Read this excerpt from an argumentative essay.
National landmarks are popular tourist destinations, and some of them, such as bridges or dams, perform important functions. But it costs money to keep these places running and open for tourists, so who is going to pay? When the government pays, the money comes from people's taxes. Most people would rather pay lower taxes, so the government has to cut back on its spending. Maintaining national landmarks is a luxury we cannot afford. I think there are many more important things that the government can spend our money on, such as helping people who do not have enough food, making sure all children get a good education, and keeping all of us safe.
Which claim does this excerpt make?
If the government would stop spending a lot of money on national landmarks, the average American could pay much less in taxes.
Many national landmarks serve a variety of important functions, and they are popular tourist destinations.
Someone needs to pay for the maintenance of the American national landmarks.
There are more important things the government can spend money on than the national landmarks.