In a recommendation, the phrase "experts agree that leasing is the better option" is:

Answer

An assurance — it adds confidence without evidence

Options - A. A guard — it makes the claim easier to defend - B. An assurance — it adds confidence without evidence - C. A citation — it points the reader to a source - D. A criterion — it gives the reader a standard to apply Why - A. A guard names an assumption or a limit on the claim ("on the figures provided"). This phrase narrows nothing; it inflates. - B. Correct — no expert is named and no evidence is given. The reader is asked to trust that reasons exist. Strike it and give the reason. - C. A citation names a source the reader can check. "Experts agree" names nobody. - D. A criterion is a standard alternatives are scored against; this phrase is a claim about a conclusion, not a standard.

Van Cleave 1.10; Smith 10.2.4.1; concept map H03