Argument: 'Many software engineers believe that using automated code-generation tools reduces software bugs. However, software architectures generated by automated tools often incorporate unnecessary computational redundancies. Therefore, development teams should exercise caution before deploying such tools on mission-critical banking systems.'

In the argument, the two boldface portions play which of the following roles?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: D. The first is an intermediate consideration that supports the author's conclusion; the second is the main conclusion of the argument

  1. Step 1: Analyze the role of the first boldface portion: 'software architectures generated by automated tools often incorporate unnecessary computational redundancies' provides factual evidence of an engineering limitation that challenges uncritical tool adoption.
  2. Step 2: Analyze the role of the second boldface portion: 'development teams should exercise caution before deploying such tools on mission-critical banking systems' states the author's primary normative recommendation.
  3. Step 3: Thus, the first statement is an intermediate consideration offered in support of the argument, and the second statement represents the author's main conclusion.
Answer
The first is an intermediate consideration that supports the author's conclusion; the second is the main conclusion of the argument.

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