Critical Reasoning: "Complete the Argument" Format
Which of the following most logically completes the argument?
Many consumer products contain organic ingredients. Since such ingredients become unstable after being exposed to oxygen for long periods of time, chemical preservatives are added to foods to prolong the disintegration and decomposition of molecular structures. These preservatives affect the chemical composition of a product, and lead to harmful results in consumers. Therefore, to prevent harm to the public, chemical preservatives need not be included in products, especially since __________.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]The conclusion is based on the idea that the chemical preservatives are unhealthy. Therefore, the fact preservatives take long to make does not support the conclusion in a direct way, and therefore cannot logically complete the argument.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]We are looking for a statement that supports the conclusion that the public's health should be protected, so any data about the taste of the products is beside the point, and cannot logically complete the argument.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]The conclusion focuses on the issue of health so the price of raw materials is irrelevant and therefore cannot logically complete the argument.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice weakens the conclusion and therefore cannot logically complete the argument. This statement about health directly undermines the goal mentioned in the conclusion - to prevent harm to the public.
Very well done!
[[snippet]]This answer choice strengthens the conclusion and therefore logically completes the argument. If there are natural stabilizers that can do the job that preservatives do without damaging health, then the conclusion's recommendation to stop the use of chemical preservatives is definitely supported.
