Q1 - Smithfield River dam

[hturk29]

Why is C incorrect?

[timmydoeslsat]

This argument tells us that damming the river would cost 5 million. In no way does the argument tell us that the cost of the damming is too high.

We learn that if this river is dammed, the community would lose 10 million every year. This is a premise used to support the idea that the position of damming the river is misguided. Answer choice (D) gets at this idea.

The damming of the river could cost 1 dollar and the argument would still hold that damming the river is misguided, as you would lose 10 million every year. The cost of the construction of the dam is not the issue.

[hnadgauda]

Core:
Damming the river would lead to a loss of fish which would cost $10 million. -->The position of proposing to dam the river is misguided.

D is correct. Editorial is saying the position is wrong. C is tempting but we actually don't have any evidence of the construction costs not being reasonable for such a project.