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      Question

      Read the passage below and identify which of the

      following statements (I, II, and III) would strengthen the assertion made. Select the correct combination from the options provided. Passage: Over the last decade, the island nation of Eldoria has secured massive international grants dedicated to coastal fortification and flood-defense systems. All funds were documented as being received by the Ministry of Infrastructure and allocated to nationwide maritime engineering projects. However, the recent seasonal storms demonstrated that the country's coastal defenses remain dangerously porous and ineffective. Which of the following, if true, would strengthen the argument made in the above passage? I. Recent geological surveys show that several key coastal villages still lack basic sea walls or breakwater structures despite being listed as priority zones. II. During the latest storm surge, seawater bypassed existing barriers and submerged coastal roads, cutting off essential supply lines for several days. III. The national government has recently introduced a mandatory insurance scheme for coastal property owners to cover potential water damage.
      A Only I Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
      B Only II Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
      C Only I and II Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
      D Only II and III Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
      E All I, II, and III Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

      Solution

      Analysis of the Argument: The passage highlights a discrepancy: billions were spent on flood defense, yet the infrastructure failed when tested by storms. To strengthen this, we need evidence that the defenses are either missing or physically failing. Statement I follows: This strengthens the argument by providing proof of geographic inadequacy. If key zones still lack basic structures after years of funding, it directly supports the claim that the infrastructure remains "woefully inadequate." Statement II follows: This strengthens the argument by providing proof of functional failure. If existing barriers were easily bypassed by a standard storm surge, it confirms the "porous and ineffective" nature of the systems mentioned in the passage. Statement III is incorrect: This describes a fiscal policy (insurance). While it relates to the aftermath of flooding, it is a socio-economic response to risk and does not provide evidence regarding the physical quality or adequacy of the engineering infrastructure itself.

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