WeakenDiff: Easy

Logic Breakdown

Passage Summary: A legislator wants to ban all cancer-causing food additives, but a commentator says that's overkill because tiny amounts aren't dangerous, so we should just set a 'safe' limit.

Conclusion: The government should establish a safe maximum level for cancer-causing additives rather than banning them entirely.

Reasoning: Modern technology can detect trace amounts of chemicals that are far below the threshold required to actually increase cancer risk in humans.

Analysis: The legislator needs to find a flaw in the commentator's 'safe limit' proposal. To weaken the commentator's stance, the legislator should point out a risk that the commentator ignored. For instance, if these chemicals accumulate in the body over time, even a 'safe' daily level could eventually become dangerous. Alternatively, the legislator could argue that it is scientifically impossible to determine a single safe level for the entire population. Look for an answer that suggests the 'above zero' threshold is still a threat to public health.

Passage Stimulus

Passage Redacted

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7.

Of the following, which one, if true, is the logically strongest counter the legislator can make to the commentator's argument?

Correct Answer
B
If small amounts of several different carcinogens together can cause cancer even when each alone would not, then setting per-chemical thresholds above zero fails to ensure safety. This directly undercuts the commentator’s core assumption and strongly supports the legislator’s stricter approach.
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