argument38 |0806G-AW小组|第3次作业

grape^_^UID: 2192568

The arguer concludes that the daily use of Ichthaid, a nutritional supplement abstract from fish oil, can prevent colds and decline absenteeism in West Meria's schools and workplaces. To sustain the conclusion, the report is cited that fish consumption is very high in nearby East Meria and people visit the doctor only once or twice per year for having a cold. The argument is vulnerable in several aspects.

First of all, the fact that, in nearby East Meria, people visit the doctor for treatment of colds only once or twice every year and the consumption of fish is high, cannot demonstrate that eating fish can prevent having a cold. The author cannot rule out other factors which influence the situation of health, such as the diversity of wealth between East and West Meria or the difference of living habits. Less people may have a cold, if the wealth in East Meria is warmer than that in West. In addition, one would not go to hospital when he or she does not catch a heavy cold. So the conclusion above is hasty generalization.

Granted that eating fish can prevent catching a cold, there is no evidence suggested that Ichthaid also can do, although it is derived from fish oil. The author does not provide the function of Ichthaid. In the process of producing the Icthaid, it does not ensure that the useful composition of fish maintains in the production. Even we do not kwon whether the Icthaid is harm for health. Therefore, the effects of Ichthaid need research further to make sure that eating Ichthaid is safe for people.

In addition, the arguer fails to convince us that the main reason of absenteeism in West Meria's schools is due to colds. In fact, various problems lead to absenteeism. Maybe having colds is only an excuse for it, because it is more believable than other pretext. Lacking the credible evidence, it cannot reach the conclusion that most of absenteeism attributes to colds.

To sum up, the better way to reduce absenteeism is that the author should analyse the reason for absenteeism in West Meria. According to the data, we can make different measures. Moreover, it also need more information about the performance of Icthaid to determine if we should eat it.(379个字)