Welder: The protective masks we are using are old and cumbersome, preventing us from being able to work as efficiently as possible. We need new masks.
Factory supervisor: The company will not invest in any new masks since doing so will not increase productivity.
Which of the following, if true, would contribute most to the welder’s claim?
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice weakens the welder's request indirectly, by strengthening the supervisor's conclusion. According to this statement, the new masks are not as protective as the old ones and do not last very long. These two weaknesses support the supervisor's claim that new masks will not be beneficial. You are requested, however, to show that the opposite is true.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice weakens the welder's request indirectly, by strengthening the supervisor's conclusion. According to this statement, changing a tool or accessory, such as a mask, may make it difficult for a welder to work. This point, therefore, supports the supervisor's claim that new masks will not be beneficial. You are requested, however, to show that the opposite is true.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice weakens the welder's request by directly contradicting his claim. According to this report, masks, or other pieces of equipment, are not important factors when it comes to increasing the efficiency of a factory. You are requested, however, to show that the opposite is true.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice neither strengthens nor weakens the chemist's objection. While this answer choice indicates pure bio-diesel will become more expensive, it does not weaken the environmentalist's claim because his or her claim is that pure bio-diesel is cheaper because of a specific reason - the rising price of oil.
Look for an answer choice which relates directly to the reasons related by either the environmentalist or the chemist.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice neither strengthens nor weakens the welder's request. The history of welding is not relevant to the topic as it cannot help us support the welder's request for new masks.
Look for an answer choice which relates directly to the reasons related by either the welder or the factory supervisor.
Nicely done!
[[snippet]]This answer choice strengthens the welder's point that new masks will increase efficiency. If the new masks can allow a welder the use of both hands, then it is extremely likely that productivity can be increased.
Even if you don't know this, this answer choice is the only one which states an advantage of masks and agrees with the tone of the welder's conclusion. There is no better answer.