argue/announce that

[Alimdul]

Could you help me with interpreting test results, please?
Scientists _______ that the youngest language in the world is Afrikaans.
a) tell b) expect c) argue d) announce
The correct answer is "argue". My own variant was "announce". Having examined the dictionaries I've made a conclusion that "announce" and "argue' can both have this meaning (officially tell people ). However, it isn't a basic meaning for "argue". These verbs both form a structure with "that". I've noticed that "announe" doesn't sound naturally in the Present Simple. Am I right?

 

[MikeNewYork]

I agree with C. In that use, "argue" has nothing to with telling. It means that they put forward an opinion.

 

[SoothingDave]

If "announce" they would have said "scientists have announced..."

Recent past tense. New information.

 

[5jj]

It seems a little strange for scientists to be involved in this. I'd have expected it to be the concern of linguists.