Some knife manufacturers have switched to the use of brand new thermoplastic polymers and injection molding technology to make affordable knife handles that feature high resistance to impact and heat. Sadly, these knife handles have the visually unappealing look of a cheap plastic, and they do not provide a decent grip, which is why they are considered inferior by many knife enthusiasts who opt for more expensive yet more aesthetically pleasing and grippier knife handle materials like G10. As a result, even though these knife manufacturers get to save on manufacturing expenses, their profits from sales are bound to take a dive. Nevertheless, since the demand for knives with both affordable and reliable handles is on the rise, the use of brand new thermoplastic polymers along with injection molding technology is here to stay.
In the argument given, which of the following roles do the two portions in boldface play?
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radio_button_unchecked(A) The first contains a fact that reinforces the position that the author seeks to establish; the second mentions a fact that allows to bring that position into question.
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radio_button_unchecked(B) The first introduces the benefits of the product to create a context for the argument; the second refers to a downside of the product to enrich that context.
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radio_button_unchecked(C) The first prepares a context for the argument; the second is a consideration that questions the position that the author tries to establish.
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radio_button_unchecked(D) The first is a piece of evidence that gives validity to the position that the author aims to establish; the second is another piece of evidence that serves the same purpose as the first one.
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radio_button_unchecked(E) The first presents the position that the author strives to establish; the second provides an idea that can be used to undermine that position.