This is a Method of Reasoning question, and we know this because of the question stem: “The argument counters the objection by...”
The author starts out by laying out an objection to making the US school year align with Japanese/European school calendars. This objection to this proposal is that it violates a tradition that was established in the 19th century. The author then says that this objection “misses its mark,” or that their proposed reasoning that not establish support for their objection. This is our author’s main conclusion. His reasoning is that our calendar year aligned to fit harvesting time in rural areas that depended on children working. So, if we’re appealing to tradition, the tradition is actually based on economic needs and that’s what we should look to. The author is saying that the objection mistakes what the purpose of the traditions actually was.
Answer Choice (A) There is no misunderstanding about the amount of time schools have been closed.
Answer Choice (B) The stimulus is not calling into question the relevance of tradition; the author is calling into question their understanding of what said tradition means.
Correct Answer Choice (C) Note that the author’s argument takes issue with the reasoning behind the objection. This explains exactly how the author shows that the opponents of the change are misunderstanding what traditions imply for this social change.
Answer Choice (D) The author does not call into question the opponents’ genuine concern.
Answer Choice (E) The issue here is that the author isn’t saying change should be justified by tradition. If it is, however, the purpose behind the traditions the opponents put forward is not correct.