Question

It will not be possible to implicate melting sea ice in the coastal flooding that many global warming models have projected: just like a glass of water that will not overflow due to melting ice cubes, so melting sea ice does not increase oceanic volume.
Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument?

• A. like a glass of water that will not overflow due to melting ice cubes,
• B. like melting ice cubes that do not cause a glass of water to overflow,
• C. a glass of water will not overflow because of melting ice cubes,
• D. as melting ice cubes do not cause a glass of water to overflow,
• E. as melting ice cubes do cause a glass of water to overflow,

Hint:

When using analogies, ensure the comparison is accurate and logically sound.

Answer 1

Answer: (E)

Step 1: Analyzing the analogy.
The argument relies on an analogy between melting ice cubes and melting sea ice. To weaken the argument, we need to show that the analogy is incorrect.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- (A) This does not provide evidence to weaken the analogy.
- (B) This is a slightly more convoluted version of the analogy, but it doesn’t weaken it.
- (C) This option clarifies the analogy but does not weaken the argument.
- (D) This also does not weaken the analogy.
- (E) This is the correct answer, as it directly challenges the analogy by showing that melting ice cubes *do* cause water to overflow, just like melting sea ice increases oceanic volume.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (E), as it directly weakens the analogy.