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Question 1
Scientists agree that our planet is getting warmer. But is there a human cause for global warming, or is it a natural fluctuation in a long-term cycle? Warming cycles throughout Earth's history have caused glacial melting, animal and plant habitat shifts, and earlier flowering seasons for trees. These climate changes often correlate with changes in Earth's orbit known as Milankovitch cycles. For example, Earth's angle of axial tilt varies over the course of 41,000 years from 22.1° to 24.5%. At greater angles, Earth's poles receive more direct solar radiation, or insolation.
Increased insolation results in higher mean temperatures. The Milankovitch theory proposes that cycles in climate arise from these cyclical changes in Earth's orbit. According to one viewpoint, the current warming of our planet is just evidence of a Milankovitch cycle. However, current climate changes are occurring at a faster rate than those in the To explain the different rates, many scientists point to human use of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels release carbon dioxide (CO,) when burned. CO, traps thermal radiation in Earth's atmosphere, a phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect. Recent increased levels of CO, correlate very strongly with increased mean temperatures. Furthermore, the rate of Increase in CO, levels is also rising.
For this reason, many scientists conclude that climate change is anthropogenic (caused by humans). Data that support Milankovitch cycles do not necessarily contradict this conclusion. Supporters of the anthropogenic climate change model only need to demonstrate that the current warming deviates from Milankovitch cycles and that human activities provide a better explanation, Both the anthropogenic climate change model and the Milankovitch theory are consistent with some of the observed climate changes. However, only one offers the best explanation for the current warming of Earth.
Increased insolation results in higher mean temperatures. The Milankovitch theory proposes that cycles in climate arise from these cyclical changes in Earth's orbit. According to one viewpoint, the current warming of our planet is just evidence of a Milankovitch cycle. However, current climate changes are occurring at a faster rate than those in the To explain the different rates, many scientists point to human use of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels release carbon dioxide (CO,) when burned. CO, traps thermal radiation in Earth's atmosphere, a phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect. Recent increased levels of CO, correlate very strongly with increased mean temperatures. Furthermore, the rate of Increase in CO, levels is also rising.
For this reason, many scientists conclude that climate change is anthropogenic (caused by humans). Data that support Milankovitch cycles do not necessarily contradict this conclusion. Supporters of the anthropogenic climate change model only need to demonstrate that the current warming deviates from Milankovitch cycles and that human activities provide a better explanation, Both the anthropogenic climate change model and the Milankovitch theory are consistent with some of the observed climate changes. However, only one offers the best explanation for the current warming of Earth.
Where in the passage should the following sentence be inserted? 'Scientists have different explanations for these results:'
Your Answer: Option(s)
Correct Answer: Option(s) C
Rationale
Immediately before sentence 8 is the best placement for the sentence 'Scientists have different explanations for these results.'
This positioning introduces the contrasting viewpoints of scientists effectively just before the discussion of specific results, allowing for a smoother transition into varying interpretations and enhancing the overall coherence of the passage.
A) Immediately before sentence 1
Placing the sentence before sentence 1 would disrupt the introduction of the topic and misplace the context. The passage likely begins with a general statement or background information that sets the stage for the results, making this location ineffective for introducing differing explanations.
B) Immediately before sentence 4
Inserting the sentence before sentence 4 may not be optimal because it potentially interrupts the flow of ideas already being presented. If sentence 4 discusses specific results, introducing differing explanations too early could confuse readers before they understand the results being referenced.
C) Immediately before sentence 8
This choice is the most logical placement because it allows the sentence to segue into the detailed analysis of the results presented in the preceding sentences. By placing it here, the contrasting explanations can be appropriately contextualized, as readers will already be familiar with the results being discussed.
D) Immediately before sentence 11
Choosing this option would position the sentence too late in the passage. By the time readers reach sentence 11, they may have already formed conclusions based on earlier explanations. This late insertion may diminish the impact of the differing explanations because the context would have already been established without them.
