researchers

[YellowSapphire]

Source: Knewton


IT researchers have used innovative circuit board technologies to create CPUs that are highly resistant to common computer glitches. Unfortunately, these processing units are extremely expensive, and the programs they run require far more memory to function well than do normal ones. Thus, for most computer manufacturers, the savings on patches and glitch fixes that this new technology would offer would not compensate for the high cost of adding more memory to their existing computers. However, since the number of computer buyers demanding desktops and laptops free of glitches continues to rise, the production of modified CPUs of this kind is likely to increase.

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

A: The first establishes a context for the argument; the second is the argument's conclusion.
B: The first introduces a development that the argument predicts will lead to a certain result; the second is a situation that the argument denies will be part of that outcome.
C: The first presents a development that the argument predicts will lead to a certain result; the second refers to a consideration that undermines that prediction. *
D: The first gives evidence to support a prediction that the argument seeks to strengthen; the second is a statement of that prediction.
E: The first and the second both provide evidence to support the argument's conclusion.

What is the difference between B and C?

[fitzgerald23]

The difference, I believe, is in the choice of the words. In B they use the word deny. In C they use undermine.

Does the fact that production should rise nullify the fact that the new technology is not cost effective for most manufacturers? If the answer is yes, then B would be correct, but is that correct? No. Some manufacturers may find it cost effective to add the new technology into their computers. Some may decide to produce anyway to meet demand and take losses. Both could happen.

In C we just need to undermine the prediction. The fact that companies are not going to find it cost effective to implement the new technology does undermine the conclusion that production is likely to increase.

[prachich1987]

Source: Knewton


IT researchers have used innovative circuit board technologies to create CPUs that are highly resistant to common computer glitches. Unfortunately, these processing units are extremely expensive, and the programs they run require far more memory to function well than do normal ones. Thus, for most computer manufacturers, the savings on patches and glitch fixes that this new technology would offer would not compensate for the high cost of adding more memory to their existing computers. However, since the number of computer buyers demanding desktops and laptops free of glitches continues to rise, the production of modified CPUs of this kind is likely to increase.

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

A: The first establishes a context for the argument; the second is the argument's conclusion.
B: The first introduces a development that the argument predicts will lead to a certain result; the second is a situation that the argument denies will be part of that outcome.
C: The first presents a development that the argument predicts will lead to a certain result; the second refers to a consideration that undermines that prediction. *
D: The first gives evidence to support a prediction that the argument seeks to strengthen; the second is a statement of that prediction.
E: The first and the second both provide evidence to support the argument's conclusion.

What is the difference between B and C?

Is the OA C?