Question

everyone should replace the meat that they eat with fish because fish is a healthier choice. fish is high in protein, as well as a wide range of vitamins and minerals, and very low in unhealthy fats. in fact, the american heart association, one of the nations largest health charities, recommends eating at least two servings of fish per week.
a student is developing a counterclaim to this argument. which counterclaim is the most fair and effective?
(1 point)
some large fish such as grouper and bluefin tuna are known to have elevated levels of mercury, and consuming them in excessive amounts can cause a wide range of health problems.
people should avoid fish because the fish are treated cruelly from the moment they are caught until they are brought to market.
workers in the fishing industries are badly mistreated, and if you eat fish then you are supporting this horrible and unethical industry.
people should avoid fish because studies have shown that people who eat fish regularly have a 22 percent higher risk of skin cancer.

Explanation:

The original argument focuses on the health benefits of replacing meat with fish, citing nutritional value and a health association's recommendation. A fair, effective counterclaim must directly address the health-focused core of the original argument with a credible, specific health concern tied to fish consumption.

• The second and third options focus on ethical treatment of fish and workers, which do not engage with the original health-based claim.
• The fourth option makes an unsubstantiated, overly broad claim about skin cancer that lacks specificity.
• The first option targets a health risk (mercury poisoning from specific large fish) that directly counters the "fish is healthier" claim, while being specific and grounded in a recognized health concern, making it the most fair and effective counterclaim.

Answer:

Some large fish such as grouper and bluefin tuna are known to have elevated levels of mercury, and consuming them in excessive amounts can cause a wide range of health problems.