity of that generalization.
(B)The first is an opinion that the argument argues against; the second is evidence against that opinion.
(C)The first is a pattern of cause and effect that the argument as a whole supports; the second explains the reason behind this pattern.
(D)The first is evidence that the argument uses in support of the main conclusion; the second is the main conclusion of the argument.
(E)The first is an opinion put forward in an attempt to explain a certain pattern; the second further supports that opinion.

Why is it the best option?

OA B