Critical Reasoning

Advocates of a large-scale space-defense research project conclude that it will represent a net benefit to civilian business. They say that since government-sponsored research will have civilian applications, civilian businesses will reap the rewards of government-developed technology.

Each of the following, if true, raises a consideration arguing against the conclusion above, EXCEPT:

(A) The development of cost-efficient manufacturing techniques is of the highest priority for civilian business and would be neglected for civilian business and would be neglected if resources go to military projects, which do not emphasize cost efficiency.

(B) Scientific and engineering talent needed by civilian business will be absorbed by the large-scale project.

(C) Many civilian businesses will receive subcontracts to provide materials and products needed by the research project.

(D) If government research money is devoted to the space project, it will not be available for specifically targeted needs of civilian business, where it could be more efficiently used.

(E) The increase in taxes or government debt needed to finance the project will severely reduce the vitality of the civilian economy.

Can someone explain how to approach these types of question ? I often get confused when i face these types of question.

Souce OG 10. OA is C

IMO C..
Everything else is negating the advocate's claim that this project would harm the civilian business.
C actually strengthens the fact that if this project is put into place, civilian business would flourish..

You have to select one answer that does NOT weaken or is neutral to the conclusion in the above argument

Conclusion: Net benefit to civilians

Look for 4 answers that will weaken this conclusion

Only C suggests a benefit, that it will provide more business to civilian firms

Look for an option which does not weaken the aurgument.

Now read through the ans choices..

Advocates of a large-scale space-defense research project conclude that it will represent a net benefit to civilian business. They say that since government-sponsored research will have civilian applications, civilian businesses will reap the rewards of government-developed technology.

Each of the following, if true, raises a consideration arguing against the conclusion above, EXCEPT:

(A) The development of cost-efficient manufacturing techniques is of the highest priority for civilian business and would be neglected for civilian business and would be neglected if resources go to military projects, which do not emphasize cost efficiency.
Weakens

(B) Scientific and engineering talent needed by civilian business will be absorbed by the large-scale project. Weakens

(C) Many civilian businesses will receive subcontracts to provide materials and products needed by the research project. <-- This actually strengthens the conclusion ...

(D) If government research money is devoted to the space project, it will not be available for specifically targeted needs of civilian business, where it could be more efficiently used. Weakens


(E) The increase in taxes or government debt needed to finance the project will severely reduce the vitality of the civilian economy.

Weakens

IMO C

Conclusion: civilian business will benefit from the space-defense project
You need an argument that will strengthen the conclusion

(A) The development of cost-efficient manufacturing techniques is of the highest priority for civilian business and would be neglected for civilian business and would be neglected if resources go to military projects, which do not emphasize cost efficiency.
Civilian sector will be weakened by the project (weakens the conclusion)

(B) Scientific and engineering talent needed by civilian business will be absorbed by the large-scale project.
Civilian business will be damaged by the project (weakens the conclusion)

(C) Many civilian businesses will receive subcontracts to provide materials and products needed by the research project.
If civilian businesses are sub-contracting parties of the project, then money from the space-defense project will be poured into the pockets of the civilian businesses owners (strengthens the conclusion)

(D) If government research money is devoted to the space project, it will not be available for specifically targeted needs of civilian business, where it could be more efficiently used.
If this project is conducted, the needs of the civilian business will not be satisfied (weakens the conclusion)


(E) The increase in taxes or government debt needed to finance the project will severely reduce the vitality of the civilian economy.
The civilian economy will be damaged (weakens the conclusion)

We are looking for something that doesn't contradict the idea that companies will "reap the rewards of THE TECHNOLOGY". C may mean that companies reap the rewards of government spending behind the project, but does not tell us anything about what happens due to the technology. So it is out of scope and therefore the correct answer.