Question

regina is writing an argument against adding fluoride to the city’s drinking water. which statement best introduces the topic?
a. even the food and drug administration would agree that we are flooded with toxins and chemicals; therefore, we should carefully consider the facts before adding more fluoride to our drinking water.

b. adding a known drug to our drinking water is not responsible, and a lot of people agree with me on this issue, even the food and drug administration has admitted that fluoride is a drug subject to regulation.

c. because the food and drug administration has stated in 2000 that fluoride is a drug subject to regulation when it is \used in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in man or animal,\ we would be pathetically misguided to put it in our water supply.

d. the food and drug administration stated in 2000 that fluoride is a drug subject to regulation when it is \used in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in man or animal\ and, therefore, deserves careful attention as we consider adding it to our water supply.

Explanation:

A strong introductory statement for an argument against fluoridation should be logical, cite credible authority (the FDA) clearly, and set up a reasonable, evidence-based opposition without overly emotional language or vague claims.

• Option A is vague, as it does not specifically tie the FDA to fluoride regulation.
• Option B relies on appeal to popularity ("a lot of people agree") and uses informal tone, weakening the argument.
• Option C uses overly emotional language ("pathetically misguided") which undermines the academic/argumentative tone.
• Option D cites the FDA's specific 2000 statement clearly, logically connects it to the need for careful consideration, and sets up a measured, evidence-based argument against adding fluoride to drinking water.

Answer:

D. The Food and Drug Administration stated in 2000 that fluoride is a drug subject to regulation when it is "used in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in man or animal" and, therefore, deserves careful attention as we consider adding it to our water supply.