BMAT 2009 · Question 6 · Weakening Arguments
SaveThere has been far too much fuss about the dangers of young people using the drug ecstasy. We need to get things in proportion. The use of ecstasy causes only 30 deaths per year in Britain, whereas horse riding causes 100 deaths per year. Thus campaigns over recent years to discourage young people from using ecstasy are not necessary. As the comparison with horse riding clearly shows, taking ecstasy is nowhere near as dangerous as many people believe.
Which of the following identify/indentifies a weakness in the above argument? 1 More young people may use ecstasy if there were no campaigns about its dangers. 2 The argument assumes that horse riding should not be considered too dangerous. 3 There may be fewer young people using ecstasy than engaging in horse riding.