Logical Reasoning

PT124 · S2 · Q16 Editorialist: Some people propose that

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Editorialist: Some people propose that, to raise revenues and encourage conservation, our country’s taxes on oil, gasoline, and coal should be increased.

Conclusion

Increasing taxes on oil, gas, and coal would do more harm than good.

Evidence

1. Competitive disadvantage with other countries. 2. Higher transportation costs for families. 3. Potential reduction in energy production jobs.

Evaluate

We hear a lot about the harm that increased taxes could have, but the author doesn't really discuss the good that increased taxes could have and weigh that against the negative factors.

Goal

We need to eliminate four answers that weaken. They might target the author's evidence and try to diminish the downsides the author mentioned. Or they might bring up potential upsides of increasing taxes on oil / gas / coal.

16.

Each of the following, if true, would weaken the editorialist's argument EXCEPT:

  1. The editorialist’s country’s budget deficit

    Weakens

    This states an upside of increasing taxes on oil / gas / coal.

    5% picked this

  2. Higher gasoline prices tend to

    Weakens

    This states an upside of higher taxes on gas, as it will lead to higher prices, which lead to a cleaner environment through reduced non-essential activities.

    7% picked this

  3. Correct

    The proposed tax increase would

    Why this is right

    This states that the tax would be larger for some energy sources than others, which doesn't directly address whether the overall tax increase does more harm or good, nor does it introduce a benefit to counterbalance the predicted harms.

    Skill tested: Weaken · how this choice captures the argument's function is the move to repeat next time.

    77% picked this

  4. Higher gasoline prices will encourage

    Weakens

    This presents an upside of increased taxes on gas, since that will raise the price of gas, leading people to carpool, thereby reducing individual transportation costs.

    3% picked this

  5. The government would use the

    Weakens

    This presents an upside of the energy tax. The tax increase would create many more jobs than it would eliminate.

    8% picked this

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