Verbal Aptitude

Consider the argument: '**Subsurface drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant root zones with minimal evaporation losses.** Consequently, state policy should subsidize subsurface drip systems over flood irrigation channels.' The boldface statement functions as:

Options:

• (A) A factual premise offered in support of the argument's conclusion.
• (B) The main conclusion of the argument.
• (C) A counterargument that the author seeks to refute.
• (D) An unproven assumption that weakens the policy.