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
Scientists have different explanations for these results should be inserted immediately before sentence 8.
This placement provides a transition into a discussion that elaborates on the varying interpretations of the results, fitting seamlessly into the flow of ideas presented in the passage.
A) Immediately before sentence 1
Inserting the sentence before the first sentence would disrupt the introduction of the main topic. The passage begins with foundational information and context, making it inappropriate to introduce differing explanations at this early stage.
B) Immediately before sentence 4
Positioning the sentence before sentence 4 would occur too soon in the narrative, as earlier sentences likely establish the results themselves rather than delve into interpretations. This would create a disjointed reading experience, lacking the necessary context for the contrasting explanations.
C) Immediately before sentence 8
This location is ideal because it follows the presentation of the scientific results and leads directly into the analysis that outlines the varying explanations. The sentence acts as a bridge, ensuring a coherent progression from the results to the interpretations.
D) Immediately before sentence 11
Inserting the sentence before sentence 11 would be too late in the passage, potentially losing the reader's engagement with the discussion of explanations. By this point, the passage may shift focus, making the transition feel abrupt and less effective.
Conclusion
The optimal insertion point for "Scientists have different explanations for these results" is immediately before sentence 8, as it creates a logical flow from the presentation of findings to the analysis of differing interpretations. This strategic placement enhances the reader's understanding and maintains coherence throughout the passage.
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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 can lessen the need for increased property taxes.
The term 'it' in sentence 8 refers to the environmental benefits that are discussed in the context of the report. By clarifying 'it' as 'environmental benefits,' the sentence becomes more precise and clearly conveys the intended meaning that these benefits can reduce the reliance on raising property taxes.
A) a community
While communities may experience advantages from environmental benefits, they do not directly refer to the subject of the report. This choice does not accurately represent what 'it' refers to in the context of the sentence, leading to ambiguity about which aspect is being discussed.
B) open lands
Open lands contribute to environmental benefits; however, this choice fails to encapsulate the broader concept of the advantages derived from various environmental initiatives. The revision would be too narrow and not accurately reflect the report's finding regarding the reduction of property tax needs.
C) the state of New York
Referring to 'the state of New York' as 'it' diverts from the focus of the sentence. The report highlights the impact of environmental benefits rather than the state itself. This choice misrepresents the relationship between state policies and the environmental context discussed in the report.
D) environmental benefits
This option directly addresses the subject matter by identifying what 'it' refers to. Environmental benefits are the key focus of the report, and this revision makes the sentence clearer by linking the findings to the actual advantages that can reduce the need for higher property taxes.
Conclusion
Clarifying the pronoun 'it' to 'environmental benefits' enhances the precision and clarity of the sentence regarding the 2010 report's findings. This choice accurately reflects the relationship between environmental advantages and their potential to mitigate the need for increased property taxes, ensuring the message aligns with the report's intent.
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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
More than they collect.
The phrase "more than they collect" accurately conveys that the costs incurred by extending services exceed the revenue generated from property taxes. This version maintains clarity and grammatical correctness while effectively summarizing the financial implications for communities.
A) [as it is now]
This choice retains the original wording, which is somewhat awkward and unclear. The phrase "more than it is collected by communities" is grammatically incorrect because it misuses the singular form "it" instead of using a plural pronoun to refer back to "costs." This results in a lack of clarity and fluidity in the sentence.
B) More for communities to collect
This option introduces an ambiguity regarding what "more" refers to, failing to specify that it pertains to costs exceeding revenue. The phrase lacks the necessary context and does not convey the relationship between the costs of extending services and the property tax collections of communities, making it an ineffective choice.
D) Will be more than is collected by communities
While this choice is grammatically correct, it introduces an unnecessary future tense with "will be," which changes the intended meaning of the original sentence. The costs are currently exceeding the collections, and using future tense suggests a prediction rather than a current reality, which misrepresents the situation.
Conclusion
The best version of the underlined portion is "more than they collect," as it effectively communicates the current financial burden on communities regarding service extensions. Clarity and grammatical accuracy are essential, making this choice superior to the others, which either introduce ambiguity or alter the intended meaning of the original statement.
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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 correctly clarifies the relationship between the quotation and the subsequent clause, ensuring that the reader understands the context of the statement made by conservationists. By using "that when," the sentence maintains a clear and grammatically correct structure.
A) that–when open lands are developed–
This option incorrectly uses dashes, which disrupts the flow of the sentence. Dashes are typically used for emphasis or to insert additional information, but in this case, they would confuse the reader and detract from the main point being conveyed.
B) when open lands are developed
This choice removes the introductory phrase "that," which is necessary for connecting the quotation to the explanation that follows. Without "that," the sentence lacks clarity and coherence, leaving the reader unsure of the relationship between the two parts.
C) that (when open lands are developed)
While this option retains "that," the use of parentheses is inappropriate here. Parentheses suggest that the information inside is supplementary or less important, which undermines the significance of the point being made about the permanence of developed lands.
Conclusion
The best revision for the sentence maintains clarity and coherence by using "that when open lands are developed," which effectively connects the quotation to the larger argument about land conservation. This structure ensures that the reader fully comprehends the implications of the conservationists' statement, emphasizing the irrevocability of land development.
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Question 5
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
After sentence 11 is the best placement for the sentence about land conservation.
This placement effectively concludes the paragraph by reinforcing the connection between land conservation and economic benefits, thereby enhancing the overall unity of the text.
A) After sentence 7
Adding the sentence after sentence 7 would disrupt the flow of ideas, as the preceding sentences focus on the environmental benefits of land conservation. This placement does not adequately link to the subsequent economic discussion, making it less effective for improving paragraph unity.
B) After sentence 8
Placing the sentence here would still result in a disjointed transition since sentence 8 discusses specific ecological impacts. The economic implications mentioned in the added sentence would not logically follow from the environmental focus of the sentences preceding it, weakening the paragraph's coherence.
C) After sentence 10
This option would place the sentence about economic benefits too early in the paragraph, as the context is still centered around environmental aspects. The discussion of job creation would feel abrupt and disconnected from the earlier sentences, diminishing the unity of the paragraph.
D) After sentence 11
By positioning the sentence here, it serves as a strong concluding statement that ties the environmental aspects discussed throughout the paragraph to the positive economic impacts of land conservation. This placement enhances the logical flow and unity of the paragraph by providing a comprehensive summary of the benefits discussed.
Conclusion
Effective paragraph unity requires seamless transitions between ideas. The optimal placement of the sentence about land conservation after sentence 11 solidifies the connection between environmental conservation and economic growth, thereby improving the overall coherence and impact of the paragraph. This strategic addition ensures that the reader can appreciate the full scope of benefits that land conservation provides.
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