CR Boldface &
Argument Role Analysis

Researchers studying workplace ergonomics have long noted the health risks of prolonged sitting. A recent study found that employees using sit-stand desks reported 32% less back pain after six months. This finding strongly suggests that sit-stand desks reduce discomfort. Therefore, companies that wish to reduce employee health complaints should invest in sit-stand desks for their staff. The two portions in bold play which of the following roles?

Many critics argue that social media platforms have contributed to declining mental health among teenagers. However, three large longitudinal studies published over the past year found only weak correlations between social media use and mental health outcomes. The critics' concerns may therefore be overstated. Platforms should not be regulated based primarily on mental health concerns until stronger evidence emerges. The two bold portions play which roles?

Coal provides approximately 35% of global electricity generation. Switching to renewable energy sources is both technologically feasible and economically competitive at current prices. Given these conditions, maintaining coal as a primary energy source is no longer justified. Governments should accelerate the transition away from coal-based electricity generation. What roles do the bold portions play?

A pharmaceutical company spent $2 billion developing a new cancer drug. Independent clinical trials confirmed that the drug increased five-year survival rates by 40% compared to existing treatments. Despite its high cost, the drug represents a significant medical advancement. Insurance companies that refuse to cover this drug on cost grounds are prioritizing financial considerations over patient outcomes. The bold portions play which roles?

Over the past decade, digital advertising has grown from 15% to 60% of total advertising spend. Television advertising is now less effective at reaching younger demographics than it was five years ago. Digital platforms allow for more precise targeting and real-time performance measurement. Therefore, brands that allocate the majority of their advertising budget to television risk losing relevance with younger consumers. The bold portions play which roles?

Many nutritionists recommend limiting red meat consumption to reduce cardiovascular disease risk. However, a 20-year study of 100,000 participants found that moderate red meat consumption — three times per week or less — was not associated with significantly elevated cardiovascular risk. This challenges the conventional nutritional wisdom. The recommendation to avoid red meat entirely may need to be revised in light of this new evidence. What roles do the bold portions play?

Global plastic pollution has reached crisis levels, with millions of tons entering oceans annually. Extended Producer Responsibility laws, which require manufacturers to fund plastic waste management, have reduced plastic pollution by 30% in every country that has implemented them. Such evidence suggests these policies are highly effective. Therefore, all major economies should adopt Extended Producer Responsibility legislation immediately. The bold portions play which roles?

Some economists have argued that universal basic income (UBI) would lead to widespread disincentives to work. A pilot program in Finland involving 2,000 unemployed individuals found that participants were no less likely to seek employment than the control group. Participants also reported better mental health and higher life satisfaction. The work-disincentive argument against UBI does not appear to be supported by real-world evidence. The two bold portions play which roles?

Streaming services now account for the majority of global music consumption. Artists who signed major-label deals before the streaming era receive royalties under outdated contract terms that did not anticipate streaming economics. These artists earn far less per stream than newer artists on updated contracts. The music industry needs to renegotiate legacy contracts to ensure fair compensation for all artists. The bold portions play which roles?

The average American household spends approximately $1,200 per year on subscription services. Research shows that consumers systematically underestimate how much they spend on subscriptions by an average of 40%. This misperception prevents effective household budget management. Financial literacy programs should specifically address subscription spending awareness to help consumers manage their budgets more effectively. The bold portions play which roles?