Question

read the claim and counter - claim. claim: sugary drinks such as soda should be taxed at a higher rate than other drinks to discourage people from making unhealthy choices. counterclaim: increasing the price of sugary drinks will not decrease the amount of people who buy and drink them. which is the most effective rebuttal to this counterclaim? although individual choice is important, increasing the price of sugary drinks will have an overall positive effect on our health. studies have shown that if the price of sugary drinks increased by 10 percent, sales would decrease by 10 - 12 percent. research has shown that persuading people to make healthier choices is about education, not raising prices to try to force a different choice. people have the right to make their own decisions when it comes to what food and drinks they consume.

Explanation:

The counter - claim is that increasing sugar - drink prices won't decrease consumption. The most effective rebuttal provides evidence against this. The second option gives specific data from studies (a 10% price increase leads to a 10 - 12% sales decrease), directly challenging the counter - claim.

Answer:

Studies have shown that if the price of sugary drinks increased by 10 percent, sales would decrease by 10–12 percent.