Delta products, Inc., has recently switched at least partly from older technologies
using fossil fuels to new technologies powered by electricity. The question has been
raised whether it can be concluded that for a given level of output, Delta’s operation now
causes less fossil fuel to be consumed than it did formerly. The answer, clearly, is yes,
since the amount of fossil fuel used to generate the electricity needed to power the
new technologies is less than the amount needed to power the older technologies,
provided that the level of output is held constant.

In the argument given, the two boldface portions play which of the following roles?

A. The first identifies the content of the conclusion of the argument; the second
provides support for that conclusion. – What do you mean by identifying the content of the conclusion? Is it that certain facts could be used to conclude the argument ?
B. The first provides support for the conclusion of the argument; the second
identifies the content of that conclusion.
C. The first states the position that the argument opposes; the second states the
conclusion of the argument.
D. Each provides evidence that calls the conclusion of the argument into question.
E. Each provides support for the conclusion of the argument.

I got this right. I only want to know what the conclusion is: is it "The answer, clearly, is yes,"
Ans is E and I feel only A is 2nd closest. A has a problem in the first BF.

Hi, Samy, can you please be more specific as to the author of this question? "GMAT Set 17" could come from any company or old paper based test. Thanks!

Yes the entire series is ETS Old Papers.

Thanks. Yep, you've got it. The conclusion is essentially "yes" it is true that "Delta's operation now causes less fossil fuel to be consumed than it did formerly"