A passage states: 'Although the new desalination technique requires substantial initial capital investment, its lifecycle operational expenditures are 40% lower than reverse osmosis.' What is the author's primary point?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Long-term operating savings offset the higher initial capital expense

  1. Step 1: The concession clause ('Although... substantial initial capital') is contrasted with the main clause emphasizing significant lifecycle savings ('operational expenditures 40% lower').
  2. Step 2: The author argues that enduring operational efficiency compensates for the higher upfront procurement cost.
Answer
Long-term operating savings offset the higher initial capital expense.
Why not the others: 'Desalination should be discontinued' ignores the operational efficiency highlighted; 'Reverse osmosis remains superior' contradicts the 40% lower expenditure of the new method; 'Capital costs are the only valid metric' is refuted by the text's focus on lifecycle costs.

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