Question

read the claim and counterclaim. 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? studies have shown that if the price of sugary drinks increased by 10 percent, sales would decrease by 10–12 percent. people have the right to make their own decisions when it comes to what food and drinks they consume. research has shown that persuading people to make healthier choices is about education, not raising prices to try to force a different choice. although individual choice is important, increasing the price of sugary drinks will have an overall positive effect on our health.

Explanation:

The counter - claim states that increasing the price of sugary drinks won't decrease the number of buyers. The most effective rebuttal should acknowledge individual choice while also showing that price increase has a positive health impact. The first option just shows a sales decrease without addressing the counter - claim about people's behavior. The second and third options support the counter - claim. The fourth option acknowledges individual choice but also points out the overall positive health effect of price increase, effectively rebutting the counter - claim.

Answer:

D. Although individual choice is important, increasing the price of sugary drinks will have an overall positive effect on our health.