Why cant the answer be option A, isnt it providing another reason for increasing funding for music programs as it increases student participation. For strengthening we can do 2 things right, either strengthen the already given support which is enhancing academic performance or we can add another support which can be increasing student participation??
Nope. If the argument is about improving academic performance that’s what needs to be supported. There’s nothing in the argument saying that student participation is something they desire.
I think what he is trying to say is, the first sentence mentions that the study suggests - “students who participate in music programs” perform better “academically” than those who do not.
So, if there is an increase in student participation in music program, which is supported by option A then this might lead to more students performing academically (as the university’s decision was also based on the stated study).
It doesn’t have to though, it’s too much of a stretch. It could be that participation increases, but those participating are not good at academics. Try and stick more to the argument
Sorry but I still don’t understand how this is a stretch since the assumption on which university have based their decision itself mentions that higher participation is likely to result in better academics. So indeed increasing student participation may be desirable by them. Because the university refers to the study, and getting more people into music may result in better grades.
The argument is that “music participation = improved academic performance”, choice A does not say anything about improvement in academic performance. Choice A is saying “more funding = more participation”, it does nothing to strengthen the argument being made.
Choice B is strengthening the evidence. It’s saying that “the students in the music program (with improved academics) are from similar background as those who aren’t in the program” which is further suggesting that it’s the music program participation that’s causing their improved academic performance.
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Ok got it. Thanks!
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