Politician: Hybrid cars use significantly less fuel per kilometer than nonhybrids. And fuel produces air pollution, which contributes to a number of environmental problems. Motorists can save money by driving cars that are more fuel efficient, and they will be encouraged to drive hybrid cars if we make them aware of that fact. Therefore, we can help reduce the total amount of pollution emitted by cars in this country by highlighting this advantage of hybrid cars.


Which of the following, if true, would most indicate a vulnerability of the politician's argument?


(A) People with more fuel-efficient cars typically drive more than do those with less fuel-efficient cars.

(B) Not all air pollution originates from automobiles.

(C) Hybrid cars have already begun to gain popularity.

(D) Fuel-efficient alternatives to hybrid cars will likely become available in the future.

(E) The future cost of gasoline and other fuel cannot be predicted with absolute precision or certainty.


Let’s look at the politician’s argument-

Hybrid cars use significantly less fuel per kilometer than nonhybrids. 

Fuel produces air pollution, which contributes to a number of environmental problems. 

Motorists can save money by driving cars that are more fuel efficient, and they will be encouraged to drive hybrid cars if we make them aware of that fact.


Conclusion/opinion

Therefore, we can help reduce the total amount of pollution emitted by cars in this country by highlighting this advantage of hybrid cars.



We have to find the vulnerability/ flaw in the politician’s argument that we can help reduce the total amount of pollution emitted by cars in this country by highlighting this advantage of hybrid cars.


(A) People with more fuel-efficient cars typically drive more than do those with less fuel-efficient cars.

If people with more fuel-efficient cars typically drive more than do those with less fuel-efficient cars, it will still add to the total pollution. Hence the conclusion that we will be able to reduce pollution by driving hybrid cars will be weakened. Hence, A points out a vulnerability in the politician’s argument. Correct.


(B) Not all air pollution originates from automobiles.

The argument talks about the pollution caused by automobiles. Eliminate


(C) Hybrid cars have already begun to gain popularity.

It doesn’t point out a flaw in the argument. Eliminate


(D) Fuel-efficient alternatives to hybrid cars will likely become available in the future.

We are not about what may happen in the future. Eliminate


(E) The future cost of gasoline and other fuel cannot be predicted with absolute precision or certainty.

Cost is out of scope. The conclusion says by using fuel efficient hybrid cars, we will be able to reduce air pollution. Eliminate