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Critical reasoning — installing high chimneys in industries: Should industries install high chimneys, with one argument claiming reduced ground-level pollution and the other warning of increased upper-atmosphere pollution?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Only argument I is strong

Explanation:


Given data

  • Statement: Install high chimneys?
  • Argument I (Yes): Lowers pollutant concentration at ground level where people live/work.
  • Argument II (No): Increases pollution in the upper atmosphere.


Concept/Approach (exposure reduction vs. asserted externality)
A strong argument must directly address human exposure and feasibility. High stacks disperse emissions and reduce ground-level concentrations; Argument II is speculative and not supported in the prompt with proportional risk analysis.


Step 1: Assess Argument I
Directly tied to the objective—reduce harmful exposure where it is highest (ground level).


Step 2: Assess Argument II
Mentions a potential trade-off but provides no context on relative harm; the primary public-health goal remains ground-level reduction. Hence weak.


Final Answer
Only argument I is strong.

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