Researchers have studied

Answer choices

1. A

   Unclear Impact: different4% picked this

   A given volume of halophytes is significantly different in nutritional value for animal forage from the same volume

   We would be interested in knowing how the nutritional value compares, since that relates to how much of a market there would / wouldn't be for halophytes. But since this answer just tells us the nutritional value is significantly different, we don't know if it's different for the better or for the worse. Hence, we have no idea whether this helps or hurts.

   4%
2. B

   Too Weak / Irrelevant6% picked this

   Some halophytes not only tolerate seawater but require salt in order

   A statement as weak as "some" is almost always wrong on Strengthen, Weaken, and Paradox, where we want answers with the most impact. The fact that at least one halophyte requires salt is not really telling us anything about whether this venture would be cost-effective. We cared that they were tolerant of seawater, because that meant we could irrigate with seawater. We don't care if they need it.

   6%
3. C

   Weakens1% picked this

   Large research expenditures are needed to develop the strains of halophytes best suited

   This goes the opposite direction of "cost-effective", because large expenditures are needed to develop the raw materials for this venture.

   1%
4. D

   Unclear Impact8% picked this

   Costs other than the costs of irrigation are different for halophytes grown by means of seawater irrigation

   Same issue as with (A) --- different doesn't have a positive or negative valence, so we have no idea whether this is a favorable or unfavorable comparison.

   8%
5. E

   Correct81% picked this

   Pumping water for irrigation is proportionally one of the largest costs involved in growing, harvesting, and distributing any

   Why this is right

   We were wondering whether the extra money we'd spend on higher quantity of water would be matched or exceeded by the money we'd save by doing seawater pumping vs. the more expensive deep-drill freshwater pumping. This answer is saying, "Pumping water is one of the biggest cost areas for farming crops for foraging animals!" If seaside agriculture is saving us money on one of the biggest cost areas, that makes us feel-better about the economics of this venture. This answer is essentially taking the one positive thing we knew about seawater agriculture (the pumping is cheaper) and making that evidence even more compelling by telling us how important an expense category that is.

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

   81%