The repetition of the phrase “which they are not” in the first paragraph (sentences 2 and 3) achieves which of the following effects? It refutes the authors’ critics by underlining the lack of evidence for their arguments.

It refutes the authors’ critics by underlining the lack of evidence for their arguments.
A

It reinforces the authors’ overarching claim by reiterating it in increasingly absolute terms.

It reinforces the authors’ overarching claim by reiterating it in increasingly absolute terms.
B

It previews the passage’s line of reasoning by introducing a comparison that is developed in subsequent paragraphs.

It previews the passage’s line of reasoning by introducing a comparison that is developed in subsequent paragraphs.
C

It demonstrates that science depends on accumulating data by listing the observations that lead to the authors’ conclusion.

It demonstrates that science depends on accumulating data by listing the observations that lead to the authors’ conclusion.
D

It justifies the authors’ efforts to define science by emphasizing the flaws of existing definitions.