Conclusion
The most effective placement for the sentence 'Scientists have different explanations for these results' is immediately before sentence 8. This location ensures that readers have adequate background on the results before encountering the contrasting interpretations, thus enhancing the clarity and flow of the overall argument presented in the passage. Proper placement of such sentences is crucial for maintaining coherence and ensuring that the reader can follow the author's reasoning logically.
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Question 2
In context, which is the best way to revise the 'it' in sentence 8? 'A 2010 report by the Office of the State Comptroller of New York found that it can lessen the need for increased property taxes.'
Your Answer: Option(s)
Correct Answer: Option(s) D
Rationale
Environmental benefits effectively clarifies the subject of the sentence.
Replacing 'it' with 'environmental benefits' provides a clearer reference to what the 2010 report discusses regarding the reduction of the need for increased property taxes. This revision enhances clarity and ensures that readers understand the specific subject being referred to in the context of the report.
A) a community
The term 'a community' does not accurately reflect the subject of the report's findings. The report focuses on the broader implications of environmental benefits rather than a singular community. This choice would introduce ambiguity and mislead the reader about the report's main point.
B) open lands
While 'open lands' may be related to the topic, it fails to encapsulate the broader concept of 'environmental benefits.' The report likely discusses various environmental advantages rather than solely focusing on open lands. This choice would narrow the interpretation and miss the comprehensive nature of the findings.
C) the state of New York
This choice inaccurately shifts the focus from the report's findings to a geographic entity. The report is concerned with the benefits that can arise from environmental initiatives rather than direct implications for the state itself. Therefore, this option does not align with the content of the report.
D) environmental benefits
Using 'environmental benefits' explicitly identifies the positive outcomes discussed in the report related to property taxes. This revision aligns perfectly with the subject matter and enhances the sentence's clarity, making it evident that the focus is on the benefits derived from environmental efforts.
Conclusion
Revising 'it' to 'environmental benefits' in the sentence provides a clear and precise reference that aligns with the report's findings. The other choices either misinterpret the context or introduce ambiguity, failing to convey the report's emphasis on the relationship between environmental initiatives and property tax implications. Thus, 'environmental benefits' is the most accurate and effective choice for clarity.
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Question 3
Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 9? 'Residential development creates a need for communities to extend water, sewer, and other municipal services to previously undeveloped areas; such extension costs more than it is collected by communities in property taxes from current residents.'
Your Answer: Option(s)
Correct Answer: Option(s) C
Rationale
Residential development creates a need for communities to extend water, sewer, and other municipal services to previously undeveloped areas; such extension costs more than they collect.
The phrase "more than they collect" effectively clarifies that the costs incurred by communities exceed the revenue generated from property taxes, maintaining grammatical and contextual integrity.
A) [as it is now]
This choice maintains the original phrasing, which is awkward and imprecise. The phrase "it is collected" is vague and does not clearly indicate who is collecting the taxes, leading to potential confusion about the subject of the sentence.
B) more for communities to collect
This option implies that the costs are simply greater than the amount that communities need to collect, which does not accurately convey the intended meaning. It shifts the focus away from the relationship between costs and actual revenue collected, making the statement less direct and clear.
C) more than they collect
This choice succinctly conveys that the costs of extending services exceed the amount that communities actually gather in property taxes. The use of "they" clearly refers back to the communities, ensuring clarity and maintaining the intended meaning of the sentence.
D) will be more than is collected by communities
While this choice is grammatically correct, it introduces unnecessary future tense ("will be") which alters the original intent of the sentence. The original context discusses current costs, making this version less suitable as it implies a future condition rather than a present reality.
Conclusion
The phrase "more than they collect" serves as the best revision for the underlined portion of the sentence, accurately reflecting the present situation where the costs of extending municipal services surpass current property tax revenues. The other options either introduce ambiguity, alter the intended meaning, or shift the timeframe, making them less effective in conveying the original point.
