Critical Reasoning

Country Y has been threatening the existence of its neighbor, Country X, by performing military operations against it. The leaders of Country X claim that military service must be made obligatory so that national security is guaranteed in the face of threats from Country Y or any other nation. It has been proven that a strong military front must be backed by a sturdy economy. Obligatory military service will lead to the recruitment of engineers, researchers, administrators and other personnel, weakening the economy. Although the army will be smaller in number, obligatory service should be avoided as this way Country X will have a stronger economy and, therefore, a better defense against Country Y.

In the argument, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

A. The first is a prediction that forms a basis for the main position of the argument; the second is further evidence supporting this position.

B. The first is an explanation in support of the argument's conclusion; the second is that conclusion.

C. The first is a statement that opposes the conclusion presented by the argument; the second weighs against this opposition.

D. The first is a possible scenario used as a basis for the reasoning of the argument's favored position; the second counters this reasoning.

E. The first presents the result and an action supported by the position of the argument; the second is that position.

OA B

Source: Economist Gmat