Question

read the claim:
in modern society, people are spending too much time using technological devices.
now, read the counterclaim.
proponents of technology point out the way it has improved communication. they note that less than a century ago, it took months to communicate with someone on the other side of the world. now it takes only seconds.
which is the best rebuttal to the counterclaim?
○ these supporters have a point, especially when you consider how dangerous it used to be to try to travel over great distances.
○ but these supporters ignore the fact that people do not always use their gadgets to reach out and, instead, allow technology to isolate them.
○ however, people can use all sorts of technology to communicate, with new models of cell phones and computers appearing regularly.
○ communication is very important to progress in society, and technology is one part of advancing our ability to connect.

Explanation:

To find the best rebuttal to the counterclaim, we analyze each option:

• The first option focuses on travel safety, which is irrelevant to the claim about technology use time and the counterclaim about communication improvement.
• The second option addresses the claim's concern (people spending too much time on tech and maybe being isolated) while directly countering the counterclaim's emphasis on communication improvement. It points out that supporters of the counterclaim ignore the isolating aspect of technology, which relates back to the original claim about excessive tech use.
• The third option just talks about technology for communication, which supports the counterclaim rather than rebutting it.
• The fourth option emphasizes the importance of communication and technology, also supporting the counterclaim instead of rebutting.

Answer:

B. But these supporters ignore the fact that people do not always use their gadgets to reach out and, instead, allow technology to isolate them.