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Question 4
Which is the best way to revise the underlined portion of sentence 12? 'Conservationists often say “the last crop is always asphalt” to make the point that, when open lands are developed, they are gone for good.'
Your Answer: Option(s)
Correct Answer: Option(s) D
Rationale
that when open lands are developed
This revision maintains the original meaning of the sentence while providing clarity and specificity. The inclusion of "that" introduces the clause more effectively, making the sentence flow better and enhancing comprehension.
A) that when open lands are developed
This choice is identical to the correct answer but lacks the necessary punctuation. While "that" introduces the clause appropriately, the absence of a comma before "when" creates a run-on effect, which can confuse readers and disrupt the sentence's rhythm.
B) when open lands are developed
This option omits "that," which is essential for introducing the reported speech effectively. Without "that," the sentence becomes less formal and can lead to ambiguity about whether the statement is a direct quote or an assertion. It also disrupts the structure needed for proper integration into the sentence.
C) that (when open lands are developed)
This choice incorrectly adds parentheses around "when open lands are developed." Parentheses suggest that the information is supplementary or less important, which undermines the main point of the statement. This alteration detracts from the clarity and emphasis intended by the original phrasing.
D) that when open lands are developed
This option correctly uses "that" to introduce the clause and maintains the necessary structure for clarity. The absence of parentheses or additional punctuation allows for a straightforward reading of the sentence, preserving its original intent and meaning.
Conclusion
The best revision for the underlined portion is "that when open lands are developed," as it adds clarity and proper structure to the sentence. By correctly introducing the clause with "that," the sentence maintains its formal tone and effectively conveys the message about the permanence of land development. Other choices either disrupt the flow or misrepresent the intended meaning, demonstrating the importance of precise language in written communication.
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Question 5
Environmental organizations want to preserve the land surrounding the Wilpinn Wilderness Area from residential development. They plan to do this by purchasing that land from the farmers who own it. That plan is ill-conceived: if the farmers did sell their land, they would sell it to the highest bidder, and developers would outbid any other bidders. On the other hand, these farmers will never actually sell any of the land, provided that farming it remains viable. But farming will not remain viable if the farms are left unmodernized, and most of the farmers lack the financial resources modernization requires. And that is exactly why a more sensible preservation strategy would be to assist the farmers to modernize their farms to the extent needed to maintain viability.
Where should the following sentence be added to improve the unity of the third paragraph? 'Land conservation also helps to attract businesses and create jobs.'
Your Answer: Option(s)
Correct Answer: Option(s) D
Rationale
Land conservation also helps to attract businesses and create jobs should be added after sentence 11.
This placement effectively links the benefits of land conservation to the subsequent discussion about economic growth and community development, reinforcing the paragraph's overall message about the positive impacts of conservation efforts.
A) After sentence 7
Adding the sentence after sentence 7 would disrupt the paragraph's flow, as it comes before the discussion about the economic impacts of land conservation. At this point, the paragraph is still focused on environmental benefits, making this insertion premature.
B) After sentence 8
Inserting the sentence after sentence 8 would still misalign the focus of the paragraph. While it begins to touch on community aspects, the economic implications are not yet discussed, thus failing to provide a seamless transition to the idea of job creation.
C) After sentence 10
Placing the sentence after sentence 10 would create a disconnect, as the paragraph has already shifted towards discussing economic growth. Although it is closer to the relevant content, it does not fully integrate the idea of job creation into the flow before concluding the paragraph.
D) After sentence 11
This placement is ideal, as it directly follows the discussion on the economic benefits, allowing for a natural transition to the assertion that land conservation also leads to job creation. It enhances the paragraph's unity by connecting the conservation efforts to tangible economic outcomes.
Conclusion
For optimal coherence in the third paragraph, the statement about land conservation attracting businesses and creating jobs should be positioned after sentence 11. This ensures that the discussion flows logically and emphasizes the integral relationship between environmental conservation and economic development, reinforcing the paragraph's main theme effectively.
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