Final answer:
The most helpful question to evaluate a columnist's argument is whether there are alternative explanations for the phenomenon, as it assesses the completeness of the argument and the consideration of all relevant perspectives.
Step-by-step explanation:
In evaluating a columnist's argument, the answer that would most help is "c) Are there alternative explanations for the phenomenon?". This question guides us to consider the completeness of the argument and whether the columnist has considered all relevant perspectives and possible explanations. It is critical to assess the evidence and logic presented by the columnist, ensuring that the argument is not one-sided or missing critical points that could change the conclusion.
Additionally, examining if there were any relevant points omitted is essential in evaluating the credibility of the argument. An argument that omits important information may be misleading or may not fully address the complexity of the issue. To understand the argument's validity, one must question if the first reading of the evidence is persuasive, if the writer's logic is credible, and scrutinize if any significant points have been neglected by the writer.