Can somebody please explain this conclusion question to me?

[mariselaclovis]

Here is the question for question#1911: Please, explain to me why my answer is wrong. Thankl you so much!

Which of the following best represents the main conclusion of the argument?

18. In an effort to protect their investments, banks often require higher-risk homeowners to purchase mortgage insurance. Due to the higher costs that such homeowners incur, this policy, however, actually makes it more likely that the homeowner will eventually default.

Good Answer: The requirement for a homeowner to purchase mortgage insurance raises a bank's risk.

My answer: The requirement for a homeowner to purchase mortgage insurance is intended to lower the bank's risk.

[tommywallach]

Hey Marisa,

The conclusion of an argument is the overall point they want to make. This argument comes in two pieces:

Piece 1: Banks require high-risk folks to buy insurance.
Piece 2: This policy makes it more likely that homeowner will default.

The second one is the conclusion, as the first one is just a fact given to support the second one.

The correct answer is simply another way of saying the same thing. If the policy makes it more likely that the homeowner will default, that increases the bank's risk.

The conclusion isn't about what was intended here, but what actually happens!

-t