Use the sample student argument against adopting wind power as an alternative energy

source to answer the question.

"According to the Department of Energy, wind farms take up a huge amount of land.
These farms are typically in very remote locations and are difficult to connect to power
grids where they can supply energy to urban areas, where it is needed the most. Building
wind farms closer to cities usually isn't practical because the wind is not strong enough
to power the turbines. These rural areas also tend to have large concentrations of
wildlife, and interactions with turbines can hurt many types of animals, especially birds
and bats."

Which statement represents a concession that the writer should make to point out a limitation
in their evidence?

Select the correct answer:

a. It has been shown that painting the blades of turbines in dark colors can make them more
visible and less likely to be involved in harmful interactions with wildlife.

b. Turbines create huge amounts of noise, and since they are so large and tall, they break up the
landscape and are considered by some people to be unsightly.

c. The Department of Energy agrees that wind energy offers many advantages and has much
potential, even if there are problems to solve first.

d. Wind energy helps to avoid the production of 329 million metric tons of carbon emissions each
year, the amount produced by more than 71 million automobiles.

1 answer

The statement that represents a concession the writer should make to point out a limitation in their evidence is:

c. The Department of Energy agrees that wind energy offers many advantages and has much potential, even if there are problems to solve first.

This concession acknowledges that while there are limitations and challenges associated with wind power, there are also recognized benefits, which could strengthen the argument by presenting a more balanced view.