Anita: Since 1960 the spotted owl population has declined alarmingly. Timber companies that have been clearing the old-growth forests where the spotted owl lives are responsible for this. Jean: No, the spotted owl’s decline is due not to the timber companies but to a rival species. For the past three decades, into the spotted owl’s habitat and replacing the spotted owl.
What this question is testing
Your task
Describe how the argument proceeds — the technique it uses to reach its conclusion.
Common trap
Answers that describe a method the argument doesn't actually use.
Winning move
Track the role each statement plays, then match that to the choice describing the same moves.
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