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?

A strong rebuttal directly challenges the counterclaim that higher prices will not reduce purchases. Choice D cites studies showing that a 10 percent price increase leads to a 10–12 percent decrease in sales, which is evidence that fewer people buy sugary drinks when they cost more. The other choices discuss education, health, or personal freedom but do not show that price increases affect buying behavior.

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