Read the claim. Claim: The British tea set is the most historically significant object because it represents the breaking down of social barriers between the upper and working classes of Britain.

Which statement is the strongest counterclaim to the claim?

- Tea houses and tea gardens were a greater factor in the breakdown of social barriers than the actual tea set itself.

- There were many things that led to the upper class’s newfound mutual respect and admiration for the working classes of Britain.

- The upper classes were happy; if the lower classes could afford tea, then they could consume less alcohol.

- Although tea became affordable enough for all classes, it did not mean that the upper classes socialized more with the working ones.