Eliminating Fax Machines

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State government manager: the fax machines in our state government offices can be eliminated without any loss of efficiency in how we do our work. We all have access to computers in our offices and we can make sure those computers are equipped with electronic faxing accounts. Meanwhile, by removing the fax machines, we will save costs and also avoid the hassle of maintaining and replacing or repairing fax machines.

Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports the claim that the proposal, if carried out, will have the announced effect?

Review: Eliminating Fax Machines


Explanation

Reading the question: our ears prick up at the strong language in the phrase "without any loss of efficiency." Quite possibly, the rest of the argument could be true (as we take it to be, as evidence) and there could be some loss of efficiency. That will be our prediction. More specifically, the question asks for a strengthener, we will look for an answer choice like, "We won't lose efficiency from the change."

Applying the filter: our filter involves imagining the future state, but choices (B), (D), and (E) are all relevant only to the state of affairs before the change. Choice (C) weakens the plan, by giving a reason to that the cost and/or efficiency may worsen.That leaves us only with (A).

Logical proof: we apply the negation test to (A). Say citizens who visit the offices do require the use of fax machines. Then removing the fax machines would result in a loss of efficiency. The correct answer is (A).


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